It is a landscape that has inspired generations of artists and poets. The dramatic mountains bejewelled with glacial waters mirror the ever changing heavens. This is the Lake District - England's largest and most beautiful National Park.
Here you can ramble for miles and never see another person or hear a car. You can be alone with your thoughts and enjoy the feeling of isolation.
Humans have inhabited these parts since the stone-age. You will find mysterious, prehistoric rock art comprising of concentric circles and lines etched into the exposed rock. Their significance remains with those who created them.
Covering an area of about 900 square miles, the Lake District has many scattered towns and villages each with a wealth of history and local traditions.
Wordsworth's House
The famous poet, William Wordsworth, was born in Cockermouth in the heart of the Lake District. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Oswald's in Grasmere. You can visit his grave where, appropriately, daffodils bloom in the springtime. You can visit Dove Cottage which was William's home and where he wrote much of his poetry. The cottage, typical of many Lake District buildings, is fashioned out of the local stone and slate created during the last ice-age.
Scafell Pike
Rising 1,539 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. This mountain offers a challenge to the seasoned climber but is not impossible for the occasional walker and well worth the effort. The summit offers superb views over mountains and valleys and reaching the top will give you a real sense of achievement.
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England, stretching for over 10miles and reaching depths of 200ft. since the beginning of the nineteenth century, the lake has provided leisure activities for countless visitors. Today you can enjoy pleasure cruises and water sports of all kinds or sit on the banks and enjoy the magnificent views.
Beatrice Potter - Hill Top Cottage
Situated at the north end of Lake Windermere is Hill Top Cottage, the home of famous writer Beatrice Potter. She purchased this cottage from the proceeds of her first 'Peter Rabbit' book. The beautiful surrounding countryside with abundant wildlife no doubt provided the inspiration for the well-loved characters found in her delightful books. The cottage is well preserved as she requested on her death providing a 'time capsule' for visitors to enjoy.
Wildlife
If you are a wildlife enthusiast the Lake District has plenty to offer. Red and fallow deer thrive in the woodlands around Windermere. The rare 'Red Squirrel' has found refuge here as has the otter and badger. Despite being hunted for generations, foxes are abundant.
The birdwatcher will enjoy the sight of many birds of prey including buzzards, falcons and kestrels. A rare treat is the sight of the 'Golden Eagle' now nesting in these parts after an absence of two hundred years.
The Lake District has its own micro-climate which is changeable - a wet and stormy morning can turn into a glorious sunny afternoon- so be prepared!
Wherever your interests lie, you will find enjoyment here in the Lake District.
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