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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 LessThe 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…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
With the still waters of the Lakes as an inspiring backdrop, sewists of any experience are invited…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
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…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
With the still waters of the Lakes as an inspiring backdrop, sewists of any experience are invited…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!! A celebration of all…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
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…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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
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…
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.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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.
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
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.
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.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
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
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
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
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
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
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
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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
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…
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…
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