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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.
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket…
Take the plunge on our three-day wild swim camp, led by our resident open water swim coach Colin…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Penrith
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the reputation of the fair. Over the years, we have built up a high standard of vendors and also continue to push to attract the best in the industry.
Dalemain…
Ullswater
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
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.
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a hidden gem as the bellowing of stags echoes around Martindale and Boredale. Join us with your binoculars to experience this truly magical connection to…
PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
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…
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Penrith
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the importance of the Harvest at Dalemain and in Cumbria throughout the centuries. There will be talks, activities and guided tours, to be enjoyed by…
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Glenridding
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte Graham, a professional photographer based in Cumbria. Charlotte's unique blend of technical expertise and creative photographic talent, combined …
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…
Penrith
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society
Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Experience the beauty of Ullswater lake surrounded by towering fells and the powerful Aira Force waterfall.
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.
Glenridding
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…
Pooley Bridge
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket includes a scenic two-hour evening cruise from Pooley Bridge pier, gin-tasting samples provided by Chestnut House and live music from Fiona Hanlon. Please…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Take the plunge on our three-day wild swim camp, led by our resident open water swim coach Colin Hill. Develop your cold swimming techniques, explore the bays and islands of the Ullswater Valley, try a river swim, the endless pool and even float…
Glenridding
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with rooms is a brilliant stop in your Lake District adventure. The Ullswater Inn is the last stop before and the first stop the Ullswater steamers,…
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