The Taj Mahal. The Great Wall of China. Grand Canyon. The Lake District. What do these sites all have in common? They are all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO Recognition
On 9th July 2017, UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) officially named The Lake District as a World Heritage Site. Joining other sites of world importance on this illustrious list, the stunning landscapes of the area has finally been recognised as a world class site at last.
It followed a bid by the district, chaired by Lord Clark of Windermere, to be recognised not only for the stunning views but also culture and contribution to literature. Seeing an astonishing 18 million visitors a year, many people have enjoyed this location for centuries as a natural landscape perfect for whimsical escapes.
Surprisingly, this is a case of third time lucky for the region. It has previously been turned down by UNESCO for the status twice; leading to this bid which has been decades in the making. The passion and enthusiasm of the people behind the bid meant there was never any other outcome possible.
Things to Do in the Lake District
Now that the Lake District is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is an even bigger incentive to go outside of the already teeming culture and activities available. However, some of those activities alone make visiting the Lake District a dream. Some of these activities include:
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House
Built in the seventeenth century, this house is an example of vernacular architecture in Near Sawrey, Ambleside. It was the home of writer and illustrator Beatrix Potter who, upon her death, left it to the National Trust. A Grade II listed building, today it stands as a monument to the author and as a place that people can visit to celebrate the author’s life. For fans of her books, the setting of the stories can be found in the house, farm and surrounding village around Hill Top.
Lake Windermere
The largest natural lake in England, Windermere is a ribbon lake which has always been at the centre of the Lake Districts culture and heritage. Only one town lies directly on the shore, Bowness-on-Windermere, as the village of Windermere does not, in fact, touch the shore. In fact, the village did not exist before the arrival of the railway to the area and it sprung up as a central hub due to the vast number of travellers to the Lakelands.
Whether you want to swim in it, ride a boat atop it, or simply bask in its beauty, Lake Windermere is a stunning vista that everyone should experience once in their life.
Muncaster Castle
A privately-owned castle on the Esk river, Muncaster Castle is a Grade I listed building that has an expanse of beautiful gardens, including a maze. But, it’s true draw in the modern day is the hawk and owl centre which calls this beautiful castle home. For those wishing to see the stunning displays of a bird of prey in flight, whilst enjoying the expanse of a castle, then this is a must-visit.
Lakeland Motor Museum
Do you have a petrol head in the family? Whilst you enjoy the glitter of the sun on the lakeshore, they can enjoy the very same glitter on the rims of a classic car thanks to the Lakeland Motor Museum. It hosts an impressive collection of classic cars, motorcycles, bikes, and many other motor-related items. Memorabilia collected over a century or more of motoring have accumulated here to create a stunning collection.
All of our parks are within driving distance of the Lake District, so you can spend a day enjoying the sights or even take a walk to enjoy the incredible vistas that the world’s most recent heritage site has to offer. So contact us today on 01524 701508 to start your nature adventure!
