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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.
Getting there: A short section of the A592 at High Kingate is currently closed, but Glenridding and Patterdale remain fully accessible from the north - and you can still access Kirkstone Pass from the northern end. If you’re approaching Ullswater from the south, official diversion routes are signposted and you can plan ahead with Westmorland & Furness Council updates here.
A wide variety of local shops, cafés, pubs and accommodation are looking forward to welcoming you!
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.
The 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.
The 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 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.
Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
Horse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Pooley Bridge
Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for 2026 Lakeland competitors.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Pooley 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.
Penrith
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.
PENRITH
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…
Ullswater
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Penrith
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven distinctive cottage units, each one offering ideal accommodation for convenient, flexible and leisurely family holidays.
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.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Ullswater
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on Lake Ullswater. Perfect for walking the coast to coast, climbing Helvellyn, Sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding on Ullswater, Taking a steamer to…
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Hartsop, 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.
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…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree, shimmering lights, snow-capped fells – and a 200-square-metre ice rink overlooking the lake – will transform the Another Place grounds this winter.
Open…
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…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Cumbria
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.
Penrith
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…
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
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