Activities & Attractions

Ullswater, often compared to the likes of Lake Lucerne and referred to as England’s most beautiful lake. The lake runs a serpentine course in three reaches with Helvellyn crowning the plateau at the head of the lake; at 3117 ft it is England’s third highest mountain.

Ullswater Steamers create the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District. With miles of bridleways linked by ‘Steamer’ routes there are so many opportunities for exploring the area, there is a circular walk around Maiden Castle which starts and ends at Waterfoot, itself.

A valley with a rich biodiversity of wildlife whose ancient woodlands and fells provide breeding habitats for some of our rarer species such as red deer, red squirrels and barnacle geese.

For guests interested in other heritage attractions, Dalemain Estate surrounds the Park and Dalemain House and Gardens are less than two miles distant.

If you fancy a walk, why not visit the Bronze Age Stone Circle. Moor Divock is rich in antiquities dating to the Early Bronze Age. The Cockpit is the largest of several monuments found on the moor with a diameter of 25m.Many of the stones are now fallen but the tallest of those stones still upright are just under a metre.

A short drive along the lake road will bring you to the National Trust’s Aira Force Waterfall; at 70ft the Aira waterfall cascades over a dramatic gully and if you are lucky the sun’s light forms a prismatic effect to create the famous Aira Rainbow.

Penrith is the local market town and offers all-weather facilities with an indoor swimming pool with a climbing wall, a golf course and excellent shopping, whether it’s for local produce or your high street names.

Walk 1 – From Pooley Bridge
Take a short walk around Dunmallard Hill, there is a fantastic vantage point at the tops and look out for red squirrels!

Walk 2 – Pooley Bridge to Howtown
From the Pier walk to the village and follow the road to Roehead then follow the footpath on up to the Stone Circle and down the side of the fell to Howtown Pier. There is a low level option on this route (6 miles/9km)

Walk 3 – From Howtown
Follow the footpath around Hallin Fell to Sandwick and return along the shore, through the woods (3 miles/5km)

Walk 4 – Howtown to Glenridding
From Howtown walk back on the footpath along the shore and through the woods. This path is easy to find and offers spectacular views of Ullswater, with Helvellyn – Englands third highest mountain rising above the ancient wooded foothills (7 miles/11km)