The area has a wide range of landscapes and habitats that are either owned or managed by National Trust including some twenty-five tenanted farms. It contains around 650 hectares of woodlands as well as scattered copses and thousands of individual trees. It includes three arboretums at Skelghyll (which contains the tallest tree in Cumbria), High Close and Aira Force.
The Central & East Lakes boasts a number of interesting buildings notably Allan Bank, Townend, Bridge House, Galava Roman Fort and the Footprint. It also holds impressive gardens such as Stagshaw (renowned for its rhododendron and camellia collection), and Dora's Field (home of Wordsworth's daffodils). We even own and manage a pub the Sticklebarn Tavern, the proceeds of which help fund our conservation work
A visit to Cockshott Point or Millerground provides access to the shores of England's largest natural lake, Windermere. You'll also find access to the shores of Ullswater, Brotherswater, Rydal and Grasmere. We also undertake the repair and maintenance of a network of upland paths such as those leading up to the prehistoric axe factories in the Langdale Pikes and to the summit of Bowfell at over 900 metres.
We've got a variety of social networking sites so there's something for everyone whether you're planning a walk on the high fells, a 10km trail run, or maybe something a bit more leisurely such as a visit to one of our historic buildings. We'd love to hear from you so why not connect with us?
Grasmere & Great Langdale
Covering the whole of the Central and East Lakes but focusing mainly on Grasmere and Great Langdale. You can keep in touch with all the goings on by visiting the Central & East Lakes Rangers Blog.
If you're in Grasmere and after a bit of advice, or even just a chat, why not drop into the Grasmere Information Centre which is open from 1 March - 4 November, 9.30am - 5pm daily & 5 November - 29 February, 10am - 4pm daily.
The Fell Rangers
Dedicated teams of National Trust Rangers have been repairing and maintaining upland footpaths in the Lake District for over 25 years. The four man Central and Eastern Team operates in the valleys of Langdale, Grasmere, Windermere and Ullswater. Our upland footpath work is funded by Fix the Fells; a partnership formed by the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Nurture Lakeland, Natural England, The Field Studies Council and Friends of the Lake District. Follow the team via the National Trust Fell Rangers blog or on Twitter @NTCentralFells
Townend
An atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories.The Brownes of Townend in the Troutbeck valley were just an ordinary farming family: but their home and belongings bring to life more than 400 years of extraordinary stories.
Once inside, you are welcomed into the farmhouse kitchen with a real fire - burning most days - and a quirky collection of domestic tools. You can marvel at the intricately carved furniture and discover why the collection of books belonging to this farming family is of international importance. Find out all the latest news on both Facebook NTtownend and Twitter @NTtownend
Allan Bank
Allan Bank sits proudly above the head of Grasmere with luscious grounds and a breathtaking outlook.
With a rich history of notable tenants including William and Dorothy Wordsworth, as well as Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley one of the founders of the National Trust, Allan Bank has in the past been a hub of creativity and environmental reform. It has always been a residential property, but now plans are being made to open it to the public for the first time in its 206 year history.
Allan Bank is to be the subject of an exciting and unique National Trust project that will invite you to be a part of shaping the future of this once great early 19th century building. Keep up to date with everything via Facebook by visiting National Trust Allan Bank or follow their regular tweets for more information about Allan Bank and the surrounding area, just click on the link: @AllanBankNT
Sticklebarn
The Sticklebarn Tavern is a popular public house nestled away at the
bottom of Stickle Ghyll in the heart of Great Langdale. It was recently
acquired by the National Trust and is the only pub in the country to be
both owned and run by the National Trust, this means all the profits can
be ploughed back into helping conserve the area. To find out what's
been happening and for future events visit the NTSticklebarn Facebook Page
The Grasmere Gallop
The Grasmere Gallop is a trail run that had taken place for over 25 years until it lapsed in 2010. Due to local popular demand the Trust's Ranger Team took over the organisation of the event in 2011. The Gallop takes place each year on the second weekend in June, starting out at the Grasmere Sports Showfield. There's something for everyone, a 10 km Trail Run, a shorter 5.7km Fun Run, a Teddy Dash for the under 5's, and a 10km Nordic Walk. If you don't fancy breaking sweat why not just come along and browse the stalls at the showfield and cheer on the competitors. For more information and to join online visit the Grasmere Gallop website.
Explore more of the Lake District
For ideas of things to see and do in the Central and East Lakes, or even a little further afield in the Lake District the new National Trust Experience the Lakes website is well worth a visit.
If you're visiting us by car the map below shows the location of all National Trust car parks in the Lake District. If you're coming by bicycle many also have bike racks where you can securely fasten your bike.
View National Trust Car Parks in a larger map
