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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
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Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4557 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Ullswater
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including an incredible spiral stair case, bespoke furnishings and living room with woodburner and fabulous views. The perfect romantic retreat.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1593 reviewsWindermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Ambleside
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an enviable reputation for high quality breakfasts and superb customer service.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1336 reviewsElterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
267 reviewsEskdale, Holmrook
Experience the great outdoors at Parkgate Farm, offering a variety of 9 large camping pitches (5 with electric hook-up, and 4 without) and one camping pod. Take advantage of the amenities including family shower rooms, separate toilets, washing-up…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Windermere
A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.
Kendal
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.
Hesket Newmarket, Near Caldbeck
A superb luxury self-catering cottage in the peaceful village of Hesket Newmarket, 200 metres from the village pub and restaurant. A spa bath and log burner are two of the world-class luxuries available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
110 reviewsConiston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsLakeside
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL