"I wandered lonely as a cloud…..when at once I saw a crowd..A host of dancing Daffodils;…….", the immortalized words of William Wordsworth written in the early 19th century, inspired by the beauty of the countryside on his way home to Grasmere, in the Lake District in England. Each Lakes hotel, likewise, mirrors the picturesque charm for which this area is so well known, having retained the character and mood that inspired those words more than 200 years ago. The Lake District, or simply The Lakes, is a rural district in Cumbria.
The Lake District National Park is the largest and most populated of England's 14 national parks, with tourism as its major industry. It is a high mountainous area and includes England's highest peak, Scafell Pike. The area is made up of ice-carved U-shaped valleys, many of which are now filled with the lakes, or tarns as they are sometimes called, which gives the district its name. The lower areas are blanketed with heather and bracken and with oak woodlands and century old pine plantations while rocky formations are characteristic above the tree line.
The most well known lake is Windermere, the longest lake in England, which is popular amongst water sport fanatics and the many boats and water crafts of all shapes and sizes bares testimony to this. Other well known lakes include; Buttermere, Coniston, Derwent Water, Haweswater, Bassenthwaite Lake, Ullswater and the deepest lake in England, Wastwater. With its many meres, hill tarns, riviers and waterfalls, majestic peaks that rise up grandly from the valleys, undulating hills colored with every shade of green, this is one of Britain's most awesome sights with breathtaking panoramic views.
In ancient times the area was the source of stone axes, examples of which can be found all over Britain. Sheep have roamed the hills and valleys for centuries and the dry stone walls associated with sheep farming are still part of the rural scene today. Mining too, was an important part of the economy and the remnants of many abandoned mines are visible on the fell-sides throughout the district. Tourism has largely taken over now as the major source of revenue in the area.
Although The Lake District is beautiful all year round, it is the dampest area in Britain so if visiting, particularly in the winter months between October and December, be sure to remember your wellies and umbrella. Snow can also be expected at this time of the year. Probably the best time to visit, especially if hiking or walking, is from March to June when the days are warm and sunny and the most use can be made of the long summer evenings.
The dramatic increase in tourism in the district has resulted in the development of many marvellous accommodation establishments. Each Lakes Hotel has its own special architecture and features. Many varieties and types exist from simple Bed and Breakfasts for overnight stays to magnificently restored and maintained old country homes, inns and pubs. There is an accommodation option to fulfil every need; for those wishing for a weekend break from the hustle and bustle of the city or a romantic weekend away, a family holiday, or just to enjoy the breathtaking views of magnificent peaks reflected in still waters, visitors will find accommodation to suit the purpose.
Recreational opportunities abound here with so many things to do. Those looking for adventure and strenuous activity can climb and hike the many mapped trails to the top of the peaks. Backpackers and walkers are able to amble around fells and hills on well laid out paths or country lanes that crisscross the countryside and come the setting of the sun, can find suitable accommodation in which to have a good wholesome meal, sit next to a roaring fire and plan the next day's activities. Bird watching is popular, as is fishing, horse riding, golf and cycling.
But this area is probably most famous as the home of the romantic poets, or the "Lake Poets" as they are fondly known who lived in the area at the turn of the 19th century. The three main figures are William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Robert Southey. Wordsworth spent 60 years of his life amongst these lakes and both he and his wife are buried in the churchyard in Grasmere. Coleridge lived in Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere and Southey was a resident of Keswick for 40 years. The children's author, Beatrix Potter also lived here in the early 20th century and the Lake District is the setting of many of her Peter rabbit books.
Many visitors come to follow in the footsteps of these famous authors and poets, to explore their well preserved homes and browse through the many museums that house keepsakes and documents from the period and are able to find a lakes hotel that reflects this period of history. For those visitors looking for indoor leisure activities, facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi as well as a variety of beauty treatments are available at some of the luxury hotels in the area.
This is an area that prides itself on its fine fresh produce the quality of which is evident in the imaginative and flavoursome cuisine offered by each Lakes hotel or its neighbouring restaurant. Continental breakfasts and vegetarian dishes, Cumberland sausages and free-range eggs, simple loaves from local bakeries and real ale and damson gin are all local specialties.
Shopping is a wonderful pastime anytime and the Lake District offers plenty of opportunity to indulge in this activity, even if it is only browsing around the craft markets where designer jewellery, art, gifts and organic food stuffs are available. The featured options offer easy access to the high streets of Grasmere, Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, the four main towns in the area which are full of fascinating shopping opportunities. Visitors can also fine a Lakes hotel conveniently situated for easy access to bus tours and Lake cruises.
For those looking for evening entertainment, the theatre on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick offers a wide range of drama, music, dance, talks, comedy and film. Lake District hotel breaks offer wonderful opportunities for all, be it the family holiday or a romantic weekend for two.
Not only will the unsurpassed beauty of the countryside, spectacular views, still calm waters and gurgling streams prove irresistible but combined with the historic homes, magnificent gardens and leisure opportunities, visitors will leave the Lake District refreshed and renewed and determined to return as soon as possible.
