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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.
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.
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.
The 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.
The 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 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.
Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
Horse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.
Hartsop, 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.
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,…
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.
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.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree, shimmering lights, snow-capped fells – and a 200-square-metre ice rink overlooking the lake – will transform the Another Place grounds this winter.
Open…
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…
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Ullswater, Penrith
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay a little while longer, why not consider purchasing your own private holiday home? At Waterfoot Park, we have a range of lodges available, all of…
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Penrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Penrith
Dalemain Mansion is one of the most beautiful and impressive stately homes in the northwest of England and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Dalemain is only 3 miles from Penrith, 2 miles from Lake…
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Penrith
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.
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes and for very good reason. The combination of two superb arêtes, which provide easy but exposed scrambling with a summit that has far-reaching views…
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