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Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District

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Ullswater

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!

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 MEMORIAL

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.

PARTING STONE

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

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

Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.

PATTERDALE TERRIERS

Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.

HORSE RACING

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.

Highlights

Hartsop Fold Holiday Lodges

Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…

Ullswater Wild Isle Swim

If you love wild swimming around beautiful islands then you will love our Wild Isle…

The Brackenrigg Inn

Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for…

Chestnut House

Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…

The Quiet Site Holiday Park

The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…

The Barn

The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…

Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise

Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…

Shepherd Huts at Another Place, The Lake

The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…

St. Martin of Tours Church, Martindale

The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…

Camping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park

Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.

Rampsbeck Restaurant at Another Place, The Lake

Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…

Stone Cottage

A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…

The Swim to Devil's Chimney

The Swim to Devils Chimney is another one of our favourite island-hopping adventures, this time on…

1863 Restaurant with Rooms

1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…

Dalemain Tearoom

A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…

The Patterdale Estate

Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…

Waterfoot Park - Touring

5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…

Waterfoot Park - Glamping

Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…

Holiday Cottages at Ullswater Holiday Park

The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…

Waterfoot Park - S-Pods

Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…

Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…

Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport

Ullswater Epicman Triathlon is based at Park Foot Holiday Park. You can choose either the Sprint,…

The Living Space at Another Place, The Lake

The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Autumn Early Bird Dawn Photography Cruise

Address

Ullswater Steamers, Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
01768482229

enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Glenridding

Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by Charlotte Graham.
"Charlotte Graham is a professional photographer based in Cumbria in the north of England. Her unique combination of technical and…

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Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport

Address

Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

Telephone
01257 251217

info@epicevents.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Ullswater Epicman Triathlon is based at Park Foot Holiday Park. You can choose either the Sprint, Standard or Epicman Middle distance triathlon races. The event starts with a 1900m, 1500m or 750m swim in Ullswater, followed by an undulating 90k,…

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1863 Restaurant with Rooms

Address

High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NH

Telephone
017684 86334

info@1863ullswater.co.uk

Ullswater

Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.

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Abseiling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Address

Ullswater, Cumbria

Telephone
07849 398 288

info@adventurevertical.co.uk

Ullswater

Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?

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Stargazing & Full Moon Night Swims at Another Place

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

Ullswater

Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can see the stars more clearly. The Milky Way can often be seen over Ullswater. You will experience 20 to 40 mins in the water with glow sticks and…

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Guided Hiking with Hiking Highs

Address

Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

Penrith

Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.

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The Patterdale Estate

Address

"The Estate" @ Patterdale Hall Estate, Patterdale Hall Estate, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PJ

Telephone
017684 82308

mail@patterdalehallestate.com

Glenridding, Penrith

Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…

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The Quiet Site Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LS

Telephone
07768 727016

info@thequietsite.co.uk

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,…

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1299 reviews
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Park Foot Holiday Park - Touring & Camping

Address

Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

Telephone
017684 86309

holidays@parkfootullswater.co.uk

Penrith

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.

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1108 reviews
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Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Address

Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LT

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley 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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450 reviews
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Patterdale to Howtown and back on the steamer

Address

Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of…

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The Glasshouse at Another Place

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

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…

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Trek26 Lake District

Address

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
+447774812400

tom@gladiatorevents.co.uk

Penrith

Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek.
The 26 mile route will start and finish at our event hub at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, CA11 0HB.
The 13 mile route starts at Patterdale Cricket Club,…

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The Hidden Place at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LR

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

Penrith

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…

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Ullswater Steamers

Address

Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
017684 82229

enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding

With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…

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1619 reviews
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Nordic Walking Tuition with Hiking Highs

Address

Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

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…

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Spring Dawn Photography Cruise

Address

Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding Pier, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
01768482229

enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Glenridding

Experience the magic of Ullswater in spring or autumn with our special 2–3 hour photography cruise hosted by Charlotte Graham.
"Charlotte Graham is a professional photographer based in Cumbria in the north of England. Her unique combination of…

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Hillcroft Park - Lodges

Address

Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LT

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

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…

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450 reviews
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Spring Foraging event at Dalemain Mansion

Address

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
01981 590604

admin@wildfooduk.com

Penrith

The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round array of plants, trees and fungi for us to explore.
Our Foraging Courses begin with a short introduction to Wild Food UK, what to expect from your day…

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Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Address

Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
017684 86450

houseopening@dalemain.com

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…

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Ullswater

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GOUGH MEMORIAL

PARTING STONE

SIR DONALD CAMPBELL

TRISTAMONT

PATTERDALE TERRIERS

HORSE RACING

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