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 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.
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.
Greystones
Greystones enjoys an enviable location with splendid views of Skiddaw, Latrigg and Blencathra. lt is only a 3 minute walk to the shops, restaurants and pubs in the historic Market Square.
Retro Caravan at Manesty
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Inside Out Camping
Inside out offers luxury camping in six Yurts at Seatoller Farm in the stunning Borrowdale Valley.
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.
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.
Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Laurel Bank
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Southwaite Green Farm
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'.
Annes Catherine Cottage
Victorian terraced cottage with lovely conservatory, kitchen, diner, inglenook fireplace in lounge and small cottage garden to rear.
Overwater Hall Hotel
Grade II Listed building, peacefully secluded in 18 acres of grounds on the Back O'Skiddaw. Relaxed friendly care and personal, attentive service. Excellent reputation for food. Open log fire in winter.
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.
Great Gable
One of a small number of exclusive apartments and houses built on the lower slopes of Skiddaw and an enviable south facing location with fabulous views over Keswick and Derwentwater to Borrowdale and surrounding fells.
Hassness Country House
Hassness Country House is beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere.
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.
Ravenstone Lodge Hotel
The Lodge a Victorian building, originally a stable circa 1861, is situated at the foot of Skiddaw in its own 5 acres of spectacular Lake District countryside with splendid views towards Bassenthwaite Lake and the north western fells.
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.
Ullswater View Cottage
Location, location, location the three things you need for the perfect holiday cottage and this has all three. Ullswater View cottage was built for the miners of the Greenside Lead Mine and is situated 1/2 mile above Ullswater.
Stone Cottage
EnjoyEngland gold award 2008 and much improved since then. A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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.
Like what you see? Follow us
