Add to shortlist button.
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 Spring 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.
Patterdale Hall Estate
In a magnificent mountain setting at the southern tip of Ullswater in the English lake District, Patterdale Hall Estate is ideally situated for holidays and outdoor activities. Comfortable range of accommodation from lodges to bothies.
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.
Southwaite Green Farm
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'.
The Patterdale Hotel
Gardens with seating, idyllic scenery, spectacular views, real ales, rural setting. Home from home comforts.
Larry's Lodge
Traditional Lakeland slate Victorian guest house. Quiet location. Some rooms with fell views. Exclusively non smoking for your comfort.
Bawd Hall
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large lounge, open fire, garden room, large kitchen/dining room, utility, CH, double-glazing and cycle storage.
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.
Hundith Hill Hotel Limited
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside. With 25 rooms, function suites, restaurant, bar & lounge, Hundith Hill is the perfect venue for country escapes.
Stone Cottage
EnjoyEngland gold award 2008. A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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.
Ashness Farm
Our family welcome you to experience the charm of Lakeland from within a working fell farm with its origins in the 16thC. We have 5 double/twin en suite rooms, 3 with baths, each having a spectacular view across Derwentwater.
Broadrayne Farm Cottages
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm buildings nestling round a picturesque farmyard in the beautiful Vale of Grasmere.
The Leathes Head Hotel
A stunning Edwardian Country House Hotel situated in two and a half acres of private grounds with a Bar, Lounge & Rosette Restaurant with dishes freshly prepared by the hotel’s award-winning chef.
Hazel Bank Country House
Award-winning Hazel Bank, an early Victorian country house, stands secluded and peacefully amidst beautiful 4-acre gardens with breathtaking views of Great Gable and other central Lakeland fells. Recently refurbished to exacting standards.
Glencoe Guest House
A charming Victorian home, capturing its original character, offering a warm friendly welcome. Run by outdoor enthusiasts with local knowledge of fells and surrounding area, whose aim is to please. Cycle storage, drying room, flask filling
Broad How
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.
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.
The Byre
A barn, formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor known as a hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Keswick View
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
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.
Like what you see? Follow us
