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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?
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning…
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.…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
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.
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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.
Penrith
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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsPenrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
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…
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise. This is a unique and very special memory making experience for early bird enthusiasts plus it's a great opportunity to meet local photographers,…
Cumbria
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. Departs Glenridding pier at 7 pm, returning at 9pm.
Pooley Bridge
A Gin experience like no other! A special Marmalade gin tasting on board a two-hour evening cruise with Chestnut House to celebrate the famous Dalemain Marmalade Festival. Profits from ticket sales will be donated to Dalemain Marmalade Festival…
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
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…
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1481 reviewsPooley 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.
Ullswater
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house, sleeping 14, ideally sited in an acre of grounds, 0.5 mile from village of Patterdale, pub and shop. Restaurants, steamer and boat hire 1.5 miles.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
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