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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.
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.
The Lodge in the Vale
The Lodge is all en suite with satellite TV, full range of internet access including broadband and wifi. The residents' lounge has breathtaking views and has a feature fireplace with real fire. Pets welcome by prior arrangement.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Elegantly offering the perfect combination of romance, luxury and lakeside adventure - The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa radiates countryside sophistication.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lyzzick Hall Hotel
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Goodwin House Guest House
Goodwin House is a distinctive Victorian period guesthouse. A short walk to the town centre, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake. A warm and welcome awaits you with a quality Cumbrian breakfast made with carefully chosen local produce.
Fell House
Fell House Bed & Breakfast was built in circa 1884 and is a warm and friendly Victorian Lakeland House with lots of charm located in the beautiful North Lake District town of Keswick.
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.
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.
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 Horse and Farrier Inn
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
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