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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.
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.
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…
With the still waters of the Lakes as an inspiring backdrop, sewists of any experience are invited…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
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…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
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…
Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
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…
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!
Penrith
Join us in celebration for the 20th year of the Dalemain Marmalade Awards!!
A celebration of all things marmalade with thousands of jars throughout the mansion, Q&As, demonstrations, tastings and much more.
Free entry to the festival marquee,…
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
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…
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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…
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.
Cumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.
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…
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.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL