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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.
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 MEMORIAL
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.
PARTING STONE
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
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
Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
PATTERDALE TERRIERS
Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
HORSE RACING
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.
Highlights
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
Capture the beauty of dawn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 95
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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…
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
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
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
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?Address
Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JSTelephone
01768482067Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Tourism For All
Address
Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
01257251217Penrith
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile pace to give you the best experience possible. As with all of our events this will be a wetsuit optional swim.
Address
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0USTelephone
017684 82229Glenridding
Capture the beauty of dawn 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 with a…
Address
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NNTelephone
017684 82229Pooley Bridge
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race. You're welcome to bring a picnic, and our onboard licensed bar will be open, so you can toast the celebrations in style. The…
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 Steamers, The Pier House, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NNTelephone
017684 82229Pooley 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…
Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, 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…
Address
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HBTelephone
01768486450Penrith
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!!
A celebration of all things marmalade with thousands of jars throughout the mansion, Q&As, demonstrations, tastings and much more.
Free entry to the festival marquee,…
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 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
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
Address
The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PBTelephone
01768 612473Glenridding
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,…
Tourism For All
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