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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.
Scafell Hotel
Situated in the heart of Borrowdale Valley just off the main road which goes to Buttermere, The Scafell Hotel was formerly a coaching inn, frequented by travellers making the journey over Honister Pass from Keswick to Cockermouth.
Bramblewood Cottage Guest House
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
The Kings Head
A former 17thC coaching inn situated at the foot of Helvellyn in the heart of the Lake District, The Kings Head is surrounded by spectacular scenery with unsurpassed views toward St Johns in the Vale, Blencathra and Skiddaw.
Elm How, Cruck Barn & Eagle Cottage
Near Patterdale and Glenridding, we have 3 self-catering holiday cottages all offering quiet, comfortable accommodation. Elm How, sleeps 8 and Cruck Barn, sleeps 2 are in the Grisedale Valley above Patterdale, near Ullswater.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Patterdale Hotel
Gardens with seating, idyllic scenery, spectacular views, real ales, rural setting. Home from home comforts.
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.
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.
The Lingholm Estate
11 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.
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.
Link House by Bassenthwaite Lake
Link House is perfectly situated for a Lakeland holiday. Built in late Victorian times the house enjoys views over both fells and open countryside close to Bassenthwaite Lake and has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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!
Fleetwith Midtown Cottages
Nestled between Keswick and Cockermouth at the end of Whinlatter Pass. Fleetwith Midtown Cottage offers stunning views over the fells. Lorton village has a dog friendly local pub which is within easy walking distance and a village shop.
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.
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.
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.
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