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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 LessFamily park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
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…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
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…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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…
Pooley Bridge
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 Pooley Bridge pier and a fish & chip supper…
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…
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…
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
Pooley Bridge
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor clothing and a "canine corner" so you can spoil your best friend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
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…
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…
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…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
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.
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
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
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
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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,…
Patterdale
Starting from the car park at the White Lion we have a steady ascent to the broad ridge of St Sunday Crag with fantastic views of the Helvellyn Range and beyond. The ridge narrows as it descends to an easy rocky scramble from Deepdale Haws up to the…
Pooley Bridge
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.
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.
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