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A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care.…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on…
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
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PENRITH
Pay & Display. (NT members free).with 35 spaces.
For access to beachside picnics, watersports and a longer trail to visit the Aira Force waterfall. Glencoyne has direct lake access (road crossing necessary, please take care) and is also the centre…
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
PENRITH
Car park with 22 spaces. Located between Hartsop and Patterdale, Cow Bridge car park gives easy access to Brothers Water and Hartsop. Parking is free for National Trust Members but charges apply for non members.
PENRITH
Pay & Display. (NT members free). High Cascades has 35 spaces, Park Brow has 15 spaces.
Best for accessing the high fells or walking to Aira Force. These smaller pay and display car parks are located just off the A5091.
Pay & Display car park.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Pay & Display car park with 125 spaces.
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Ullswater Valley
The walk around Deepdale's skyline crest, taking in all its summits, is a rather surprising walk. In terms of distance it's not particularly long and in terms of height its summits are by no means highest in the Lake District, but for out and out…
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