The Lake District is one of the most visited tourist locations in the country. With such a vast area to explore there are quite often be a number of queries that crop up when planning your trip. We’ve produced a helpful guide to frequently asked Lake District questions. A range of subject areas have been taken into consideration to help get the best from your visit to this outstanding region.
We’ve grouped our Lake District Questions into categories to make it easier to find answers.
Click on the categories below to jump to the corresponding Q&A section.
Travelling to the Lake District
Reasons to visit the Lake District
Things to do in the Lake District
History of the Lake District
What is the history of the Lake District?
Cumbria and The Lake District were once desolate icy landscapes. The first known human settlement in the Lake District dates back to at least 5,000 years ago. The long history as a working landscape originated with the stone from Lake District mountains being used to make axes. As well as the sourcing of copper and lead, which were regularly mined from the ground. A succession of known settlements from Celts, Romans, Angles, and Vikings inhabited the Lakes. Well-known Lake District terms were first derived from the Vikings who originated such landscape names as fell, gill and force.
When was the Lake District made?
The Lake District National Park was established in 1951. It was designated UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017.
What is the size of the Lake District?
The Lake District covers an area within Cumbria of 2,362 square kilometres (912 square miles).
Why was the Lake District established?
The Lake District was introduced to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. Through careful conservation and by promoting its special qualities, the National Park can be better understood, enhanced, and enjoyed by all.
What is the Lake District famous for?
The Lake District is most famous for its landscape made up lakes, forests and mountains (known as fells). The area has connections with famous Lake Poets including William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, and Robert Southey. Other writers inspired by the Lakes are Beatrix Potter, Alfred Wainright and John Ruskin.
What food is the Lake District famous for?
The Lake District is famous for a number of traditional foods. Most notable are Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread, Damsons (small dark fruit from Lyth Valley, Kendal Mint Cake, Cumbrian Sausage and Sticky Toffee Pudding which originates from Ullswater and Cartmel.
Where is the Lake District
The Lake District is a mountainous region in Cumbria, North West England. Also known as the Lakes, the popular holiday destination’s boundary sits close to the edge of The Yorkshire Dales and Arnside and Silverdale National Park to the south.
How far is it from London to Lake District?
The distance between London and the Lake District is 244 miles, with a road distance of 296.8 miles. It takes roughly 3.5 hours by train from London to the Lake District.
A commonly used train route from London to the Lake District is taking the West Coast Main Line trains from London Euston to Oxenholme.
Can you fly to Lake District?
You can fly to airports which are near the Lake District – The nearest airport to Lake District is Isle Of Man (IOM) Airport which is 66.1 miles away. Newcastle airport 69.3 miles away, and Manchester is 86.9 miles.
How many towns are in the Lake District?
The Lake District has a total of 24 towns in total – all of which are unique and well worth a visit.
How many lakes are in the Lake District UK?
A total of 16 lakes can be found in the Lake District. Lake Windermere is the largest covering an area of 14.73 km².
Why visit the Lake District
Why is the Lake District so popular?
The Lake District has so much to offer ranging from breathtaking scenery and wildlife with potential for endless walking and climbing adventures as well as a rich cultural heritage. Visitors from far and wide are attracted to the Lakes each year, with approximately 9 million people opting to take their holidays in the region.
As the largest national park in England and containing the highest peak (Scafell Pike) and many must-visit quintessentially British villages, the Lake District deservedly was credited as a World Heritage Site in 2017.
Things to do in the Lake District
What is the most beautiful part of the Lake District?
Many people will have their individual favourites but there are several places that often appear in ratings for the most beautiful paces in the Lake District. Buttermere offer some of the best walking routes and views over nearby Crummock Water. Windermere is perfect as a beauty spot to be enjoyed from the water. If you enjoy trekking through woodlands, Grizedale Forest is ideal for hikers and bikers. The Lake District is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls – Aria Force is a prime example of the wonderful Lake District waterfalls.
For more inspiration on things to do and beautiful parts of the Lake District see our guides to beauty spots in the Lakes and walking routes.
What is the prettiest village in the Lake District?
The Lake District is blessed with a variety of picture perfect villages. Some of our top picks would have to be Hawkshead, Coniston, Kesick, Kendal, Ravenglass and Grasmere. Find out more about the prettiest villages in the Lakes.
What is there to do in the Lake District when it rains?
There’s something to do in the Lakes no matter the weather, the best rainy day activities are visiting Lake District Coast Aquarium, Hawkshead Brewery, Armitt Museum, Lakeland Motor Museum, The World of Beatrix Potter and a Lake Windermere Cruise.
What is the best time to visit the Lake District?
The Lake District is worthy of a trip any time of the year. However, as it wet for the majority of the year it is highly recommended to see it in all its glory during when it’s basked in sunshine. Therefore a visit to the Lake District is during June or July is a perfect time to explore the national park.
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