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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.
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.
Did you know?
Come along and join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year,…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care.…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
A full day photography course under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
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…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
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Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1029 reviewsPenrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
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.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Pooley Bridge
Our firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. Departs Pooley Bridge pier at 7 pm, returning at 9pm.
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.
Howtown, Penrith
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on beautiful Ullswater from March until November with something for everyone, young and old, novices or experienced sailors.
Patterdale, 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1344 reviewsPENRITH
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…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1127 reviewsGrisedale Bridge, Glenridding
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise. This is a unique and very special memory making experience for early bird enthusiasts plus it's a great opportunity to meet local photographers,…
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.
Ullswater, 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
436 reviewsThe 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…
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.…
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…
Ullswater
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including an incredible spiral stair case, bespoke furnishings and living room with woodburner and fabulous views. The perfect romantic retreat.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
436 reviewsUllswater
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.
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