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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 Less1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
As an old tradition in the Ullswater Valley, join locals and regulars to the valley to 'Beat The…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Join us at Dalemain for our informative and fun gardening days. This will give you the unique…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
As an old tradition in the Ullswater Valley, join locals and regulars to the valley to 'Beat The…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
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.
Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
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
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
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…
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.
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?
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
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…
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…
Cumbria
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Glenridding, 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,…
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