England’s highest peaks, many light-reflecting lakes, unique flora and fauna and magical landscapes…this is why the Lake District has fascinated people for centuries. Located in the Cumbria region of England, this national park is famous for having hosted and inspired some of the greatest romantic authors and poets of the 18th and 19th centuries. Nowadays, it is mostly a must-visit travel destination…
“ I was wandering lonely like a cloud, which floats above the valleys and the mountains, when suddenly I saw a cloud, a crowd of golden daffodils; beside the lake, under the branches, flapping their wings and dancing in the breeze. So begins the poem The Daffodils by William Wordsworth, written following one of his countless walks through the Lake District . A testament to the diversity of resources and extraordinary vistas of England’s largest natural park…
Summary
- The Lake District: a unique place steeped in history.
- A true literary journey…
- Many activities and breathtaking panoramas!
The Lake District: a unique place steeped in history.
With a total area of 2,362 km2, the Lake District remains to this day the largest park in England . There are also the highest peaks, the deepest lakes in the country and magnificent forests covering more than 12% of the surface of the park. Its natural diversity even allowed it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
The flora and fauna of the Lake District are abundant and unique. The park plays a crucial role in the preservation of rare species . Squirrels, horses, birds, sheep, fish… are just some of the many animals you can find on your way!
In addition to its natural resources, the park is a historical region with countless monuments, museums and archaeological sites.
Hadrian’s Wall , a famous Roman remnant marking the border between England and Scotland since the year 122, is only a few miles from the Lake District . At the heart of the park are also the magnificent castles of Muncaster and Lowther, as well as more recent museums on the history of rum or the comic duo Laurel and Hardy .
A true literary journey…
The Lake District is also famous for being a major source of inspiration for English romantic poets and authors. John Keats, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and of course William Wordsworth all resided there for a time.
The romantics found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in these sublime panoramas, the natural beauty and the calm of the park far from all civilizations and human degradation.
In 1810 William Wordsworth – one of the most iconic ‘ Lake Poets’ – published his ‘ Guide to the Lakes’ a comprehensive guide to the park in poetic prose that has become a staple. It is also now possible to visit the homes of Wordsworth and other…
The children’s novelist Beatrix Potter was also inspired by the landscapes of the Lake District for her bestseller Peter Rabbit . In his homage, the park now offers many attractions inspired by his life and work that will appeal to young and old alike.
Many activities and breathtaking panoramas!
In addition to its many museums, it is of course also difficult to visit the Lake District without going through – as its name suggests – one of its very many lakes. You can then indulge in many water activities , from simple swimming to kayaking and windsurfing. The more sedate will be able to appreciate the various aquariums and animal reserves of the park.
The Lake District has some of the most beautiful walking routes in the world . Some trails are also accessible and equipped for people with reduced mobility or with disabilities. A perfect opportunity to observe with your own eyes the natural diversity and the sublime landscapes of the park.
In order to further satisfy sports enthusiasts, climbing and tree climbing courses are also available. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the many restaurants and pubs in the park. Indeed, the Lake District is also famous for its gastronomy . It was even named one of the best places to eat in England!
All the more reasons to try the adventure…
