Often hailed as the most beautiful lake in England, Ullswater's captivating, dog-legged shape was carved by glaciers centuries ago. Surrounded by majestic fells, including the mighty Helvellyn range, it offers a quieter but no less spectacular alternative to Windermere. It is a place of serene beauty, famous for inspiring Wordsworth's "Daffodils" and for its iconic fleet of heritage 'steamers'.
Things to Do
Ride the Ullswater 'Steamers': An absolute must-do. These heritage vessels offer one of the best ways to experience the lake's grandeur, with piers at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, and Howtown. You can hop on and off to combine a cruise with a walk.
Visit Aira Force Waterfall: Managed by the National Trust, this spectacular 65-foot waterfall is a short, enchanting walk through woodland. It’s a perfect family-friendly outing.
Walk the Ullswater Way: This 20-mile circular route around the lake can be walked in sections using the bus or the steamers. The stretch from Howtown to Glenridding is particularly renowned for its stunning views.
Watersports: Hire a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to explore the lake's quiet bays and beaches at your own pace.
Where to Eat
The main villages of Pooley Bridge and Glenridding offer a great selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Pub Classics: The Pooley Bridge Inn and The Sun Inn in Pooley Bridge are popular choices for a hearty meal and a local ale. In Glenridding, Beckside Bar is a walker's favourite.
Fine Dining: For a special occasion, the area boasts some renowned hotels with award-winning restaurants, offering incredible food with equally incredible lake views.
Cafes & Tearooms: You'll find charming tearooms in both villages, perfect for a refuel. The National Trust cafe at Aira Force is also a great stop.
Where to Stay
Holiday Cottages: Renting a self-catering cottage in Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, or one of the quieter hamlets is a great way to immerse yourself in this stunning area.
Hotels: Ullswater is home to some of the Lake District's most grand and historic lakeside hotels, offering luxury, incredible views, and fine dining.
Guesthouses: From traditional farmhouses to village B&Bs, you'll find plenty of welcoming guesthouses offering a more personal touch.
Getting There & Around
By Car: From the M6, exit at Junction 40 (Penrith) and follow the A66 then the A592, which is clearly signposted for Ullswater. The A592 runs along the western shore, connecting Pooley Bridge and Glenridding.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Penrith. From there, the 508 bus service runs regularly to Pooley Bridge, Aira Force, and Glenridding, making it accessible without a car.
Parking: There are large pay-and-display car parks in Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, and at the Aira Force waterfall. Other smaller car parks and lay-bys can be found along the lake shore.
Walks around Ullswater
Aira Force Loop
An essential Ullswater walk. This enchanting family-friendly trail takes you through Victorian parkland and ancient woodland to the spectacular 65-foot Aira Force waterfall, a truly impressive sight after rainfall.
Explore Aira ForcePlace Fell
For one of the very best views of Ullswater, climb the rugged slopes of Place Fell. Starting from the eastern side of the lake, this challenging walk rewards you with a stunning panorama of the entire lake and the Helvellyn range.
Climb Place FellHelvellyn & Striding Edge
The ultimate challenge for experienced hikers. The classic ascent from Glenridding via the knife-edge ridge of Striding Edge is one of the most famous and thrilling mountain days in the UK, offering an unforgettable adventure.
Tackle HelvellynTours on Ullswater
While many tours of the wider Lake District depart from hubs like Windermere or Keswick, you can still find fantastic local experiences and boat trips starting right here. The best way to see the dramatic scenery of the Ullswater valley is often from the water itself.