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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.
Read LessHighlights
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Capture the beauty of dawn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
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…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Capture the beauty of dawn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
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…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Show More
Prev
- 1Summer Evening Gin Tasting Cruises
- 2The Glasshouse at Another Place
- 3Park Foot Holiday Park - Touring & Camping
- 4Garden Days at Dalemain
- 5The Ullswater Inn - Food & Drink
- 6St. Martin of Tours Church, Martindale
- 7Spring Earlybird Dawn Photography Cruise
- 8Tents & Touring at Ullswater Holiday Park
- 9Moor Divock
- 10Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge
- 11The Estate
- 12Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale
- 13Intermediate Navigation - NNAS 2 Day Certificate with Hiking Highs
- 14Glenridding Manor House
- 15Static Caravans at Ullswater Holiday Park
- 16Waterfoot Park - Self Catering
- 17Dalemain Harvest Fair
- 18Stone Cottage
- 19Waterfoot Park - Touring
- 20Chillswim Ullswater
- 21Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
- 22Boredale & Eastern Flanks of Ullswater
- 23Nordic Walking Tuition with Hiking Highs
- 24Ullswater Holiday Park
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 95
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NNTelephone
017684 82229Pooley Bridge
It's time to welcome back Chestnut House for our Friday night gin-tasting cruises. Your ticket includes a scenic two-hour evening cruise from Pooley Bridge pier, gin-tasting samples provided by Chestnut House and live music from Fiona Hanlon. Please…
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…
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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
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HBTelephone
01768486450Penrith
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days.
This will give you the unique opportunity to follow our garden through the seasons at close hand, while learning alongside a small group of people. Whether you're green-fingered or…-
Address
The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PBTelephone
01768 612473Glenridding
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with rooms is a brilliant stop in your Lake District adventure. The Ullswater Inn is the last stop before and the first stop the Ullswater steamers,…
Tourism For All
Address
Martindale, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA10 2NFTelephone
01768 898396PENRITH
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…
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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…
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Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Tourism For All
Address
Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NWPenrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
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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
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Address
"The Estate" @ Patterdale Hall Estate, Patterdale Hall Estate, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PJTelephone
017684 82308Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Tourism For All
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Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, 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…
Address
Lake District - Coniston or Ullswater, Glenridding, Coniston, Cumbria, CA11 0NPTelephone
07976 949488Coniston
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…
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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…
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Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Tourism For All
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Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, 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.
Address
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HBTelephone
01768486450Penrith
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the importance of the Harvest at Dalemain and in Cumbria throughout the centuries. There will be talks, activities and guided tours, to be enjoyed by…
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Address
Stone Cottage, 2 Lane Head, Deepdale, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NRTelephone
017684 82647Patterdale, 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.
Tourism For All
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Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tourism For All
Address
Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
01257251217Penrith
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.
