If you’re the type of traveller who scans the tourist guides looking for the best bars or most popular beaches, then turn away now. The Lake District, situated in the north west of England, approximately one and half hours north of Manchester and Liverpool, is not exactly famed for its glorious weather and white sand beaches. That said, it is without doubt one of the real jewels in the UK tourist map, and every year millions of visitors make the journey north to sample some of the finest scenary to be found anywhere in the UK.
What the Lake District lacks in climate, it more than compensates for in natural beauty. Famous for its many stunning lakes, the scenary is also characterised by the towering mountain range which dominates the skyline throughout the region. Indeed these swooping fells, which undulate across the Lake District are one of the main reasons why fell walkers from all over the world come to the area each year.
Throughout the region are a series of charming towns including Keswick, Hawkeshead, Windermere and Ambleside. Each of these towns has their own distinct personality and charm, and each attracts huge amounts of visitors throughout the busy summer period. From the cosy local pubs and restaurants, through to the charming local shops and cafes, there is a huge variety of things to keep you busy as you relax your legs from a busy day’s hiking in the fells.
Although the towns are arguably where you will find the majority of the tourists in the Lake District, the real heart of the region is to be found on the hundreds of picturesque mountain and fell walks which wind their way throughout this most beautiful of areas. Some of the more popular walks include those around the more well known mountains and feels such as Scarfell (also the highest mountain in England), Hellvellen and Cat Bells.
For literary fans, the Lake District has much to offer. The region was home to Beatrix Potter and much of here most famous work was written when she lived in Ambleside. William Wordsworth, one of the leading British Romantics, also lived in the Lake District, and his home at Rydal Mount is now owned and managed by the National Trust, andaman holiday packages and is visited by millions of people every year.
If you are visiting the UK, and are looking to travel around the north, then it is worth setting aside a few days to visit the Lake District. Access to the region is predominantly via car, as travel between the towns on public transport can be time consuming. It is also worth booking accomodation well in advance, particularly during the busy bank holiday and summer periods, when you may feel as though all of the UK has decided to join you on a break!
