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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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Surrounding Areas
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?
Gough MemorialThe Gough Memorial on the summit of Helvellyn marks the spot where Charles Gough died after a fall in 1805. His dead body was guarded by his faithful dog for three months until they were found.- Parting StoneThe Parting Stone at Grisedale Tarn records the place where William Wordsworth said farewell to his much-loved brother, John, who he was never to see again. John was drowned when his ship was wrecked off Weymouth in 1805.
- Sir Donald CampbellSir Donald Campbell achieved his first world water speed record on Ullswater on 23 July 1955, when he piloted the jet-propelled Bluebird K7 to a speed of 202.32 mph.
- TristamontTristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
- Patterdale TerriersWiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
- Horse RacingHorse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
Highlights
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Starting from the car park at the White Lion we have a steady ascent to the broad ridge of St…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 85
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Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Address
TJ’s Bar & Restaurant, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tourism For All
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Tourism For All
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Address
Patterdale Hotel, A592, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NNTelephone
0844 811 5585Patterdale, 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…
Address
Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LPTelephone
01768 486442Ullswater
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
Address
Deepdale Hall, Patterdale, Nr Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NRTelephone
017684 82369Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Tourism For All
Address
High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NHTelephone
017684 86334Ullswater
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.
Tourism For All
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,…
Tourism For All
Address
Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QRPenrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
Address
White Lion Hotel, Alderley Edge, Patterdale, Cumbria, CA11 0NWTelephone
+447761582675Patterdale
Starting from the car park at the White Lion we have a steady ascent to the broad ridge of St Sunday Crag with fantastic views of the Helvellyn Range and beyond. The ridge narrows as it descends to an easy rocky scramble from Deepdale Haws up to the…
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and a range of accommodation to suit all needs. An ideal place for exploring the Lakes.
Tourism For All
Address
Hartsop Fold Holiday Lodges, Cross Gate, Hartsop, Patterdale, Cumbria, CA11 0NZTelephone
01768480020Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Tourism For All
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.Address
Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Tourism For All
Address
Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QRPenrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Address
Martindale, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA10 2NFTelephone
01768 898396PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
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.…
Address
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley 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.
Tourism For All
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