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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.
Brierholme Guest House
Distinctive Victorian House situated in town centre. Private parking. Lock up storage for motorbikes and bicycles.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Wordsworth Barn
Spacious, stylish, very well equipped barn conversion with spectacular views and idyllically located in a quiet position, only metres from the village amenities of Patterdale, a mile from the shores of 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.
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.
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.
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.
Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
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.
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.
Acorn House
Detached Georgian house set in well-maintained gardens. Spacious rooms, all have been tastefully refurbished. Four poster beds available. Quietly situated, yet close to the town centre and lake. Real log fires.
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.
Wordsworth Cottage
Stylishly renovated listed cottage, in stunning location, oozing character with woodburner, oak floors, beams mixed with contemporary bathrooms, sumptuous soft furnishings and incredible views.
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
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.
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