You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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!
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.
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Start the day strolling through the pretty woodland surrounding Aira Beck as we admire the…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by…
Tucked at the southern tip of Ullswater, in the charming village of Glenridding, The Ullswater Inn…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
Ullswater Epicman Triathlon is based at Park Foot Holiday Park. You can choose either the Sprint,…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 96
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Pooley Bridge
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race. You're welcome to bring a picnic, and our onboard licensed bar will be open, so you can toast the celebrations in style. The…
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
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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,…
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…
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.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
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…
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.
Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force Coffee Shop, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing cold drinks.
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
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,…
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
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
A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with craft stalls. Set in front of Dalemain Mansion, your ticket includes access to the garden at the best time of the year. Come early to get the best pick…
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.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL