Explore Ullswater In The Lake District

The Lake District offers some of the most breath-taking scenery of anywhere in the world. You will find walks and cycle routes for all abilities as well as a historic house or two along the way. The Lake District was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2017 and hosts England’s largest natural lake, Lake Windermere.

The Northern Lake of Ullswater is a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas.

You can explore Ullswater by car, bicycle, boat or on foot. Take the Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge to Howtown Pier and then take the walking route from Howtown to Glenridding. This will take you between 3 and 4 hours depending on your pace. There are plenty of places to stop and cool off on the way and some beautiful spots for a picnic lunch.

Glenridding was severely flooded in 2015 and there is a display documenting the damage and the rescue and repair effort which is still ongoing.  If you are in need of some good food and drink after all that walking there are a number of good quality pubs and restaurants in the village.

Alternatively, take the steamer back to Pooley Bridge and check out the family friendly pubs and restaurants along the river Eamont.

Have a walk around the town of Penrith with its traditional style buildings and the George Hotel at its centre.

The historic houses of Askham Hall and Dalemain Mansion are located just outside Penrith. It is about a 30-minute drive from Penrith to Keswick, a larger bustling market town set at the shores of Derwent Water. You can enjoy the range of boutique shops and local eateries on offer in the town, or picnic by the lake.

Nearby Haweswater is one of the most unspoiled areas of the district. The drive around Haweswater takes you right beside its shores, and there are plenty of opportunities to park up and investigate further on foot.