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Welcome to Ullswater
The Lake District at its loveliest
To many people Ullswater is simply the perfect destination. Whether your quest is for sublime natural beauty or the best opportunities for outdoor activity along with interesting indoor attractions Ullswater’s nine mile length will provide the perfect setting and location.
The main reason for Ullswater’s appeal is immediately evident from whichever direction it is approached. The lake is seen against a breathtaking backdrop of mountain scenery. It is a truly dramatic picture, made all the more memorable by Ullswater’s mirrored surface and a gently curving shoreline of green fields, woodlands and sheer rock faces rising from the lake.
It is little wonder that so many artists and writers as well as visitors have named Ullswater as their favourite part of the Lake District.
So Much to Discover
There is certainly much to admire in this glorious landscape and plenty to discover too in the picture-postcard hamlets and villages around Ullswater. From historic sites and monuments to stately homes, visitor centres and unique Cumbrian craft, there is an opportunity to experience many different aspects of Lakeland life both past and present.
When it comes to eating, Ullswater offers just as varied a menu. Around the lake you will find a superb choice of restaurants – including some internationally-acclaimed establishments – plus cafes and pubs, many featuring delicious local specialities.
If you choose to make Ullswater your holiday base, you will be delighted by the range and quality of accommodation available. We have quality hotels, charming guest houses and bed and breakfasts, farmhouses and self-catering accommodation, as well as excellent caravan and camping parks to suit every visitor's accommodation needs.
You could spend 2 weeks in Ullswater and still not exhaust all the possibilities for outdoor discovery. Many of the Lake District’s most famous fell walks have their starting point from around Ullswater, including the magnificent trek up to Helvellyn’s summit via Striding Edge.
More paths to pleasure
There are plenty of other heady delights awaiting the experienced walker, but Ullswater is also a paradise for those who prefer to follow less strenuous paths. Around the lake and valley are many delightful low-level trails, leading the walker on foot through stunningly beautiful countryside where many discoveries await - from cascading waterfalls to herds of wild red deer and the occasional red squirrel.
If you have come to the Lake District for adventure activity Ullswater is the place to be! Rock climbing, pony trekking, mountain biking, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing are just some of the sports which can be enjoyed here at virtually any skill level. Complete novices are well catered for with a wide variety of accredited Outdoor Centres which provide equipment hire and professional instruction.
Another way to enjoy the spectacular panoramas of Ullswater is from the ‘steamers’ which regularly sail the length of the lake, calling at different landing stages en route.