Come and visit us in the beautiful landscape we call home

The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile circular walking route encompassing some stunning views, beautiful lakes and lush green plains. There’s a world of diverse wildlife to be spotted and scenery to take your breath away. This walk makes for the perfect pick – as it offers a little something for all ages and abilities.

A circular route around the outline of the lake – the walk encompasses the towering heights of Helvellyn, the stunning Striding Edge (one famous British fellwalker and writer Alfred Wainwrights’ favourite spots) and the green and craggly Martindale Valley. This walk is perfect if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside – and you are certain to feel at peace in these stunning surrounds.

The route includes long stretches of open fell and farm-land, beautiful lake views and winding footpaths that link with all four of the lake’s piers as well as the roaring Aira Force waterfall and the pretty villages of Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding.

And if you get a little tired from all the walking, you can even combine your hike with a quick cruise on-board a historic “steamer” – a heritage boat that will whisk you across the lake. You can take the Ullswater Steamer from either side of the lake – just hop aboard and enjoy the journey.

Aira Force is a striking waterfall embedded in the rocks, making for an idyllic viewpoint or picnic spot.

This stunning waterfall is probably one of the most famous in the Lake District – the full drop a towering 70 feet, from below a stone footbridge plunging into the waters below. Surrounded by woodland, the walk up to Aira Force is every bit as beautiful as the waterfall itself – and is well worth the visit.

From the top of the waterfall you will find views of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, a lush green arboretum and a rocky landscape.

Nestled within the stunning western flanks of the North Pennines, you will find the lush U-shaped valley that is High Cup Nick. A certified Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this mountain and valley is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pennines for good reason!

On the Pennine fellside you will find a deep chasm – a dramatic geological formation that sits at the top of High Cup Gill, and is part of the well-known Whin Sill. Overlooking the most glaciated valley in Northern England – at this spot you will see some beautiful grey-blue dolerite crags, which also form the stunning natural structures of High Force and Cauldron Snout.

High Cup Nick is found on the Pennine Way – which can be reached from Cow Green Reservoir on the border of Cumbria and County Durham, or by Dufton in the Eden Valley.

The ruins of a castle and its gardens sit on the limestone escarpment at the northern edge of the Lake District National Park in Lowther. This stunning Grade II listed site contains the remnants of at least three significant buildings and an old, abandoned gardens – one of the country’s most significant and beautiful gardens, one-time famous, but unseen for almost a century until recently opened to the public.

This summer sees the redesign of the courtyard and a brand new exhibition telling the compelling story of Lowther Castle’s history. Lowther Castle is also home to the fun-filled The Lost Castle – a hand-built, architecturally designed playground made from eleven miles of sustainably sourced timber – built high in the tree canopy.

The Lost Castle is one of the biggest adventure playgrounds in the country – and absolutely certain to capture your little ones’ imaginations! The Lost Castle has been designed for families to enjoy together, is perfect for kids upwards of three, and is accessible to wheelchair users.