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You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Ullswater
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
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.
Read LessThe Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
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…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
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…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
Coniston
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to navigation who wish to explore new routes.
This is an intermediate-level course for navigation for personal development & will give you a NNAS…
Ullswater
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on Lake Ullswater. Perfect for walking the coast to coast, climbing Helvellyn, Sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding on Ullswater, Taking a steamer to…
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…
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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
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,…
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
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,…
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.
Patterdale, Ullswater
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is the perfect base for a walking holiday, while the tranquil surroundings are also perfect for a more relaxing break. You can be sure of home-from-home…
Ullswater
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house, sleeping 14, ideally sited in an acre of grounds, 0.5 mile from village of Patterdale, pub and shop. Restaurants, steamer and boat hire 1.5 miles.
Penrith
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days.
This will give you the unique opportunity to follow our garden through the seasons at close hand, while learning alongside a small group of people. Whether you're green-fingered or…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
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…
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
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.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
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