You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Ullswater
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?
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is…
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on…
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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,…
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.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Ullswater
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…
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 reviewsPenrith
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1133 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 reviewsDalemain, Penrith
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
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…
Patterdale, Ullswater
At the heart of the village of Patterdale at the southern tip of Ullswater, the Patterdale Hotel is the perfect base for a walking holiday, while the tranquil surroundings are also perfect for a more relaxing break. You can be sure of home-from-home…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1345 reviewsHowtown, Penrith
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home to Swaledale ewes, cattle and calves. Farm activities such as lambing, dipping, shearing and working dogs can be seen and swans, ducks, cat.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsPenrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1133 reviewsPenrith
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven distinctive cottage units, each one offering ideal accommodation for convenient, flexible and leisurely family holidays.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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.
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
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting cruise with entertainment provided by Fiona Hanlon. Dogs not permitted on this event.
Glenridding
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing courses, corporate events, team building activities, youth group events, and family adventure days.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL