Over the centuries, the Lake District has left an impression on visitors and inspired some of the world’s most celebrated writers and artists. From children’s authors to the Romantic Poets, and modern-day popstars, many have been influenced by the beauty of the Cumbrian landscape.
At Mill House Cottages, this month’s blog explores some of the famous faces and places of the Lake District. With a range of luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District, you have the ideal base for exploring the surroundings that have inspired many well-known works.
Some of the most influential people from the Lake District are arguably the Lakes Poets. William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey all found their home in the Lake District along with William’s sister, Dorothy. The Lakes Poets were known for their poetic themes of nature, innocence and growth.
Wordsworth is possibly the most famous Lake District poet. The area’s connections to him contribute largely to its popularity. He resided in Grasmere at Dove Cottage, which is now a museum dedicated to his life in the Lakes. He then moved to Rydal Mount, where he remained until his death. The beauty of the Lakes contributed to Wordsworth’s most famous work, including ‘I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud’, which was inspired by the golden daffodils of Ullswater.
Beatrix Potter first visited the Lake District at the age of 11. Best known for her illustrated stories of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and more, Beatrix Potter used the profits from her first book to purchase Hill Top Farm.
Hill Top House mimics Beatrix Potter’s life and showcases her original sketches, whereas Hill Top Farm remains a working farm. Additionally, The World of Beatrix Potter in Windermere brings the tale of Peter Rabbit and friends to life.
Famous for his characters, Postman Pat and Rosie and Jim, John Cunliffe lived in Kendal for many years. His inspiration for Postman Pat came from the Cumbrian countryside and Greendale was inspired by the valley of Longsleddale.
During his lifetime, Alfred Wainwright spotlit the Lake District. He is most famous for creating the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells; written and drawn by Wainwright himself. For avid walkers and admirers of the Lakeland landscape, his work has had a huge influence.
His work features 214 fell tops, which are known as ‘Wainwrights’, and the Wainwright Society keeps a register of all members who have climbed all of them.
One of the most recent connections to the Lake District is Taylor Swift. Featuring on her album, Folklore, ‘The Lakes’ is a reflective escape from fame, with the song capturing a deep longing to run away to a peaceful sanctuary. The lyrics also pay homage to the Lakes Poets.
With some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, the Lake District has been used numerous times as a backdrop for film and television. Some notable locations include both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite lakes. Featuring in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, they were used to film part of the planet of Takodana.
Coniston village became home to the set of Miss Potter, a film about the life of Beatrix Potter, starring Renée Zelwegger and Ewan McGregor. Additionally, parts of the 2016 film, Swallows and Amazons, included scenes shot around Coniston and Windermere.
If you’re looking to book a luxury cottage break in the Lake District, take a look at our properties. For more information, contact us to help you start planning.
