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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?
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
The Honeybee Pod is our new glamping pod, sleeping a max of 2 people and has a built-in double bed…
A full day photography course under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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?
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
95 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…
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
Penrith
The Honeybee Pod is our new glamping pod, sleeping a max of 2 people and has a built-in double bed & sofa / chaise longue.
Penrith
A full day photography course under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms, and Rich Jones -a Professional Photographer.
The morning will be spent at Glencoyne Farm in Ullswater…
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,…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
93 reviewsGrisedale Bridge, Glenridding
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. Departs Glenridding pier at 7 pm, returning at 9pm.
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.
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.
Ullswater
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Glenridding
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing courses, corporate events, team building activities, youth group events, and family adventure days.
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…
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.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1032 reviewsPenrith
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.
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…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1481 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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