Ullswater

Ullswater, as featured on BBC2's Great British Railway Journeys

“I wandered lonely as a cloud”, wrote Wordsworth in his 1807 poem ‘Daffodils’, inspired by walking along the shores of Ullswater.

Ullswater is known as one of "England's most beautiful lakes," surrounded by dramatic mountains and inspiring Lake District countryside. The lake is the second largest in England at around nine miles long, but is less than a mile across. It is also the third deepest English lake at 250 feet deep.

Sir Donald Campbell set the world water speed record on Ullswater on July 23, 1955.  He piloted the jet-propelled hydroplane 'Bluebird K7' to a speed of 202.32 mph (325.53 km/h).

Watch the Ullswater destination video on YouTube.

Where to stay

Ullswater is the perfect place to unwind. You can choose to stay in and around Ullswater in traditional farmhouses, cosy cottages, welcoming guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs), fine hotels and self catering cottages.  There are also a great selection of well run caravan and camping sites around the lake.  All offering quality accommodation.

Local restaurants, cafes and inns provide local fare and cuisine to suit all tastes.

Pooley Bridge 

The village of Pooley Bridge is at the northern end of Ullswater.  Pooley Bridge has a good choice of places to stay.  There are also some lovely places to eat and a selection of small friendly shops.

The village of Pooley Bridge takes its name from a bridge over the River Eamont.  

The bridge, first erected in 1764 collapsed on 6 December 2015 when Cumbria was hit by Storm Desmond. It's replacement, the UK’s first stainless steel road bridge was officially opened on Friday 23 October 2020.

Measuring 128ft long, the landmark structure reconnects the Ullswater valley with a permanent new bridge.  You can read more in our news section.

Glenridding

Glenridding is a popular starting point for walkers and climbers going up Helvellyn - England's third highest mountain which includes Striding and Swirral Edges. 

Enjoy a cruise and soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful lake.  The Ullswater 'Steamers' carry passengers all year round. There are piers at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown plus a Pier at Aira Force which opened in June 2015.

Patterdale

Close to Glenridding is the small village of Patterdale – a popular area for walkers for Helvellyn. To the south of the village the main road winds its way up and across Kirkstone Pass to Ambleside and Troutbeck.  

Howtown and Brotherswater

Howtown offers a 'steamer' stop half way along the lake. Wainwright called the walk from Howtown back to Glenridding to be "the most beautiful of lake walks in the National Park."

Brotherswater is a small lake south of Ullswater at the foot of Kirkstone Pass. Originally called Broad Water it was renamed after two brothers drowned there in the 19th century. Kirkstone Pass is The Lake District's highest pass which runs between Windermere and Ullswater. 

Things to do

Ullswater is a great lake for sailing and canoeing, windsurfing and fishing.  You can hire rowing, sailing or small motor boats to explore the islands and bays at your own pace. There's an active sailing club, various activity centres and pony trekking too.

Walking and cycling

Follow one of the many scenic paths which skirt around the lake, much admired by Wainwright.  Or head up to the nearby fells such as Helvellyn for a full days hike. Look out for red deer or red squirrels along the way!

Go walking in search of the Spring daffodils on the shore line around Glencoyne.  These daffodils inspired Wordsworth to write his famous poem. Wordsworth once wrote of Ullswater, as being, "perhaps, upon the whole, the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords".

Visit the National Trust's Aira Force, where a series of waterfalls plunge through an attractive wooded ravine. Aira Force drops an impressive 65ft and is the perfect place for a family walk and picnic.

Try one of our cycle routes around Ullswater and explore the area on two wheels.

For more details of things to do, visit our Attractions listing. Visit our Events listing for full details of what's on in the area or contact one of the local Tourist Information Centres.

The Ullswater Way

The Ullswater Way is a stunning 20 mile route around Ullswater.  The route can be walked in either direction and from any starting point. Why not walk the route in shorter sections, using an open top bus or steamer to start your journey!

Download the official map and guide from the Ullswater.org website.  More information is also available on the Friends of the Ullswater Way website.

The Ullswater Way Heritage Trail consists of 12 heritage-themed installations along the 4 main sections of the Ullswater Way. Each installation celebrates an aspect of the Ullswater Valley’s heritage in harmony with the natural Lake District surroundings. Look out for the Poetry Stones, Dorothy Gate, Wainwright Sitting Stone, Roman Seat and many more.  You can read more and download the Heritage Trail leaflet from the Ullswater Heritage website.

The Dalemain Loop

The Dalemain Loop is a picturesque 5 mile (8km) circular walk linking to the Ullswater Way at Pooley Bridge. The route takes you northwards along the River Eamont to Dalemain Mansion and onto the village of Dacre with its ancient church and traditional pub.

The Loop is well signposted.  An illustrated account of the walk can also be found in the Official Guide to the Ullswater Way.  The guide is available from businesses around the Ullswater Way and Penrith Tourist Information Centre (TIC).  £1 for every copy sold donated to the National Park to help maintain the route.

Lowther Castle Loop

The Lowther Castle Loop is a lovely addition to the Ullswater Way.  From Lowther Castle, the circular 7.5 mile (12km) route follows the banks of the Lowther river.  It passes through the hamlet of Helton and then up to Askham Fell with its panoramic views.  It then returns through the charming village of Askham.

The Eamont Way - Penrith to Pooley Bridge

The Eamont Way is a signed walking trail of 5.5 miles (8.8km) connecting Penrith to Pooley Bridge. Starting at Penrith Railway Station, the route follows a signed walking route all the way to Pooley Bridge village via the beautiful River Eamont valley.  More information is available on the Friends of the Lake District website.

The Wordsworth Way

The Wordsworth Way is new 14 mile (22.5km) long route.  The route traces some of the favourite walking routes of William and his sister Dorothy. Linking Glenridding and Ambleside, it can be walked in a day or section by section.  

Variable difficulty and divided into 4 sections, the Way passes significant landmarks in his life.  Part of the Coast to Coast Path, the Wordsworth Way is also linked to the Ullswater Way.  For more information on The Wordsworth Way visit the Friends of the Ullswater Way website.

Ullswater on TV

Ullswater has featured on:

• Robson Green's Weekend Escapes on BBC2 in January 2024
• Susan Calman's Grand Days Out on Channel 5
• BBC1 comedy 'Home from home' starring Johnny Vegas.
• Channel 4's 'Walking through history' with Tony Robinson
• ITV1's 'Ade in Britain,'
• ITV1's 'The Adventurer's Guide to Britain,'
• BBC1's The Great British Weather
• ITV1's 'The Lakes' with Rory McGrath
   

Further information on the Ullswater Valley and Surrounding Area

• Accommodation in Eden - Details of 'where to stay' in and around Ullswater
• Eden Church Trails - Discover Eden's religious past through these fascinating routes.  Stop off at some of the area's most interesting and architecturally beautiful churches
• Lake District National Park - including Car Parking information
• Lake District Foundation - Fundraising and grant making foundation covering the whole of Cumbria
• National Trust - Aira Force and Ullswater
• Pooley Bridge Visitor Information Point
• Ullswater Information Centre
• Visit Ullswater website
• Watch as Lonely Planet Ambassador Chloe Gunning visits the Lake District without a car

For a free leaflet on Ullswater, please contact Ullswater Information Centre.