Ullswater
Overview
The second largest lake in the Lake District is nine miles long, snaking through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest. Steamers have stopped at the Ullswater villages of Glenridding and Pooley Bridge for 150 years, and boating, kayaking and horse riding are also available in the area.
Nearest hostel: YHA Patterdale
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Appleby
Appleby-in-Westmorland ia an attractive, historic, market town, famous for its horse fair that attracts a huge gypsy gathering each year. While here visit the Appleby Castle. Tours of th
Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill
Acorn Bank Garden is a National Trust garden, best known for its collection of herbs. Wander along the beck to the partially restored watermill. Visit the National Trust website
Walking and Rambling in Dufton
You can approach Cross Fell, the highest point along the Pennine Way from the hostel. Don't miss High Cup Nick, an impressive geological feature popular with walkers, and the North Pennines very
Brougham Castle
With panoramic views over the Eden valley, the 13th century castle has a maze of passages and spiral stairways to explore. The grounds also make it an ideal picnic spot. Visit the English Her
The Rheged Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it
Walking and Rambling in Patterdale
Situated on the Coast to Coast route, the hostel is great for accessing Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lakes.
Mountain biking in Windermere
There are miles of bridleways around the beautiful Troutbeck Valley and a challenging ride over Garburn Pass to the quiet Kentmere Valley.
Watersports in Patterdale
Ullswater, the second largest lake in England is great for a wide variety of watersports from sailing to windsurfing.
Aira Force Waterfalls
Indulge in impressive mountain scenery and a 65ft waterfall that inspired many of Wordsworth's great works. See the National Trust website See the Visit Cumbria website
Cycling in Dufton
There's fantastic road cycling around Dufton with lots of quiet roads making it suitable for all cycling abilities.
The Dalemain Estate
Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
Watersports near Helvellyn
Ullswater is great for a wide variety of water sports from sailing to windsurfing - you can even travel light and hire all the equipment you need from the sailing centre. A trip on the Ullswater St
Ullswater Steamers
1.5 miles A ferry service with great views of “England’s most beautiful lake”. Sails from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, stopping in the summer at Howtown.
Glenridding Sailing Centre
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit the Centre's website for more details.
Climbing in Patterdale
For the full mountain experience, serious climbers can try the exposed technical routes of Dove Crag, Raven Crag and Eagle Crag - three star routes within walking distance of the hostel.
St Patrick's Boat Landing and Bike Hire
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motor, fishing or rowing boat or cycle the shoreline on a Mountain bike. Visit the website