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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.
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal…
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for…
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Glenridding
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the awe-inspiring Red Tarn is not to be missed and the second dip in Ashworth's Dub on the descent route rounds the day off nicely.
This is our own…
Ullswater
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years and steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, you can expect a warm…
Glenridding
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding. The Ultra Distance follows the stunning Ullswater Way route and includes both the Lowther Loop and the Dalemain Loop to make the course 33.5 miles.…
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…
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
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?
Pooley Bridge
Sponsored walk around Ullswater
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…
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…
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
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal Dockray Hotel's charity weekend on 19–20 June.
Set in the picturesque village of Dockray near Ullswater, this two-day event combines outdoor…
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 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,…
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
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…
Howtown, Penrith
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and experienced participants and we encourage you to take advantage of the camping facilities at Park Foot and stay for the weekend!
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.
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