Lovely Facts About The Lake District

After weeks and weeks inside the same four walls, today we’re dreaming of the spacious and sweeping landscapes of the Lake District; a panoramic postcard awash with glittering midnight blue lakes, jagged fells and lush valleys enveloping a jumble of quaint villages – all of which are visible on our coach tours. 

Did you know all of these fascinating Lakeland facts?

Poetry In The Hills 

Many people originally viewed the more remote areas of Britain, including the Lake District, as dangerous and unknown. This was until William Wordsworth sauntered along the banks of Ullswater and helped change the perception of people’s relationship with their scenic surroundings. His words praised ‘the beautiful and permanent forms of nature’ and ultimately thousands would follow in the poet’s footsteps to ‘wander lonely as a cloud’ and appreciate the lakeside daffodils ‘fluttering and dancing in the breeze.’

One Is Not Amused

Very surprisingly, as the most popular National Park in the UK, the Lake District only actually has one ‘lake’ - Bassenthwaite Lake. (This sounds like the answer to a really tricky pub quiz question!) All the others such as Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater and Buttermere are referred to as meres, tarns and waters. 

Counting Sheep

We love this fact!  Cumbria is home to six times more sheep than people - over three million woolly-clouds live in the county, with a human population of just 500,000 - that’s only 45 people per square mile. The Herdwick breed is very hardy and keep the bracken at bay in the Lake District, (which will henceforth be known as Baa Baa Land to us!)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Or no valley low enough, for that matter. The Lake District is home to our nation’s highest peaks and deepest bodies of water. Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain, from which you can see other peaks in Wales, Scotland and even Ireland on a clear day. In fact, the four highest mountains all congregate in the Lake District and all exceed 3000 feet! 

How low can you go? Well, Lake Wastwater can actually squat as low as 243 feet! 

Peter Rabbit’s Stomping Ground

Famous author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, lived in the Lake District. Inspired by the local wildlife, she created the most famous rabbit in the history of literature, and we can now discover more about Peter’s mischievous adventures at the World of Beatrix Potter.  This attraction boasts everything from Mr McGregor's greenhouse, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle's kitchen and even a themed tearoom. 

Would you like to discover more about this scenic corner of England, or explore the sparkling lakes reflecting shadowy ridges, shimmering sunlight and meadows crammed with wildflowers?

Why not check out our stunning range of Lake District tours?