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![]() | Camping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park |
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 LessOur modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
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…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Take the plunge on our three-day wild swim camp, led by our resident open water swim coach Colin…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
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…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Take the plunge on our three-day wild swim camp, led by our resident open water swim coach Colin…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 100
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
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…
Penrith
As an old tradition in the Ullswater Valley, join locals and regulars to the valley to 'Beat The Bounds' of the Patterdale Parish Boundary, following the Parish Bounds as much as possible.
The Full Parish Boundary Event is 28 miles long with…
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
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
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,…
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
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.
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…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
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.
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!
Ullswater Valley
The walk around Deepdale's skyline crest, taking in all its summits, is a rather surprising walk. In terms of distance it's not particularly long and in terms of height its summits are by no means highest in the Lake District, but for out and out…
PENRITH
Pay & Display. (NT members free). High Cascades has 35 spaces, Park Brow has 15 spaces.
Best for accessing the high fells or walking to Aira Force. These smaller pay and display car parks are located just off the A5091.
PENRITH
Pay & Display. (NT members free).with 35 spaces.
For access to beachside picnics, watersports and a longer trail to visit the Aira Force waterfall. Glencoyne has direct lake access (road crossing necessary, please take care) and is also the centre…
Pay & Display car park.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Pay & Display car park with 130 spaces, operated by The National Trust.
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 37 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Charges apply every day from 8am to 8pm.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
PENRITH
Car park with 22 spaces. Located between Hartsop and Patterdale, Cow Bridge car park gives easy access to Brothers Water and Hartsop. Parking is free for National Trust Members but charges apply for non members.
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