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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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Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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Enjoy the delightful flavours of Christmas with our festive-inspired Afternoon Tea. Indulge in…
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A busy weekly Market each Thursday from Mid February to end December.. A wide range of food, fresh…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire you to create your own piece of art.…
Whalebone arches were once a common sight across Britain, especially near to whaling ports like…
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Enjoy live classical musical played by a harp quartet at Allan Bank. Informal performances will…
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade…
Have you got what it takes to save Dolly the steamboat from the waters of Windermere? Have a go at…
Join us for an introduction to the sights, sounds and stories of Grizedale at night. Our…
oin us if you dare for spooky storytelling sessions in the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum. …
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One of the historic boathouses will be transformed into a festive pop-up photo studio. Come dressed…
Learn about folklore and superstition in farming communities like Troutbeck and how the Browne's…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 451
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Eskdale Valley
Experience canoeing on one of the Lake Districts most remote and impressive lakes and take a journey on the deepest lake in England taking in the views of the Scafell Massif.
Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Grasmere
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
547 reviewsAmbleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Windermere
The Apple Restaurant, an AA Rosette restaurant located within Applegarth Villa Hotel in the heart of Windermere Village and is open to non-residents too.
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1863 reviewsNr 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.
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
Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and kayak hire. Journeying…
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364 reviewsNewby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
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.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Newby Bridge
Join us on one of our favourite forest wanders exploring Chapel House, certainly one of the best pieces of commercial forestry in the South Lakes.
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56 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Grasmere
The Wordsworth Hotel offers the ideal retreat to soak up the picture-postcard views and secluded beauty spots that inspired two centuries’ worth of Romantic poets and painters.
Hawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
879 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL