The Lake District

The Lake District sits within Cumbria, in the northwest of England, and is home to a series of expansive lakes and rocky mountains that together form some of the most strikingly beautiful vistas in the country. The landscape is a mix of rolling farmlands, green valleys and heather-covered moors, interrupted here and there by bustling towns and villages that have been popular holiday destinations in England for hundreds of years. Despite attracting more than 10 million visitors each year, the Lake District retains its peaceful and pastoral atmosphere, and hikers can go for miles without seeing any living creatures but sheep and cows.

The Lake District is the largest national park in England and stretches some 885 square miles (2,292 sq km), from Caldbeck in the north to Lindale in the south, and from Ravenglass in the west to Shap in the east. Each of the lakes within the area has its own character: Windermere, Grasmere and Ullswater are considered the prettiest, but those wishing to avoid the crowds can head for Wast Water, Crummock Water or Buttermere.

Some of Cumbria's famous residents include William Wordsworth, Robert Southey, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin, all writers and poets who drew inspiration from the land and the lakes. Today, the rugged beauty of Cumbria and the Lake District continues to inspire both visitors and locals alike, and it remains one of the most popular regions in England.