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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?
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip…
The Honeybee Pod is our new glamping pod, sleeping a max of 2 people and has a built-in double bed…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Come along and join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year,…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1133 reviewsCumbria
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.
Patterdale, Ullswater
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is the perfect base for a walking holiday, while the tranquil surroundings are also perfect for a more relaxing break. You can be sure of home-from-home…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1345 reviewsGlenridding
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a fantastic location on the southern shore of Ullswater, offering spectacular views of Helvellyn. In the heart of the Lake District, pull up a seat and drink in…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
98 reviewsPooley Bridge
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor clothing and a "canine corner" so you can spoil your best friend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
Howtown, Penrith
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home to Swaledale ewes, cattle and calves. Farm activities such as lambing, dipping, shearing and working dogs can be seen and swans, ducks, cat.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Grisedale 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.
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
443 reviewsPenrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Dalemain, Penrith
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsPenrith
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
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?
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…
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
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,…
Pooley Bridge
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening cruise will depart from Pooley Bridge pier at 7pm on a two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from firm favourite Pete Lashley.
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