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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.
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.
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.
Greystoke House
Typical Victorian Lakeland town house, ideal base for walking, cycling and touring. Two minutes walk from the centre of town, lake and main bus links. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, providing good hearty breakfasts.
Cragside
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the rooms enjoy fine views of the surrounding fells. Bedrooms are well equipped and the breakfast room overlooks the small front garden.
Badgers Wood
**Finalist in the UK's Friendliest B & B Awards as sponsored by the well regarded AA** Badgers Wood guest house is situated in a quiet residential cul-de-sac and has private off street parking.
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.
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.
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
Melbecks Holiday Cottages
Named after the crag high on the side of Skiddaw, Randel was originally a farmstead byre and is detached from the main barn conversion.
The Lodge in the Vale
The B&B 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.
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.
Brun Lea Guest House
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Claremont House
Claremont House is a large detached period property set in grounds of an acre. There are 3 king, 1 family and 2 super king/twin bedded rooms all with private ensuite shower facilities. There is guest parking, cycle storage and free Wi-Fi.
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.
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.
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.
Grasmere Independent Hostel
This small, quiet, deluxe hostel is superbly situated on a farm in the heart of the Lakes, adjacent to the Coast to Coast route. See the best of Lakeland from our doorstep
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.
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.
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