(Inter)National Park Spotlight: Lake District, United Kingdom

Dubbed a national park in 1951, The Lake District (sometimes referred to as simply the Lakes) sees an average of 15.8 million visitors each year. As the largest of the thirteen national parks in England and Wales, Lake District National Park is protected from unwelcome developments by local industry. Although it’s a national park, much of the land is in private ownership, whether by agriculturists who have farmed the land for centuries or by forrest protection agencies.

The natural beauty of Lake District National Park is unrivaled across the country. With mountain ranges that reach heights of 3,209 feet and lakes that glisten and reflect the epic scenery, it’s no wonder adventurers from all over northern Europe go out of their way to explore the park.

The mountains, separated into regions such as Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Fells, create varying scenery with hiking routes adapted to all levels of expertise. And with more than sixteen bodies of water large enough to be considered lakes, it’s easy to see the region’s natural beauty.

Spend the weekend camping or relaxing in a rental cabin, while choosing various activities each day. Try climbing Scafell Pike, which is so tall that on clear days you can see all the way to Northern Ireland in one direction and Snowdonia in Wales in the opposite direction!

Many visitors choose to canoe or kayak the crystal clear waters. A favorite spot for locals is Derwent Water, which is part of the Lake District National Park’s 21 largest bodies of water.

Not only is the park awe inspiring to modern visitors and adventurers, it was once the muse of famous poets from the 18th and 19th century. In fact, the Lake District is one of the most formative places that shaped what we know of historical English literature today. Poets took influence from the breathtaking scenes, like the daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, which gave William Wordsworth the inspiration to write his canonical poem “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud.”

It’s simple to see that Lake District National Park is a unique and important part of the United Kingdom. Whether you’re looking for an adventure on your next visit to the isles or a casual weekend escape from the bustling streets of London, add the Lake District to your bucket list.