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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 National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
The Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show is an annual event for the whole family in the English Lake…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique viewing point for some of the…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
If you fancy a challenge, why not Canoe the length of Windermere with us? We do this over 2 days…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Like the poets of antiquity, Wordsworth turns to vocal groves as sites of commiseration and…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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If you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge yourself to go over the edge? We offer abseiling and climbing experiences to give you a unique perspective from real rock faces.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsEcclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Witherslack
A small, off the beaten track campsite with a warm welcome. An ideal base to explore all the Lake District has to offer without the crowds. With just 25 camping and campervan pitches, stunning views down the Winster Valley, on site shop, food van,…
Eskdale Valley
Experience canoeing on one of the Lake Districts most remote and impressive lakes and take a journey on the deepest lake in England taking in the views of the Scafell Massif.
Windermere
Moments from the eastern shores of Lake Windermere and set in seven acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland lies Briery Wood. The informal and friendly service is so good you’ll hardly notice it.
Graythwaite
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
334 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
965 reviewsRavenglass
The Ratty Arms is located on the platform of Ravenglass station on the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line, which runs past the main terminus of our narrow gauge railway. Guests can sit back and unwind with a drink, while watching the trains go by.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
875 reviewsAmbleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviewsWe offer a range of private group experiences across the county, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsWasdale
Ranging from small groups in steep wet gorges involving roped ascents, to the fun of group set challenges. It may involve short scrambles, possible squeezes and crawls or even a rough stream walk. It can take you to places on the fell that you’d…
Windermere
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as an exclusive hire or by the room, Lakes Hostel offers the flexibility and facilities to cater for large multi-generational family breaks, special…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
445 reviewsPenrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviewsNewby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Low Wray, Ambleside
The house overlooks lake Windermere, 3 miles from Ambleside. Situated through the main gates of Wray Castle and up the drive. A bird-watcher's paradise.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL