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England’s best-known and most popular national park is a postcard landscape of shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops and ancient forests that has enchanted poets and painters since the late 18th century, when the Romantics first had their imaginations stirred by the panoramas that have remained unchanged to this day.
And what panoramas they are. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists since the railroad was first built in the middle of the 19th century. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead, surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountains.
The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with handsome Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the natural lakes of Buttermere & Crummock.
Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the biggest mountain of all, Scafell Pike.
The Lake District is an outdoor activities paradise, but its literary connections draw as many visitors as its walks do. William Wordsworth lived virtually all of his life here, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside to write some of the English language’s most enduring poetry. The landscape also proved a creative spark for the likes of Sameul Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter – who dedicated much of her life to protecting the Lake District’s beauty and heritage.
In all its beauty and diversity the Lake District remains as it has been for millennia, which is one of the reasons why in 2017 the national park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its river valleys, lakes and mountains home to an unique hill-farming culture and ancient heritage that has been carefully preserved. Here in the Lake District we know how to take good care of you; we’ve had plenty of practice.
Explore
Lake District Theatre Alan Ayckbourn's revival of THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE runs from 17 May – 1 June…
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Discover two remarkable Arts & Crafts houses in the Lake District in one afternoon. Blackwell – the…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Fell Foot For All is a day of activities championing accessibility to the outdoors for…
If you've ever been curious about how photography was done a century or more ago, this workshop…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
We're excited to present our first ever Green Film Festival to celebrate the Big Green Week! Five…
Join us for an incredible adventure in the Great Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
A Flagship fundraising event for Walking with the Wounded, individuals, companies and organisations…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 495
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Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
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4510 reviewsPenrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
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…
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1033 reviewsAmbleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
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143 reviewsConiston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
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809 reviewsCockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
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968 reviewsCumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
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1940 reviewsEskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storage
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 reviewsWindermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells. They are maintained to high standard so on arrival you can…
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849 reviewsKeswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Develop outdoor skills with us - we offer abseiling and navigation courses in Langdale, Coniston and South Lakes. These instructed courses are a great way to see the landscape, all while building confidence and skills in the outdoors.
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46 reviewsMillom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
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54 reviewsUllswater
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…
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL