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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 MemorialThe 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 StoneThe 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 CampbellSir 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.
- TristamontTristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
- Patterdale TerriersWiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
- Horse RacingHorse 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
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
With the still waters of the Lakes as an inspiring backdrop, sewists of any experience are invited…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
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Number of results: 84
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Address
High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NHTelephone
017684 86334Ullswater
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.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
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
Address
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Tourism For All
Address
Hart Barn, Hartsop, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NZTelephone
017684 82647Ullswater
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including an incredible spiral stair case, bespoke furnishings and living room with woodburner and fabulous views. The perfect romantic retreat.
Tourism For All
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Tourism For All
Address
Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LPTelephone
01768 486442Ullswater
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…
Address
Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JSTelephone
01768482067Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
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
TJ’s Bar & Restaurant, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tourism For All
Penrith
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…
Tourism For All
Address
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HBTelephone
0300 222 5808Penrith
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society
Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Experience the beauty of Ullswater lake surrounded by towering fells and the powerful Aira Force waterfall.
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…
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
The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PBTelephone
01768 612473Glenridding
The Ullswater Inn has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. It is in a fantastic location on the southern shore of Ullswater, offering spectacular views of Helvellyn. In the heart of the Lake District, pull up a seat and drink in…
Tourism For All
Address
Deepdale Hall, Patterdale, Nr Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NRTelephone
017684 82369Penrith
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PETelephone
07772916353Glenridding, 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…
Address
CumbriaDoing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes and for very good reason. The combination of two superb arêtes, which provide easy but exposed scrambling with a summit that has far-reaching views…
Address
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley Bridge
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…
Tourism For All
Address
Patterdale Hotel, A592, Patterdale, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0NNTelephone
0844 811 5585Patterdale, Ullswater
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is the perfect base for a walking holiday, while the tranquil surroundings are also perfect for a more relaxing break. You can be sure of home-from-home…
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