10 Fun Facts About the Lake District You Didn’t Know
Think you know the Lake District? Think again. It’s the only place in England where most of the ‘lakes’ aren’t actually lakes, sheep outnumber people, and poets once turned everyday walks into world-famous verses. Here are some fun, quirky facts that will make you see the Lakes in a whole new light.
The Lake District might be best known for its stunning mountains, shimmering waters, and cosy pubs, but there’s a lot more to this national park than meets the eye.
The Lakes are full of quirky stories, surprising history, and little details that make a day out here even more memorable. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve been coming for years, these fun facts about the Lake District will give you a fresh way to see one of England’s most beautiful corners.
Facts about the Lake District
1. The Lake District only has one official ‘lake’ — Bassenthwaite Lake. All the others are ‘meres’, ‘waters’, or ‘tarns’.
2. The author Beatrix Potter used her book royalties to buy farms in the Lake District and later donated 4,000 acres to the National Trust.
3. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, was gifted to the nation after World War I in memory of the fallen soldiers.
4. You can still ride in a traditional Victorian steam-powered gondola on Coniston Water.
5. Wastwater has been voted ‘Britain’s Favourite View’ – and it’s also the deepest lake in England.
6. The Lake District has more sheep than people – Herdwick sheep are the local celebrities.
7. Wordsworth’s famous daffodils poem was inspired by a real walk he took along Ullswater in 1802.
8. Tarn Hows, one of the prettiest spots, was actually man-made in the 19th century.
9. The Lakes inspired the world’s first package holiday – run by Thomas Cook in the 1840s.
10. You’ll find some of the darkest skies in England here, making it perfect for stargazing.
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