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A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
A full day photography course under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
Ullswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes and for very good reason. The combination of two superb arêtes, which provide easy but exposed scrambling with a summit that has far-reaching views…
Pooley Bridge
A Gin experience like no other! A special Marmalade gin tasting on board a two-hour evening cruise with Chestnut House to celebrate the famous Dalemain Marmalade Festival. Profits from ticket sales will be donated to Dalemain Marmalade Festival…
Patterdale, Ullswater
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is the perfect base for a walking holiday, while the tranquil surroundings are also perfect for a more relaxing break. You can be sure of home-from-home…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1344 reviewsHowtown, Penrith
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care. Explore the Lake District by foot for five days, meet new friends and experience the Lake District National Park.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
436 reviewsPenrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise. This is a unique and very special memory making experience for early bird enthusiasts plus it's a great opportunity to meet local photographers,…
Cumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Ullswater
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house, sleeping 14, ideally sited in an acre of grounds, 0.5 mile from village of Patterdale, pub and shop. Restaurants, steamer and boat hire 1.5 miles.
Cumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.
Howtown, Penrith
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on beautiful Ullswater from March until November with something for everyone, young and old, novices or experienced sailors.
Penrith
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1127 reviewsPooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
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