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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

Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…

Camping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park

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

Pooley Bridge Inn

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

The Patterdale Estate

Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…

Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise

Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…

The Glasshouse at Another Place

The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…

Hillcroft Park - Touring

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

Stone Cottage

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

Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10

The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…

Rampsbeck Restaurant at Another Place, The Lake

Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…

The Brackenrigg Inn

Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for…

1863 Restaurant with Rooms

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

Arragon's Cycle Hire - Delivery

Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…

Spring Foraging event at Dalemain Mansion

The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…

Climbing in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…

Dalemain Plant Fair

A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with…

Ullswater Holiday Park

At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…

The Barn

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

Hillcroft Park - Glamping

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

Ullswater's North Western Fells

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

holidaycottages.co.uk

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

The Royal Hotel, Dockray

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

Aira Force Coffee Shop

A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force Coffee Shop, a place to relax…

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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Shepherd Huts at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

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.

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Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.

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450 reviews
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The Brackenrigg Inn

Address

The Brackenrigg Inn, Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

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.

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The Patterdale Estate

Address

"The Estate" @ Patterdale Hall Estate, Patterdale Hall Estate, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PJ

Telephone
017684 82308

mail@patterdalehallestate.com

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,…

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Patterdale to Howtown and back on the steamer

Address

Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

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…

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holidaycottages.co.uk

Address

Throughout Cumbria

Telephone
01237 459888

customerservices@holidaycottages.co.uk

Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…

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The Treehouse at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

Ullswater

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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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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Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

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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Holiday Cottages at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

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.

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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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Chestnut House

Address

Chestnut House, Finkle St, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

Telephone
017684 86444

sales@chestnuthouseonline.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.

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Ullswater Wild Isle Swim

Address

National Trust Glencoyne Bay car park, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NQ

Telephone
015394 33826

swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

Ullswater

If you love wild swimming around beautiful islands then you will love our Wild Isle Swim!
Ullswater is one of the Lake District's most beautiful big lakes. With views of the Helvellyn massive to the west and Place Fell to the east, the swimming is…

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The Ullswater Inn - Food & Drink

Address

The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PB

Telephone
01768 612473

info@theullswaterinn.com

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,…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
495 reviews
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Static Caravans at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

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

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

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.

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Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.

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Hares Garth

Address

Hares Garth, Spring Garth, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NZ

Telephone
017684 82647

helen@thewildhart.co.uk

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,…

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Moor Divock

Address

Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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The Ullswater Inn

Address

The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PB

Telephone
01768 612473

info@theullswaterinn.com

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…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
495 reviews
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Rampsbeck Restaurant at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

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…

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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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