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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
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
The Inn on the Lake is a truly enchanting setting to enjoy a fabulous festive meal. Perfect for a…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Our guided Dark Sky mountain walks are great fun, hassle-free and you get to see the Lake District…
Star Gazing with a difference. Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
After a busy night partying, enjoy a relaxing start to the New Year. We're bringing the sounds of…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Our delectable Afternoon tea, made by our talented pastry chef, receives a festive makeover to…
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Number of results: 87
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Ullswater
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh…
Tourism For All
Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, Penrith
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay a little while longer, why not consider purchasing your own private holiday home? At Waterfoot Park, we have a range of lodges available, all of…
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
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
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Tourism For All
Address
The Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PETelephone
017684 82444Glenridding
The Inn on the Lake is a truly enchanting setting to enjoy a fabulous festive meal. Perfect for a pre-Christmas get together with family, friends and work colleagues.
Address
Crown Inn Pooley Bridge, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NPTelephone
01768 425869Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Tourism For All
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LPTelephone
01768 486442Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
Address
Crossgate Lane, Hartsop, Patterdale, Cumbria, CA11 0NZTelephone
01768480020Patterdale
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
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
Our guided Dark Sky mountain walks are great fun, hassle-free and you get to see the Lake District in a whole new light – Starlight. You will meet your friendly local guide a couple of hours before sunset, where they will lead you up the mountain…
Star Gazing with a difference. Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of Food, Spoon Whittling and Star Gazing. A truly memorable experience.
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Tourism For All
Address
The Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PETelephone
017684 82444Glenridding
After a busy night partying, enjoy a relaxing start to the New Year. We're bringing the sounds of New Orleans to the Lake District as our smooth jazz band is here to entertain whilst you tuck into our flavoursome buffet brunch. Welcome drink &…
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tourism For All
Address
Pooley Bridge, CumbriaCumbria
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…
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Address
Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NWPenrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
Address
Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NWTelephone
017684 86444Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Tourism For All
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