Ullswater hotels

Hotels in Ullswater

Ullswater is the largest lake in the Lake District, and the surrounding area is picturesque and relaxing. It's within the Eden Valley area of Cumbria, and is often favourably compared to Switzerland's Lake Lucerne. Mountains and rolling hills to the north are a striking contrast to the smooth, almost glacial surface of the lake.

Enjoy a beautiful waterside view from the many Ullswater hotels that border the lake. The area inspired the iconic poem ‘Daffodils' by William Wordsworth.

Exploring Ullswater

To learn more about the region, start at the Ullswater Visitor Information Centre. It has free wifi, advice on walking and cycling routes, and refreshments including drinks and ice cream.

Whether you travel around outside of the lake on foot or by car, the views are breathtaking and very rewarding. Ullswater is seven and a half miles long and a mile wide, so getting around it is simple.

The village of Glenridding is at the foot of the lake, and it acts as a starting point for climbers taking on Helvellyn, England's third-highest mountain. From the village, you can catch an Ullswater steamer for a serene boat trip across the lake.

Glenridding and Penrith are where you'll find useful facilities such as banks, pharmacies and post offices.

The Lake District

The mountains running across the national park create Ullswater's distinctive ‘z' shape.

Many visitors to the lake also admire the nearby Aira Force waterfall. There are viewing bridges above and below the waterfall, which drops for close to 21m. The path to the falls takes you through beautiful woodland and landscaped gardens.

Kirkstone Pass is between Ullswater and Lake Windermere. The section of walk from Ambleside to the very top is known locally as ‘The Struggle'. When you reach the top, have a celebratory drink at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, the highest pub in England.

Food and drink

There are restaurants, inns and tea rooms surrounding the lake. The Samling at Ambleside is the closest restaurant with a Michelin star.

For food fans, the local produce grown and made around the Lake District is a dream come true. The distinctively curled Cumberland sausage has its origins here, and Kendal Mint Cake has been sustaining hikers and mountain climbers for over a century.