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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.
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.
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force Coffee Shop, a place to relax…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Move from 'How do I find the words', to feeling the satisfaction of engaging in a creative process…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 84
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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,…
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.
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…
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.
Penrith
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.
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.
Pooley Bridge
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical entertainment. The ticket price includes a two-hour evening cruise departing from Pooley Bridge pier and a fish and chip supper (veggie/gluten-free…
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
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,…
Glenridding
Tucked at the southern tip of Ullswater, in the charming village of Glenridding, The Ullswater Inn is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the peace of the Patterdale Valley. Pull up a chair and take in breathtaking views across the lake and…
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.
Penrith
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run hotel, pub and restaurant. Dating back over 500 years, The Royal is steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, whether…
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…
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
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Glenridding
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with rooms is a brilliant stop in your Lake District adventure. The Ullswater Inn is the last stop before and the first stop the Ullswater steamers,…
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…
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.
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.
Penrith
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.
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