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short, rotating video clips of the lake district national park in spring, capturing a range of spring landscapes and heritage
Welcome to the

Lake District
National Park

It's 7:19pm
Drizzle and 4°C

Home to vibrant communities and rare wildlife, the Lake District is both a protected National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where lakes, trails, and cultural heritage are woven into breathtaking landscapes. Explore. Connect. Protect.

16 Large lakes to explore
15,512 Archaeological sites
40,000+ Local residents
2,177km Public footpaths

The essentials

Windermere with a paddleboarder, kayaker and a small white motorised boat and sailing boat on the calm water. wooded lakeshore and fells in in the distance. blue sky with some clouds Explore
Red Squirrel on woodland floor eating Protect
Two large semi-detached two storey slate lake district cottages with well kept gardens, a dry stone wall, gravel driveway and surrounding trees Planning
Farming Officer and farmer walking across farm land with drystone walls and trees on a warm, orange light evening Authority
patch of bluebells on rocky and grassy ground

Our new website has landed

Start exploring our brand new Lake District National Park Authority website. It’s friendly, accessible and interactive, so you can quickly find what you need.

More information on our blog

Discover and protect

Lots of Herdwick sheep

Farming

Farming has a special place in the Lake District National Park at the heart of its communities, a core part of the economy and shaping the landscape over centuries that millions of people love to visit every year.

medium sized stone barn nestled amongst dry stone walls and lush green fields with a large green leaved tree behind

Heritage

Discover the Lake District’s unique heritage and historic landscape, and understand how we manage and protect its distinctive character, special qualities and World Heritage status.

bright orange and yellow evening sunset lighting the distant fells and streets of Ambleside village, lined with shops, benches and bushes

Communities

At the National Park Authority, we work together with local communities to help shape how this landscape is conserved, enhanced, understood and enjoyed.

landscape view of fell foot. sunny day, water body surrounded by lush green fields and woodland

Partnership

Formed in 2006, the Lake District National Park Partnership works together in the best interest of the Park and English Lake District World Heritage Site, its environment, communities, economy and visitors.

lush green grass, white wild flowers, trees and distant fells surrounding a calm, reflective lake. sunny day with a few white clouds

Climate action

Read about the impact of climate change and what climate action we’re taking to save the future of the Lake District.

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Visiting the Lake District

Plan your visit
Teel walking boot stepping on orange stone
Places to go
close up of wooden gate being closed with blurred brown vegetation behind
Countryside code
A couple, including a woman in a yellow jacket using a mobility scooter beside a lake
Miles without Stiles
Two young children and adult female instructor sat amongst orange and green reeds and tall grasses on a wooden platform. The children and adult are wearing outdoor coats, holding a ponds net above a vegetation covered pond

Learning

Our Learning team are dedicated to inspiring young people and communities. Find out more about the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site, discover learning resources and see opportunities for educational visits.

Learn about the Lake District

National Park Authority information

Committee meetings

View past and upcoming committee meetings.

Work with us

Explore current opportunities with the Authority.

Local plan

View the plan guiding development in the Park to 2035.

Planning portal

Search and comment on planning applications in the Park.

How we protect the National Park
How we protect the National Park

Find out more

Latest news from the Park

View all news
Volunteers spent more than 3,200 days maintaining fells in 2025
Volunteers spent more than 3,200 days maintaining fells in 2025
School kids help Rangers plant more than 1,500 trees along footpath
School kids help Rangers plant more than 1,500 trees along footpath
Advice for Lake District dog walkers ahead of National Dog Walking Day
Advice for Lake District dog walkers ahead of National Dog Walking Day
Lake District farmers to benefit from funding extension
Lake District farmers to benefit from funding extension

Explore the Lake District your way

Discover routes for your outdoor adventure

Find walking and riding routes for all abilities and get the info you need to plan your visit with confidence. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a full-day hike, we’ve got you covered.

three muslim hikers standing on wansfell pike summit with view of lake and lowland woodland behind
Find a walk or ride route There's routes and trails for all abilities.
wheelchair user facing away from camera on a wooden boardwalk amongst green woodland
Miles Without Stiles Plan your visit and enjoy an adventure for all abilities.
white adult female in grey walking clothing stepping on a stone path amongst dark green woodland white adult female in grey walking clothing stepping on a stone path amongst dark green woodland
How to be

#LakeDistrictKind

Things to know before you go, tips to plan a great trip and help us look after the landscape you love.

Be Lake District Kind