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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.
Explore
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Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson | Adapted by John Hewer Hambledon Productions are…
Do not miss this 'enchantingly staged' family folk opera, following the triumphant, Olivier…
Hayes Garden World in Ambleside gets set for the start of their festive season with a combined…
Enjoy the delightful flavours of Christmas with our festive-inspired Afternoon Tea. Indulge in…
Join us for a introduction to the sights, sounds and stories of Whinlatter at night. Our…
Join us at The Armitt to hear Laura Day discuss her personal reflections on Nicholson's work in the…
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…
Everyone creates their own coping strategies or rules for living. But what happens when an extended…
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. …
Looking to take your photography to the next level and get the most from your photography…
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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Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Ambleside
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.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
421 reviewsKeswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviewsPenrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL