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Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District

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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 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.

Highlights

Arragon's Cycle Hire - Delivery

Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…

The Treehouse at Another Place, The Lake

Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…

Treatment & Cardio Rooms at Another Place, The Lake

Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…

Ghyll Scrambling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…

Macdonald Leeming House

A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…

holidaycottages.co.uk

Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…

The Living Space at Another Place, The Lake

The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…

Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…

The Byre

The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…

Hillcroft Park - Self Catering

A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…

Hares Garth

Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…

Dalemain Harvest Fair

We are hosting a traditional celebration of the harvest, offering visitors a chance to explore the…

Hillcroft Park - Touring

Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…

Kayaking on Ullswater with Adventure Vertical

Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…

Glamping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park

The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each…

Static Caravans at Ullswater Holiday Park

Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…

Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…

Hillcroft Park - Lodges

A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…

Ullswater's North Western Fells

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…

Nordic Walking Tuition with Hiking Highs

Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our…

Navigation Tuition with Hiking Highs

Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…

Intermediate Navigation - NNAS 2 Day Certificate with Hiking Highs

Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…

Autumn Early Bird Dawn Photography Cruise

Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…

The Glasshouse at Another Place

The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

Accommodation
Things to Do
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Towns & Villages

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Things to Do

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Towns & Villages

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Moor Divock

Address

Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

website@cumbriatourism.org

Penrith

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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Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LR

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

Penrith

At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and a range of accommodation to suit all needs. An ideal place for exploring the Lakes.

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Sewing Retreat

Address

Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PE

Telephone
07772916353

hello@IzzoSewStudio.com

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…

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The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival

Address

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB

Telephone
01768486450

tourism@dalemain.com

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,…

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Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

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.

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533 reviews
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Red Deer Rut - Autumn Hikes

Address

Ullswater Steamers, Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
07976 949488

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding

The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a hidden gem as the bellowing of stags echoes around Martindale and Boredale. Join us with your binoculars to experience this truly magical connection to…

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Shepherd Huts at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

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.

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Broad How

Address

Patterdale, Near Glenridding, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0NP

Telephone
0121 240 0195

broadhow@gmail.com

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.

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Ullswater's North Western Fells

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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Beginners Navigation - 2 Day NNAS Certificate with hiking Highs

Address

Patterdale Cricket Pavillion, Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PJ

Telephone
07976 949488

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

Penrith

A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs on behalf of the NNAS (National Navigation award Scheme). Over the 2 days you will delve into Navigation like you never have before, pouring over maps, unlocking the code, planning…

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Tents & Touring at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LR

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

Penrith

We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.

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Rampsbeck Restaurant at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

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…

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Patterdale Parish Boundary Hiking Challenge - Beat The Bounds 2025

Address

Patterdale Church of England Primary School, Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NL

Telephone
07976 949488

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

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…

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Chestnut House

Address

Chestnut House, Finkle St, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

Telephone
017684 86444

sales@chestnuthouseonline.co.uk

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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Ullswater Steamers

Address

Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
017684 82229

enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

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…

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1507 reviews
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Glamping Cabins at Ullswater Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LR

Telephone
017684 86666

info@ullswaterholidaypark.co.uk

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.

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Arragon's Cycle Hire - Delivery

Address

Arragon's Cycle Centre, 2 Brunswick Rd, Penrith, County (optional), CA11 7LU

Telephone
07525243159

arragonscycles@mac.com

Penrith

Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
130 reviews
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St. Martin of Tours Church, Martindale

Address

Martindale, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA10 2NF

Telephone
01768 898396

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…

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Navigation Tuition with Hiking Highs

Address

Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

Penrith

Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…

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Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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Ullswater

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GOUGH MEMORIAL

PARTING STONE

SIR DONALD CAMPBELL

TRISTAMONT

PATTERDALE TERRIERS

HORSE RACING

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