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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.
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte…
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in separate starts based on your average mile…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip evening cruise, featuring musical…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 95
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Coniston
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…
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…
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Glenridding
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 Glenridding Pier and a fish & chip supper (veggie/gluten-free…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
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…
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
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…
Patterdale
Starting from the car park at the White Lion we have a steady ascent to the broad ridge of St Sunday Crag with fantastic views of the Helvellyn Range and beyond. The ridge narrows as it descends to an easy rocky scramble from Deepdale Haws up to the…
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.
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
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.
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…
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…
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
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.
Ullswater
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
Pooley 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.
Penrith
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…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of…
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