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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

Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…

Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…

The Ullswater Inn - Food & Drink

Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…

Helvellyn Douple Dipper Swim

The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…

Guided Hiking with Hiking Highs

Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…

Pooley Bridge Inn

We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental…

Hillcroft Park - Touring

Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…

1863 Restaurant with Rooms

Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…

The Royal Hotel, Dockray

Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel…

The Barn

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

Static Caravans at Ullswater Holiday Park

Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…

Aira Force Waterfall

The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…

Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…

Holiday Cottages at Ullswater Holiday Park

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

Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale

Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…

Autumn Early Bird Dawn Photography Cruise

Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by…

Lakeland 100 Recce Day

Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for…

1863 Restaurant with Rooms

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

Camping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park

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

Stone Cottage

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

Ullswater's North Western Fells

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…

Muddy Boots Guided Walk - Ullswater, Gowbarrow and Aira Force

Start the day strolling through the pretty woodland surrounding Aira Beck as we admire the…

holidaycottages.co.uk

Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…

Waterfoot Park - Touring

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

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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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 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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Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

Address

Pooley Bridge Inn, Finkle St, Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86215

info@pooleybridgeinn.co.uk

Ullswater, Pooley Bridge

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.

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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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Hartsop Fold Holiday Lodges

Address

Hartsop Fold Holiday Lodges, Cross Gate, Hartsop, Patterdale, Cumbria, CA11 0NZ

Telephone
01768480020

info@hartsop-fold.co.uk

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.

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133 reviews
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The Swim to Devil's Chimney

Address

Glenridding Car Park, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0JS

Telephone
01539433826

swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

Glenridding

The Swim to Devils Chimney is another one of our favourite island-hopping adventures, this time on Ullswater. With it's 'Big Lake' exposure and dramatic views this exciting swim requires a good level of fitness… anything can happen on the way to…

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Waterfoot Park - Glamping

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.

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601 reviews
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Lakeland 100 Recce Day

Address

Pooley Bridge, Leyland, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA102NN

Telephone
01257251217

organiser@lakeland100.com

Pooley Bridge

Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for 2026 Lakeland competitors.

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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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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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Treatment & Cardio Rooms at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

Ullswater

Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.

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Tents & Touring at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

Penrith

We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.

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Hillcroft Park - Touring

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
450 reviews
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Climbing in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Address

Ullswater, Cumbria

Telephone
07849 398 288

info@adventurevertical.co.uk

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…

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Hillcroft Park - Self Catering

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.

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450 reviews
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Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

Address

Crown Inn Pooley Bridge, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NP

Telephone
01768 425869

Relax@Crowninnpooleybridge.co.uk

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.

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Dalemain Tearoom

Address

Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
017684 86450

houseopening@dalemain.com

Penrith

A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.

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Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

info@waterfootpark.co.uk

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…

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601 reviews
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Stone Cottage

Address

Stone Cottage, 2 Lane Head, Deepdale, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NR

Telephone
017684 82647

helen@thewildhart.co.uk

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.

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Glenridding Manor House

Address

Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0PH

Telephone
017684 82874

stay@glenriddinghouse.com

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…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviews
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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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