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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 LessThis fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 99
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
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…
Pooley 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…
Penrith
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.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Glenridding
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. The ticket price includes a two-hour evening cruise departing from Glenridding Pier and a fish & chip supper (veggie/gluten-free…
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,…
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Ullswater
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Morning swims and downward dogs at dawn, slowly unfolding practices and restorative sensory sessions to recharge and relax. Breathe deep and let it flow on our two-night yoga break with instructor Julia Poole, hosted by us at Another Place, The Lake…
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
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…
Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Combine brushstrokes and breathwork in our three-day art and yoga break led by Em Whiteford. Explore landscape-inspired painting techniques and gentle yoga practice, with panoramic views of the fells and lake.
Cumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
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.
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