Ruth
09 January 2020
Is the Lake District a World Heritage Site? It has indeed been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in recognition of its natural beauty. This will come as no surprise to anyone who visits its picturesque lakes, wonderful hills and vibrant communities.
"A priceless and irreplaceable asset, not only to the UK but to humanity as a whole"... but don't take their word for it; come and experience it for yourself on a Lake District holiday!
When did the Lake District become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
On the 9th July 2017 our beautiful region, famed for its stunning scenery, joined the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon on the illustrious list and is the UK’s first national park to be given the status. It was the region's third attempt to be awarded the status and it was a journey which has taken 30 years - a worthy one indeed!
The decision was made at a meeting of the United Nations cultural body UNESCO in Krakow, Poland, where 33 different sites were under consideration for the award. The Lake District was praised by the committee for the inspiration that its natural beauty has provided for generations of writers, artists and poet William Wordsworth, who described the lakes as "the loveliest spot man hath found".
John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said: "The Lake District is one of the UK's most stunning and ancient landscapes and I am thrilled it has been granted World Heritage Site status. It is a unique part of the world that combines a vibrant farming community with thousands of archaeological sites and structures that give us an amazing glimpse into our past."
The Lake District has provided inspiration for some of the country’s best-loved writers including Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge. You can read all about the areas and places that inspired the famous children's author in our guide to Beatrix Potter. It also boasts sites of historical importance such as King Arthur’s Round Table and is home to England's largest natural lake - Windermere - and highest mountain - Scafell Pike.
It is the 31st place in the UK to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, following in the footsteps of Stonehenge, the city of Bath and Canterbury Cathedral. The Lake District is a place of beauty and magic which can only be truly experienced when you visit it yourself. Here are some of the brilliant things that contribute to this magical area...
The wonderful lakes
The lakes play a huge part in drawing visitors in from all over the world - after all, this is why it is called the Lake District - with the region boasting over 16 impressive lakes with the largest being Lake Windermere. These are places of wilderness and beauty, with quiet pockets to be found all around their shores. They are the centrepiece to the region and places where people come to experience the outdoor life and reconnect with nature. With woodland and hills surrounding most of them, they can be enjoyed whether on a quiet walk or a steep hill climb. Whether on the water's edge, or admiring from a far, the lakes will always offer a place of beauty for you to enjoy. Read all about the ten largest lakes in our helpful guide.
The historic villages
The idyllic and picturesque villages situated throughout the Lake District are truly beautiful in their own right, with gorgeous stone buildings, picturesque winding lanes and cobbled streets. These historical and characterful settlements have grown to be some of the most-visited locations in the UK whilst retaining their old-fashioned charm and traditions. You can come and enjoy exploring all their quirks, travelling between them to find the differences, whilst dabbling in some shopping ofcourse! Find out about the most popular villages to visit in our great guide to the Peak District villages.
The fascinating castles
Throughout the Lake District, there are many beautiful castles in which you can visit and admire when you please, and no matter what age you are, they will hold history that will fascinate anyone! You can walk inside castle keeps that have remained standing for almost 1,000 years and enjoy some of the best views whilst learning all about their history and heritage as well as the fascinating people who once walked their walls. Whether you go into the castles or simply enjoy the grounds around them, a visit to a Lake District castle is well worth your time. Find out about some of the best in our helpful guide.
The marvellous mountains
The Lake District National Park is home to England's ten highest mountains. With these towering high into the sky and the impressive lakes, woodland and surrounding nature at their feet, this is a land that looks both powerful and beautiful. Whether you are an experienced climber or a hill-walker looking for a challenge, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice in this special corner of the Lake District. For more inspiration check out our guide on the best mountains to climb.
These are just a handful of the beautiful features that make this region in England so special and it is all these wonderful places, landmarks and natural elements that make people want to visit it and return year on year. For lots more information and guidance on how to enjoy the Lake District to the full, check out our full guide to the Lake District.
Come and stay in this World Heritage Site and experience its beauty...
If you have been inspired to come and experience this beautiful place for yourself keep our Lake District holiday cottages in mind. With everything from family-friendly holiday homes holiday homes and large cottages for groups, to romantic cottages for couples and luxury cottages for special breaks, we have something to cater for everyone. Get the Lakes on the list for your next holiday adventure!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.