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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.
Did you know?
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Our firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care.…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
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Penrith
A full day photography course under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms, and Rich Jones -a Professional Photographer.
The morning will be spent at Glencoyne Farm in Ullswater…
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
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1033 reviewsPenrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
Penrith
The Honeybee Pod is our new glamping pod, sleeping a max of 2 people and has a built-in double bed & sofa / chaise longue.
Howtown, Penrith
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care. Explore the Lake District by foot for five days, meet new friends and experience the Lake District National Park.
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…
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
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
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.
Ullswater
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.
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
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.
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…
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…
Pooley 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…
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Glenridding
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing courses, corporate events, team building activities, youth group events, and family adventure days.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL