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Wonders of the Lake District World Heritage Site

In 2017 the Lake District joins the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon in enjoying World Heritage Status. Whilst these are great monoliths, the Lake District is a petite natural wonder, filled with its very own network of hundreds of miles of hand built stone walls, mausoleums, great lakes, towering rock formations, deep canyons and amusing accents! Here are some of the Lake District World Heritage Site’s highlights. Mountain high, valley low Whilst the Egyptians had their manmade pyramids, the Lake District has the aptly named Great Gable – a great pyramid mountain in the very heart of the Lakes. From here walkers can view the legendary 70 foot Napes Needle rock. This jagged rock formation is the very location of the first free solo ascent of British rock climbing father, W.P. Haskett Smith in 1886. This fell is preserved by the National Trust, who acquired it from the Fell & Rock Climbing Club, and is a place of pilgrimage for rock climbers, hikers and mountaineers today. Ancient routes and breathtaking scenery The Lake District is 2,362km in size, and so she is relatively petite in size. Yet she packs a punch, cradling over 16 lakes across 13 vast valleys and over 200 peaks. The Lakes is also home to the birth of conservation, and much of the National Park is preserved by the National Trust and English Heritage. This means that astonishing views inspirational to artists like William Tuner, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Ruskin, remain unchanged and are a true delight to behold. Scafell Pike in the heart of the Lake District, at 3,210 feet is the highest in England, and rewards its visitors with breathtaking views that remain etched in the memory of all who visit. This is a generous mountain, as are all those in the Lake District, with ascents of varying difficulty, and so she is a mountain for all. Scattered nearby are delights for walkers, children and pets alike, such as the emerald green water of the ancient packhorse bridge, Stockley Bridge, perfect for a dip and nearby Sprinkling Tarn, once known as Sparking Tarn, with islands made for jumping. In fact, this is what is so appealing about the Lake District. The Lake District’s miniature size, compared with the Pyrenees orBlue Mountains, makes her views accessible, yet the wonder within is jaw dropping. Myths and legends Mystery and secrecy hangs like the mist in the nearby valley over Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick. This is the first monument in England to be taken under guardianship to protect the unsolved stories that surround this ancient monument, which is one of the oldest in Britain and one of several Neolithic and Bronze sites in the Lake District. The mountains of the Lake District are home to several of Europe’s most important stone circles that are still standing, unmoved, and reside on elevated positions, some would suggest to take advantage of astrological alignment. ‘World’s Biggest Liar’ and other festivities Did you know that the 4000 year old turnip grows big enough in the Lake District to be hollowed to make a sheep shed? Or so the tale given by a 19th century landlord goes and thus the ‘World’s Biggest Liar’ competition was born and lives on today. Whilst tranquil and quiet, look a little closer at this picturesque miniature mountain and lake landscape and you’ll find amusing, welcoming, hardy communities seeped in ancient customs and traditions. Festivals celebrating traditional ways of life and ancient customs are still a very vibrant part of the wondrous colour of the Lake District. Whilst the annual event of replacing the rushes on church floors was once widespread, nowhere else can complete with the Lake District’s famous Ambleside Rushbearing procession of ornate sheaths proceeded along William Wordsworth’s much-loved village of Grasmere, with the famous Grasmere Gingerbread awarded as a thank you from the local community. Michelin menus Enjoy Michelin star dining from country mansion restaurants with award-winning views to match the outstanding food. The Lake District is home to non-other than four Michelin star restaurants, including 19th century Holbeck Ghyll on the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere. This country hunting lodge, bought in 1888 by the then richest man in England, Lord Lonsdale, transports guests to an era of gracious service, grandiose hospitality and top of the range 60 hp Mercedes! We look forward to the likes of Hurlington Luxury Travel in London adding the Lake District to the World’s Most Expensive Travel Tour, which takes in 962 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Paul Liddell is the Managing Director at Lakelovers. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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5 Comments

  1. I will be making my firat foray into the lake district next month and want to cram in as many sights as i can in the 10 dayys i will be there. This article has been hugely informative thank you very much.

  2. Just finishing my visit to the lakes and I would like to say there are some stunning coastal towns to visit also. If you are driving through a town or village stop off. Look around. Absolutely loads of hidden gem pubs and shops! The coatal scenery is as breathtaking as anywhere inland i promise!

  3. The Lake District really is worthy of its UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site status. Just look at those pictures! I really couldn’t think of a more inspiring place to visit – no wonder all those amazing writers, poets and artists chose to make it their home! I’ve many happy memories wondering those mountains and enjoying breathtaking views of the lakes.

  4. I would love to visit the mausoleums in the Lake District, I had no idea that there were any – sounds amazing. I love everything about the Lake District, from all the literature dedicated to it, right down to the pleasant and welcoming people that live there. I wish I had brushed up on the myths and legends of the place before I visited.

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