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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
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 95
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Address
Macdonald Leeming House, Watermillock, Ullswater, Nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JJTelephone
0870 400 8131Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Tourism For All
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…
Address
High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NHTelephone
017684 86334Ullswater
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Tourism For All
Address
Hares Garth, Spring Garth, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NZTelephone
017684 82647Patterdale, 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,…
Tourism For All
Address
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley 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.
Tourism For All
Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Penrith
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…
Tourism For All
Address
Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PETelephone
07772916353Glenridding, Penrith
With the still waters of the Lakes as an inspiring backdrop, sewists of any experience are invited to leave behind the cares of the everyday and spend a weekend in a luxurious setting to dedicate time and attention to a sewing project. We'd love to…
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
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NNTelephone
017684 82229Pooley 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…
Address
Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QRPenrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.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…
Tourism For All
Address
Crown Inn Pooley Bridge, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NPTelephone
01768 425869Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Tourism For All
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
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…
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Address
Patterdale, Near Glenridding, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0NPTelephone
0121 240 0195Ullswater
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.
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