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
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Don your Christmas jumpers and hats for professional dog photographer, Shaun Barr, to capture a…
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else…
Wrap up warm and join us one a spellbinding storytelling walk through the woods this December at…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Let's party – Christmas Parties at The Swan Grab your work pals, friends or family and join us for…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
This show runs from Friday 20 – Tuesday 24 December. Friday 20 Dec: 1pm & 4pm | Saturday 21 Dec:…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Join us for a very special Father Christmas Tea Party in our amazing winter wonderland. We’ll be…
Brighten up your home with a touch of Brantwood's flora and fauna! Join Brantwood's very own…
The award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One's Own, I, Elizabeth, Austen's Women, Female…
Legendary magician the Great Baldini (the emperor of illusion, the prince of prestidigitation, the…
We warmly invite you to our Holiday Market where local crafters will be selling locally handmade…
Experience the magic of the season with Festive Afternoon Teas at Muncaster Castle, hosted in the…
Enjoy a traditional afternoon at Allan Bank singing carols around the Christmas tree with local…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh's estate, and get…
Saturday 7th December Eat, drink and be merry at this lively party night as we take you through…
Enjoy live classical musical played by a harp quartet at Allan Bank. Informal performances will…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
One of the historic boathouses will be transformed into a festive pop-up photo studio. Come dressed…
Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella's life is dreary and dull.…
Come and join us for a festive afternoon in our Hilltop room with the wonderful Graham Tyson doing…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 442
, currently showing 121 to 140.
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
Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Windermere
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 reviewsCockermouth
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 Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Windermere
Tents can pitch in one of two areas. - Our Ghyllside camping area, allows you to reserve your pitch, with electrical hook-up (6amps) suitable for lighting, recharging devices and small appliances such as a travel kettle. These pitches are allocated…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
907 reviewsBraithwaite, 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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
823 reviewsWindermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 21 years.
Ullswater
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on Lake Ullswater. Perfect for walking the coast to coast, climbing Helvellyn, Sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding on Ullswater, Taking a steamer to…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviewsKendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2283 reviewsWindermere
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2913 reviewsKeswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviewsHartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
109 reviewsPenrith
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
220 reviewsAmbleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
104 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL