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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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Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
We're looking forward to welcoming Jon Dawes to The Swan on Sunday 20th April! Singer-Songwriter…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Help for Heroes with the Scafell Pike Heroes Hike. Take…
Hop into a world of Easter excitement at Muncaster – a fun day out for all the family. 5&6,12&13,…
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll…
3 -5 May 2025 Muncaster's Sausage Festival is an annual family friendly festival to celebrate all…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
A gripping tale of friendship and hope. Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters…
A Celebration Reading from the Poetry Business International Book & Pamphlet Competition. Hosted…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
A weekend of paddleboarding with leading adventurer and writer Jo Moseley
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
This richly illustrated talk by Mark Hatton explores the development of grave markers and focuses…
This outdoor swimming course takes place at the picturesque Rydal Water, a charming small lake. The…
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Sizergh on an Easter trail. Make…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
Programme: Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace; Vivaldi: Gloria. With Joyce Tindsley…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ravenglass
The Stables Café opens to the visiting public daily in the main season serving a full range of options from light snacks to main meals plus delicious homemade cakes and a selection of hot and cold drinks; something for everyone!
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Ambleside
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in individually designed bedrooms. Experience the epitome of luxury with modern bathrooms, plush dressing gowns, and premium amenities.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
Ambleside
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw from Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead. They’re perfectly positioned for exploring some of Cumbria’s best loved towns and villages as well as…
Ullswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
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.
Hesket Newmarket, Near Caldbeck
A superb luxury self-catering cottage in the peaceful village of Hesket Newmarket, 200 metres from the village pub and restaurant. A spa bath and log burner are two of the world-class luxuries available.
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
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!
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL