
Things to Do near Ullswater
Ullswater Attractions
Whether you feel like fell walking, sailing, visiting historic sites or simply eating or drinking in one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafes, there really is something for everyone to enjoy near Ullswater, or the wider Lake District.
There are characterful villages close by that are worth a visit. Pooley Bridge (2 miles) and Glenridding (6 miles) both offering a good range of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Keswick, is only a 25 minute drive away. A trip over Kirkstone Pass will lead you to Bowness on Windermere or Ambleside making exploring the southern lakes easy. The historic town of Penrith is only 6 miles away where food shopping can be done at the numerous supermarkets. Penrith an abundance of delis, pubs and restaurants. The Rheged discovery centre (only a 10 minute drive away) hosts a range of activities including a two screen cinema.
Walks

There are walks directly from the doorstep, including Aira Force and Airy Crag. Little Mell Fell, one of ‘the Wainwrights’ is directly behind the cottage, ideal for an evening walk to watch the sunset.
For those who love walking, many of the popular fells are close by, including Place Fell, Hallin Fell, Sheffield Pike, St Sundays Crag and the well renowned Helvellyn. For those wanting a longer challenge, the 20-mile Ullswater Way passes close by to the cottage and takes in the whole of Ullswater lake.
Activities on Ullswater
Whether you choose to visit Pooley Bridge, Glenridding or Patterdale there are many places to visit around Ullswater.
Tongue Cottage is ideally located for exploring the Lake District. Ullswater, one of the most stunning lakes within the National Park is only a mile away and ideal for swimming, kayaking / canoeing, or walking the many paths that run along its shoreline. Alternatively book onto one of the Ullswater Steamers that run from various points along the lake to experience a different perspective of this incredible landscape. You can find out more information on the area, and ideas of things to do from the Lake District National Park website.

The Western Lakes

Venture a little further afield and you can explore the Western Lakes including Wasdale, Wastwater and the stunning beaches of the west coast of Cumbria, all less than an hour’s drive away. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go/explore-wastwater-eskdale-and-west-coast
In summer a free shuttle bus runs up Wasdale to help with traffic congestion, and meaning you don’t have to worry about parking: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/getting-to-the-lake-district/wasdale-shuttlebus
On the Lake
There’s plenty to do on Ullswater itself. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Take a scenic cruise on Ullswater steamers – ullswater-steamers.co.uk
- Hire a boat from St Patrick’s boat landing in Glenridding – stpatricksboatlanding.co.uk
- Learn stand up paddleboarding – ullswaterpaddleboarding.co.uk
- Or even take sailing lessons from one of the lake operators – glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk or ullswatersailingschool.com

Eat & Drink near Ullswater
There are many great restaurants, pubs and cafés close by – and even a microbrewery at the Brackenrigg Inn
- The Brackenrigg Inn, Watermillock – www.brackenrigginn.co.uk
- Granny Dowbekins Tearoom, Pooley Bridge – grannydowbekins.co.uk
- The Inn on the Lake, Glenridding – innonlake.co.uk
- 1863 Restaurant Pooley Bridge – 1863ullswater.co.uk
- The Quiet Site bar – The Quiet Bar – The Quiet Site
- The Rheged Centre is only a short drive away and has a café, gallery, shops, an indoor play area and a cinema – perfect on a rainy day.
Historical Sites
Described as one of the most beautiful stately homes in the North West of England, and home to the world famous marmalade festival, Dalemain is only a short drive away. Slightly further afield you can visit Lowther castle – Lowther Castle & Gardens – a stunning Lake District visitor attraction
There are also a good number of other historical sites nearby such as Penrith Castle and Carlisle Castle, Brougham Hall, and the Castlerigg Stone circle in Keswick.
Things to Do Around Keswick
Venture down the A66 to Keswick and Derwent Water, and you’ll find even more attractions such as
- Whinlatter forest – Whinlatter Forest | Forestry England
- Keswick – Keswick Information Centre : Lake District National Park
- Theatre by the Lake Keswick – https://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/theatre-by-the-lake