You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
England’s best-known and most popular national park is a postcard landscape of shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops and ancient forests that has enchanted poets and painters since the late 18th century, when the Romantics first had their imaginations stirred by the panoramas that have remained unchanged to this day.
And what panoramas they are. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists since the railroad was first built in the middle of the 19th century. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead, surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountains.
The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with handsome Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the natural lakes of Buttermere & Crummock.
Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the biggest mountain of all, Scafell Pike.
The Lake District is an outdoor activities paradise, but its literary connections draw as many visitors as its walks do. William Wordsworth lived virtually all of his life here, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside to write some of the English language’s most enduring poetry. The landscape also proved a creative spark for the likes of Sameul Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter – who dedicated much of her life to protecting the Lake District’s beauty and heritage.
In all its beauty and diversity the Lake District remains as it has been for millennia, which is one of the reasons why in 2017 the national park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its river valleys, lakes and mountains home to an unique hill-farming culture and ancient heritage that has been carefully preserved. Here in the Lake District we know how to take good care of you; we’ve had plenty of practice.
Explore
The Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones! Every weekend from…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Celebrate the life of bard Robbie Burns with us at the Borrowdale Hotel on Friday 17th January 2025…
Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the universe. Explore the wonders of the…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Join a jolly gathering to sing carols on Helvellyn this Christmas! Bring your instruments and…
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else…
Explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Our astronomy experts will take you on a whistle stop…
26th December 12pm-2.30pm £35 for 3-courses Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Packed with magic, puppetry & escapology ✨ Legendary magician the Great Baldini tells the story of…
Ever wondered how Santa navigates the skies on Christmas Eve? Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a…
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
Date – 12th January Time – 09.00am Duration – 6hrs Distance – 10km From the centre of Coniston…
1st January 2025 12pm-4pm £42 for 3-courses Start the new year with a sumptuous feast in the…
A very Merry Muncaster Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Muncaster Castle this Christmas…
This show runs from Friday 20 – Tuesday 24 December. Friday 20 Dec: 1pm & 4pm | Saturday 21 Dec:…
Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh's estate, and get…
Dress Code: Glamorous attire is strongly encouraged! Event Highlights: - Enjoy a sumptuous…
Experience the magic of the season with Festive Afternoon Teas at Muncaster Castle, hosted in the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Christmas Day Lunch at the Salutation Inn from 12-3pm. £60 per person for 3 courses Christmas Day…
Step into a world of festive creativity and holiday cheer this December as Blackwell hosts its…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 439
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
408 reviewsConiston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
A591, Windermere
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree canopy. Featuring over 1500m2 of bouncy trampolines, aerial walkways, tunnels and slides. A great family day out suitable for ages 3yrs+.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
150 reviewsCumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Thwaites Ln, Windermere
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to take a break from shopping or needing some fuel for the fells, The Café at Lakeland is just the place.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
422 reviewsAmbleside
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
176 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This former grande dame Victorian hotel has just had an £8 million makeover, and has re-emerged dressed for a night out and sporting a chic, city-slicker…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
574 reviewsWindermere
Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere during a stay at our self-catering holiday cottage. Located just moments from Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park, it's the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Guests can enjoy peaceful grounds…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
907 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL