There is no denying that the Lake District is truly a national treasure. From gorgeous scenery and stunning wildlife, to fun activities and fantastic cultural heritage. The Lakes attract visitors from all over the world eager to see what the fuss is all about. Every year, an estimated 9.17 million people choose this area of the country as a holiday destination.
The Lake District is not just popular amongst tourists; artists gravitate towards this beautiful region too. From Daniel Dafoe who considers it the most frightful place he’s ever seen: “bounded by a chain of almost impassable mountains”. To Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth who both made it their home.
But what exactly makes the Lake District so special for everyone who visits?
The Lake District is now part of UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, this honour was a long time coming. The dramatic landscapes of the Lakes are unrivalled; the essence of ‘English countryside’ and each picturesque village seems to have stepped straight out of a postcard.
Covering an area of 2,362 square kilometres, the Lakes are characterised by mountains - with Scafell Pike being the tallest at 978 metres. Vast and beautiful lakes - the largest and most popular is Windermere. Fauna like the red squirrel; ancient woodland, plenty of rivers and tarns and endless acres of farmland.
The lovely natural diversity of the area is truly one-of-a-kind. It's a big part of why so many people want to visit the Lakes every single year.
Another reason why so many people are captivated by this area is The Lakes unique geology. These complex formations date back to nearly 500 million years ago and provide evidence of colliding continents, deep oceans, ice sheets and so much more. The rocks found in the Lakes are also essential to providing a deeper understanding of the climate in the past. It’s possible to explore areas where you’ll have the chance to find slate, limestone and granite.
The landscape of the Lakes also reflects a long history of human settlement dating back to the last Ice Age. If you’re a bit of a history aficionado, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Roman roads and forts, stone circles and castles peppered across the region.
The Lakes is one of the most diverse regions in the UK, and this includes animals, plants and flowers. Whether you’re holidaying with the family, with friends or alone, you can’t miss out on the opportunity to see the amazing species that make the area their home. These include otters, rabbits, deer and ospreys. When it comes to the flora of the Lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the beautiful Alpine Catchfly, Pyramidal Bugle and Moss Campion when you visit.
It’s impossible to talk about the Lake District and not include the delicious food you can enjoy in the area. Some of the most popular delicacies include Cumberland sausage, sticky toffee pudding, Kendal mint cake, Grasmere gingerbread, damsons and rum butter. With so many treats to try, you’ll want to return time and time again to experience them all.
Sightseeing is not the only thing you can do here so, if you’re looking for fun activities, the Lake District is the place to be. In fact, the Lakes has the highest number of outdoor activity centres in the UK and is considered the birthplace of British mountaineering. From hiking to water sports (like windsurfing), you won’t lack for opportunities to have fun.
After a fantastic day out exploring the best of nature, what better place to chill and unwind than a luxury holiday cottage in the Lake District?
