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World Heritage Signature Experiences
Keswick and Ullswater
The Keswick and Ullswater region has one of the most dramatic settings of all Britain’s Neolithic stone circles; dramatic scenery of Skiddaw and Helvellyn in the northern fells; and is home to drama on stage at the most stunning location for a theatre in the UK.
With our partners Lakes Culture, we have selected some memorable and must-do World Heritage experiences in the dramatic north Lakes. Choose to do one or all of them, then find a great place to stay with our suggestions below.
Theatre by the Lake Summer Season
Described by The Telegraph as “the most gorgeously situated theatre in England”, Theatre by the Lake also has an enviable reputation for hosting award-winning productions, actors and providing visitors with an award-winning welcome. This spring, Theatre by the Lake will be entertaining us with A Streetcar Named Desire, a tribute play to Nina Simone, Great Expectations, shows and activities for families in the school holidays, the Words by the Water literary festival, Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival and the Keswick Mountain Festival.
The eagerly anticipated summer season at the theatre opens on 24 May. Time to get to the Lakes and see some amazing shows within our World Heritage scenery.
Mountain Goat Tour
Short on time? Not confident driving on our country roads? Want someone else to drive so you can concentrate on the views? Whatever the reason, it’s worth booking onto this half day tour with Mountain Goat.
Starting from Windermere you will experience a scenic tour that takes you over the Lake District’s highest mountain pass to enjoy the impressive views of Ullswater, stop at Castlerigg Stone Circle which is older than Stonehenge and the most impressive panoramic setting of all Britain’s stone circles. The tour takes you through the glacial valley of St John’s in the Vale and finishes with an opportunity to wander around the beautiful historic village of Grasmere.
Steamers for stops and sights around Ullswater
Environmentally accredited attraction, Ullswater Steamers has been operating on Ullswater lake over 150 years.The heritage vessels take in stops and sights around the 14.5km long lake that tell the story of our cultural landscape.
In spring you can see the daffodils Dorothy Wordsworth wrote about in her diaries that inspired some of the most famous lines in English poetry. There are stops at the spectacular Aira Force waterfalls and Glenridding, where you can start your hike to the Helvellyn summit towering over the lake. Or you can just sit back and admire the same stunning views that inspired JMW Turner.
Help conserve our World Heritage site and enjoy great savings on travel around the Lake District with Northern Rail and Stagecoach buses
Explore Deep Inside Honister Slate Mine
Following the original underground mine workings at England’s last working slate mine, you can experience the adrenaline of vertical climbs, rope-bridge crossings and steel ladder ascents deep inside the 900 year old mine in the heart of Fleetwith Pike. This is a unique experience to discover a secret world of hidden passages and magnificent caverns where miners used to extract rock for roofing slates. The Climb the Mine experience ends as you emerge outside to a spectacular view of one of England’s highest mountain passes.
Minimum age is 10 years and older and 1.3 meters and taller. All essential equipment will be provided by Honister on arrival.
More info on Honistor Mine and to book
To own an authentic piece of the Lake District’s 450 million year history, you can purchase beautiful Honister Green Slate products in the shop after Climbing the Mine or online
We have a collection of great places to stay around the Keswick and Ullswater area.
Please click any of the links below to view details and book your stay.
Graysonside Guest House
Graysonside Guest House offers a warm welcome, high quality spacious accommodation and delicious cooked breakfast. All rooms have free wi-fi and off-road parking.
Badgers Wood
**Finalist in the UK's Friendliest B & B Awards as sponsored by the well regarded AA** Badgers Wood guest house is situated in a quiet residential cul-de-sac and has private off street parking.
The Keswick Country House Hotel
A short walk away from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in 4 acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel has a Victorian conservatory and cocktail bar, as well as a beautiful restaurant.
Scales Farm Country Guest House
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Link House by Bassenthwaite Lake
Link House is perfectly situated for a Lakeland holiday. Built in late Victorian times the house enjoys views over both fells and open countryside close to Bassenthwaite Lake and has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Glenridding House
Iconic, lakeshore villa, recently restored to a five star boutique country house B&B.
Littlefield
Littlefield has 4 en suite bedrooms with TV and is 5 minutes walk to the town and close to the lake and theatre. Many lovely walks start from our door. We pride ourselves on our warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere.
Leonards Field House
A traditional lakeland Guest House serving outstanding, locally sourced, freshly prepared breakfasts and offering high quality, recently decorated and well-equipped rooms. Only 2 minutes from centre of Keswick.
Rooms36
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Beech House
Beech House is a family run guest house offering a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is situated in the small village of Glenridding in the beautiful Eden valley.
The Cottage in the Wood
Peaceful 17thC country hotel situated in the heart of the Whinlatter Forest with stunning views of the Skiddaw mountain range. Freshly cooked local and seasonal foods in our award-winning restaurant.
Bramblewood Cottage Guest House
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
Barn Croft
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Lowther Barn Tearoom and B&B
Lowther Barn B&B rooms provide modern comforts in a secluded rural location on the east side of Ullswater. 2 double ensuite rooms with continental breakfast.
Lanefoot Farm Pods & Shepherds Hut
The camping Pods and The Shepherds' Hut at Lanefoot Farm Campsite present a glamping alternative to camping. Affordable accommodation already set up on site. Just bring everything you usually bring to camp, but leave the tent behind!
Crookwath Cottage
Crookwath Cottage is the ultimate hideaway cottage. Aga, wood fires, walks straight from the door onto the Dodds. Sleeps 2-6 people. Cost range between £595-£1295per week. Private 25 acre woodland along the Aira Beck.
Royal Oak Hotel
The Royal Oak is a traditional Lakeland hotel ideally situated 6 miles south of Keswick. Once an 18thC farmhouse, and former miners tavern, it is still the perfect base from which to explore the Lake District.
Elm How, Cruck Barn & Eagle Cottage
Near Patterdale and Glenridding, we have 3 self-catering holiday cottages all offering quiet, comfortable accommodation. Elm How, sleeps 8 and Cruck Barn, sleeps 2 are in the Grisedale Valley above Patterdale, near Ullswater.
The Coach House, Derwent Cottage
The Coach House is a ground-floor, 1-bedroom apartment with access through French windows to secluded gardens. It offers comfortable and peaceful accommodation for the less abled in a location ideal for exploring.
Fleetwith Midtown Cottages
Nestled between Keswick and Cockermouth at the end of Whinlatter Pass. Fleetwith Midtown Cottage offers stunning views over the fells. Lorton village has a dog friendly local pub which is within easy walking distance and a village shop.
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