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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.
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A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Join us for an incredible adventure in the Great Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Broadoaks is the fairytale Lake District wedding venue to host your special day. Steeped in…
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
We'll be hosting the wonderful Chuck Fish on the 17th of May. Hailing from Washington State, Chuck…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
If you fancy a challenge, why not Canoe the length of Windermere with us? We do this over 2 days…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience. Our bushcraft experiences are relaxed, fun and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
331 reviewsWindermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
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.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviewsGraythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and kayak hire. Journeying…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
331 reviewsConiston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsPenrith
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique & contemporary stylish retreat. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home awaits.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
218 reviewsSeascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Seascale
A small family-run boutique bed & breakfast in an enviable location. Superb views and a great base from which to explore the quieter part of the Lake District - its mountains, valleys & coastline.
Our contemporary interiors are designed to offer…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
272 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL