Lake District

Lake District National Park UK location map

National Parks in England and Wales

A591 road, Lake District - June 2009 Edit 1

Scafell massif

Westmorland cairn Great Gable

Glenridding, Cumbria, England - June 2009

Lake District

The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes, forests, and mountains (or fells), and its associations with William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets and also with Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin. The Lake District National Park was established in 1951 and covers an area of 2,362 square kilometers. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Geography

The Lake District is located entirely within the county of Cumbria. All the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level lies within the National Park, including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. It also contains the deepest and largest natural lakes in England, Windermere and Wastwater respectively.

History

The area now known as the Lake District has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The Romans also left their mark on the Lake District, building forts and roads. In the Middle Ages, the area was part of the Kingdom of Strathclyde and later the Kingdom of Scotland before becoming part of England. The picturesque scenery of the Lake District has been appreciated since the 18th century, with the area becoming a popular destination for tourists in the 19th century, particularly after the arrival of the railways.

Culture

The Lake District has a rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its literary associations; poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Robert Southey spent much of their lives in the Lake District. Their works express their love for the natural beauty of the landscape, which has inspired many artists and writers over the years. The region's connection to Beatrix Potter, who owned a farm in the Lake District and set many of her famous children's stories in the area, is also celebrated.

Tourism

Tourism is now the major industry in the Lake District, with millions of visitors coming each year to enjoy the scenery, the walking, and the tranquility of the lakes and mountains. Popular activities include hiking, boating, cycling, and rock climbing. The Lake District is also known for its inns, pubs, and restaurants, many of which serve local Cumbrian specialties.

Conservation

The Lake District National Park Authority works to protect the landscape and wildlife of the Lake District while accommodating tourists. Conservation efforts are focused on maintaining the natural beauty of the area, preserving its ecosystems, and supporting sustainable tourism practices.

See also

• National Parks of England and Wales
• Geography of England
• Tourism in England