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![]() | The Hidden Place 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 LessFeed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
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…
As an old tradition in the Ullswater Valley, join locals and regulars to the valley to 'Beat The…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
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…
As an old tradition in the Ullswater Valley, join locals and regulars to the valley to 'Beat The…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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.
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
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Glenridding
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…
Coniston
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to navigation who wish to explore new routes.
This is an intermediate-level course for navigation for personal development & will give you a NNAS…
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
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…
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, 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…
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Glenridding
Capture the beauty of autumn 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 …
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
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…
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,…
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.
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
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
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!
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