Lake District

 

The Lake District, in Cumbria is a National Park in North West England, established in 1951. Mostly known for its mountainous and lakeland scenery which spans an area of 912sq mi. The lakes are very popular with walkers/hikers. In 2017 the Lake District became an UNSECO World Heritage Site. Famously ssociated with the Lake District is the works of poet - William Wordsworth, whos former home Dove Cottage, is situated in Grasmere and also the Beatrix Potter Museum in Hawkshead, which showcases the works and life of writer and illustrator - Beatrix Potter, mostly known for ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’.

 

The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District which connects Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow, with local trains calling at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere stations. There is also a direct train which runs from Manchester to Windermere.

 

 

 

Places to visit

 

 

Lake Windermere – Windermere in the Lake District is England's largest lake, it's just over 18 km, and at its deepest point is 219 feet. Windermere is a popular tourist attraction and has a number of lake cruises to enjoy.

 

 

Settle & Carlisle Railway – The Settle and Carlisle Railway runs from the Yorkshire Dales and up through the Cumbrian Fells (72 miles) with 14 tunnels and 20 viaducts, the most popular sight is possibly the Ribblehead Viaduct. The railway originally opened in 1876 and was set up as a not-for-profit company in 1992.

 

 

 

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway – Situated in the lakes the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway is 7 miles long originally built in 1873. The railway has several Steam engines, with one dating back to 1894 (River Irt (0-8-2).

 

 

Lakeside & Haverthwaite - Originally built to carry freight and passengers from Lakeside to Ulverston and Barrow and in to Lancashire, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway was originally part of the Furness railway. In 1965 the entire Ulverston to Lakeside branch closed to passengers, and in 1967 terminated fright services. 1970 saw the L&HR company formed and purchased so preservations could begin and locos and coaches were delivered.

 

 

Scafell Pike – 3209 feet high, the summit of Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain in the heart of the Lake District, cared for by the National Trust, along with the Scafell War Memorial which was donated by Lord Leconfield in perpetual memory of the men of the Lake District who fell for God and King, for freedom peace and right in the Great War 1914 – 1918." Scafell attracts a number of climbers/hikers and sightseers from all over the world.

 

 

Take a look at our Lake District tours here