Interesting Facts About the Lake District
Lake District is a low lying mountainous region in the northwest of Cumbria, in England. Its geographical features are unique because the area is in the form of a rough circular upland massif. Due to the glacial origin, most of valleys form a U-shape cross section containing numerous elongated finger shaped deep lakes. On higher elevations, these lakes are quite small, and are known as tarns. The abundance of large and small lakes gives the area its name, Lake District. As of recent geological survey, the entire Lake District comprises 16 large lakes, 53 tarns, and numerous other shallow body of “waters”. The mountains of Cumbria, known as Cumbrian Mountains, serve as a backdrop to this magical scenery.
Nature & Beauty
The natural beauty is almost ubiquitous as highlands are dotted by green pastures, fells and woodlands beckoned by mountains. Over the years, farming has modified most lakes and fells to provide even more dramatic scenery and contrasting landscape. These fields have remained unchanged from the days of William Wordswoth, John Ruskin, and Alfred Wainwright. Numerous writers have also contributed by documenting the mystic and aura that can only be felt by experiencing the comforting sense of peace permeating every corner of this mystical land. Actually, prominent poets of 19th century have described Lake District in their writing to the extent that most people living in the former British colonies have heard about the region.
Like any other well-preserved historical place, Lake District is packed with national parks and nature reserves. Accordingly, the Lake District National Park was designated as a national landmark in 1951. It is the second largest park in the United Kingdom, after the Cairngorms. Interestingly, every point in England over three thousand feet lies in the Lake District. Likewise, the longest and the deepest lake in England are also located here.
Travel & Tourism
The mystic of Lake District is enhanced by the fact that there are only four major settlements in the mountains. These include towns ofKeswick, Windermere, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere. Visitors to the area start their journey by settling in the outlying towns at the bottom of the mountains including such famous outposts as Kendal, Cockermouth, Penrith, and Grange-over-Sands. Tourism is the mainstay of this region, and these towns serve as the economical hub of activities to the inner-mountains that have colorful hamlets and isolated farmsheds often seen in postcards around the world. In the last two decades, Lake District has attracted a lot of international attention therefore roads can become extremely busy during high tourist season. Beside natural attractions, there are numerous scientific, cultural, and historic places of interest. The Lake District is known for its wonderful bed & breakfast establishments. Among hundreds of high-quality places to stay in the Lake District, boutique lodgings and small inns function as cultural institutions owned by families serving local home grown cuisine.