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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.
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A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Celebrate 150 Years of Steam at our May Day Bank Holiday Gala Weekend! 3rd–5th May 2025 - An…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
Hear about Allan Bank's exhibitions curated by fine artists Heather Mullender-Ross & Tracy Hill…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and swimming. Rydal…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Join artist Penny Hillier–Evans for a workshop inspired by the local landscape. During the…
Experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the…
A gripping tale of friendship and hope. Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters…
A weekend of paddleboarding with leading adventurer and writer Jo Moseley
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Sizergh on an Easter trail. Make…
Curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore, our online contemporary poetry reading series continues…
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
Go on the egg hunt around the garden at Allan Bank in Grasmere. Follow in the footsteps of…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Be inspired to create your own collages with artist Jackie Haynes. Looking at birds you'll come…
From Sketchbook to Canvas is a five day painting course led by artist Nick Bush. You will be…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 441
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Ravenglass
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the Eskdale Room. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches (ham, cheese, egg mayo and tuna mayo), home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
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.
Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Sedgwick, Kendal
Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Newby Bridge
Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park is located near the southern tip of lake Windermere. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, the park provides a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful Lake District National Park.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and won the ‘Minibus Operator of the Year Award’ in 2010 and was Finalist of…
Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Ambleside
Sitting right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, The Wateredge Inn is the perfect location to eat, drink, sleep and explore from with unrivalled views across Windermere.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL