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 full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Take a guided tour supported by British Sign Language interpretation, in association with Cumbria…
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery,…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 18th April for an evening of…
Join us at Ravenglass Railway Museum in 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of the Ravenglass and…
Hop into a world of Easter excitement at Muncaster – a fun day out for all the family. 5&6,12&13,…
Celebrate 150 Years of Steam at our May Day Bank Holiday Gala Weekend! 3rd–5th May 2025 - An…
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Help for Heroes with the Scafell Pike Heroes Hike. Take…
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore, our online contemporary poetry reading series continues…
Our Easter Trail this year leads you around Wordsworth Grasmere in search of 'spots of time' from…
Join us for an action-packed weekend of STEAM fun, with hands-on activities, mind-blowing science…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria. With Joyce Tindsley…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 442
, currently showing 341 to 360.
Windermere
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip World and Go Wild, there’s plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.
Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 16
• 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together sleeping 16
• A total of 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 3 hot tubs in total
• Large rooms, perfect for…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
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…
Ambleside
Situated in peaceful seclusion in the Rydal Valley, yet only 0.5 mile from Ambleside. This lovely Victorian house is ideal for walking/touring the Lake District. Unsuitable for children under 12 years of age.
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
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.
Ambleside
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres of private land to explore. Perfect for getting together with family and friends.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Kendal
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due to it’s PGA Golf Course and other fantastic features.
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?
Penrith
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria for people with physical disabilities and their families.
Newby Bridge
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials on the way. An enjoyable morning to be had by the whole family!
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL