Information
The Lakes were designated a National Park on 9 May 1951, becoming the second National Park in the United Kingdom after the Peak District. It is the most visited national park in the United Kingdom and the largest of the ten National Parks in England.

The mountains of the Lake District are also known as the "Cumbrian Mountains", although this name is less frequently used than terms like "the Lake District" or "the Lakeland Fells". Many of the higher fells are rocky in character, whilst moorland predominates at lower altitude.

The Lake District is intimately associated with English literature in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thomas Gray was the first to bring the region to attention, when he wrote a journal of his Grand Tour in 1769, but it was William Wordsworth whose poems were most famous and influential.

Things to do
The Lake District National Park has walks for every ability, from ambles around lakes to high ridge walks, this place looks and feels like it was built for the walker.

Road cyclists are spoilt for choice in the Lake District National Park. There are country lanes, permitted cycle ways and bridleways with some fantastic views, For mountain bikers, Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest are criss-crossed with routes.

With over sixteen lakes and numerous tarns in the Lake District plus a stretch of coastline there's plenty of opportunity to go rowing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing or simply splash about on the shore.