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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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This show runs from Friday 20 – Tuesday 24 December. Friday 20 Dec: 1pm & 4pm | Saturday 21 Dec:…
Saturday 21st December Live music from singer Glen Anderson Party anthems and feelgood…
Date – 12th January Time – 09.00am Duration – 6hrs Distance – 10km From the centre of Coniston…
Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh's estate, and get…
Join a jolly gathering to sing carols on Helvellyn this Christmas! Bring your instruments and…
Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the universe. Explore the wonders of the…
A busy weekly Market each Thursday from Mid February to end December.. A wide range of food, fresh…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Step back in time with Regency Christmas at Dove Cottage. The mantlepieces are garlanded with holly…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Meeting early at Staveley (last good phone signal until we are on the hill) we will drive to the…
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Christmas Day Lunch at the Salutation Inn from 12-3pm. £60 per person for 3 courses Christmas Day…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else…
1st January 2025 12pm-4pm £42 for 3-courses Start the new year with a sumptuous feast in the…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
A very Merry Muncaster Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Muncaster Castle this Christmas…
Ever wondered how Santa navigates the skies on Christmas Eve? Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a…
This Christmas, take your family on a magical journey through the heart of the Lake District…
Explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Our astronomy experts will take you on a whistle stop…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
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: 439
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Penrith
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven distinctive cottage units, each one offering ideal accommodation for convenient, flexible and leisurely family holidays.
Witherslack
A small, off the beaten track campsite with a warm welcome. An ideal base to explore all the Lake District has to offer without the crowds. With just 25 camping and campervan pitches, stunning views down the Winster Valley, on site shop, food van,…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant surroundings. Situated in 6-acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian hills beyond.
ULVERSTON
Fast and exciting, Canoe Sailing is a great sport to experience!
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments,…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Braithwaite, 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
826 reviewsAmbleside
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the smaller and bigger mountains, right up to the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or even multiple summits, we will endeavour to build a route to…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
337 reviewsWindermere
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 reviewsGrasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
337 reviewsBraithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
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261 reviewsPenrith
A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…
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266 reviewsWindermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
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128 reviewsWindermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviewsNewby Bridge
Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park is located near the southern tip of lake Windermere. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, the park provides a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful Lake District National Park.
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154 reviewsAmbleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Windermere
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as an exclusive hire or by the room, Lakes Hostel offers the flexibility and facilities to cater for large multi-generational family breaks, special…
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23 reviewsWindermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL