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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 LessJoin us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Penrith
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
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
Glenridding, 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…
Ullswater
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can see the stars more clearly. The Milky Way can often be seen over Ullswater. You will experience 20 to 40 mins in the water with glow sticks and…
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…
Penrith
At Dalemain, we have focused on independent growers and specialist nurseries to protect the reputation of the fair. Over the years, we have built up a high standard of vendors and also continue to push to attract the best in the industry.
Dalemain…
Penrith
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society
Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Experience the beauty of Ullswater lake surrounded by towering fells and the powerful Aira Force waterfall.
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 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…
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
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.
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…
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.
Cumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
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.…
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
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.
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, Penrith
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay a little while longer, why not consider purchasing your own private holiday home? At Waterfoot Park, we have a range of lodges available, all of…
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