to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Culture & Heritage
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Surrounding Areas
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
Gough MemorialThe Gough Memorial on the summit of Helvellyn marks the spot where Charles Gough died after a fall in 1805. His dead body was guarded by his faithful dog for three months until they were found.- Parting StoneThe Parting Stone at Grisedale Tarn records the place where William Wordsworth said farewell to his much-loved brother, John, who he was never to see again. John was drowned when his ship was wrecked off Weymouth in 1805.
- Sir Donald CampbellSir Donald Campbell achieved his first world water speed record on Ullswater on 23 July 1955, when he piloted the jet-propelled Bluebird K7 to a speed of 202.32 mph.
- TristamontTristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
- Patterdale TerriersWiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
- Horse RacingHorse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
Highlights
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver…
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 84
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Address
Arragon's Cycle Centre, 2 Brunswick Rd, Penrith, County (optional), CA11 7LUTelephone
07525243159Penrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and a range of accommodation to suit all needs. An ideal place for exploring the Lakes.
Tourism For All
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
Address
Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QRPenrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Cumbria
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.Address
Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QRPenrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
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…
Address
Hartsop Fold Holiday Lodges, Cross Gate, Hartsop, Patterdale, Cumbria, CA11 0NZTelephone
01768480020Hartsop, 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.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NPTelephone
07976 949488Pooley Bridge
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver level, plus you ability to navigate when the going gets tough (underfoot!) We will not be heading high into the mountains, but onto open fell and…
Address
The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PBTelephone
01768 612473Glenridding
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a fantastic location on the southern shore of Ullswater, offering spectacular views of Helvellyn. In the heart of the Lake District, pull up a seat and drink in…
Tourism For All
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NWPenrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
Tourism For All
Address
Chestnut House, Finkle St, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NWTelephone
017684 86444Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Tourism For All
-
Cumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles. Address
Stone Cottage, 2 Lane Head, Deepdale, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NRTelephone
017684 82647Patterdale, 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.
Tourism For All
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
