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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.
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.
Kirkstile Inn
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Brackenrigg
Brackenrigg is located in the Naddle valley 2.5miles from Keswick and 10 mins drive from Grasmere with magnificent views of Helvellyn and Blencathra, gardens and woodland to explore, delightful walking straight from your door.
Claremont House
Claremont House is a large detached period property set in grounds of an acre. There are 3 king, 1 family and 2 super king/twin bedded rooms all with private ensuite shower facilities. There is guest parking, cycle storage and free Wi-Fi.
Gill Brow Farm
A 17thC farm house on a working fell farm in the heart of Newlands Valley. Situated 5 miles from Keswick and 3 miles from Buttermere with unspoilt views across the valley to Catbells, Bullcrags and Scope End.
Manesty Holiday Cottages
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Greystoke House
Typical Victorian Lakeland town house, ideal base for walking, cycling and touring. Five minutes walk from the centre of town, lake and main bus links. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, providing good hearty breakfasts.
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.
Cragside
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the rooms enjoy fine views of the surrounding fells. Bedrooms are well equipped and the breakfast room overlooks the small front garden.
Lane Head Farm Country Guest House
Charming 18thC former farmhouse, close to Keswick & Ullswater. Set amid panoramic views of surrounding fells. Individually designed en-suite rooms, guest lounge, free onsite car parking, dogs welcome, cycle storage & free WiFi.
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.
Over Brandelhow
The views down the Borrowdale valley from the cottage must be some of the best in the area. The location is so peaceful and has great walks from the doorstep. The sitting room has an electric log effect fire.
Howe View
Howe View has magnificent views looking over Keswick and surrounding fells and offers local hospitality at its best. Easy access to Keswick and local pubs. Welcome tray on arrival.
Southwaite Green Farm
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'.
Apartment 7, Harney Peak
Luxury apartment in traditional Lakeland building equipped with all modern conveniences. Set in the peaceful village of Portinscale on the edge of Derwentwater, 1 mile from Keswick. Pubs\restaurants within walking distance.
Stair Cottage
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
The Patterdale Hotel
Gardens with seating, idyllic scenery, spectacular views, real ales, rural setting. Home from home comforts.
Wood Farm Self-Catering Cottages
Barn conversion situated in rural area close to Lorton Vale with easy access to Keswick and Cockermouth.
The Lingholm Estate
12 beautifully appointed self-catering retreats, set within The Lingholm Estate, which is situated on the Western Shore of Derwentwater in a superb location surrounded by amazing views of some of the best loved Lakeland fells.
Lanefoot Farm Campsite
Lanefoot Farm Campsite is a peaceful site in a picturesque setting, between Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater, with panoramic views of the surrounding fells.
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