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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?
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
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…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
Choose to either swim at night under the light of the full moon or during the new moon when you can…
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Pooley Bridge
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor clothing and a "canine corner" so you can spoil your best friend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1029 reviewsCumbria
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
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.
Penrith
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Howtown, Penrith
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on beautiful Ullswater from March until November with something for everyone, young and old, novices or experienced sailors.
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
436 reviewsUllswater
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
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.
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.
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
1029 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
436 reviewsCumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
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…
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…
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…
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1479 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL