The Lake District, which lies within the English County of Cumbria, is a very mountainous, rural region of great natural beauty and which covers 885 square miles of hills and valleys. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes and its fells, and its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, the author of Peter Rabbit.

The central and certainly the most-visited part forms the Lake District National Park which contains all the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. The English Lake district is rightly considered one of the most dramatic landscapes in the British Isles. There are 16 major lakes and around 75 smaller tarns, each of them set in unique landscapes having great individual charm. Many of these lakes and tarns contain fish species foound nowhere else in Britain and sometimes, only in that one lake.

Up to 14 Million visitors, from all around the World, come here every year and it can, at times seem quite crowded in the popular eastern areas. The Japanese, in particular, seem to be very keen on the Lake District in the last few years because of the association with Peter Rabbit, which is very popular in Japan. However, it is still very easy to get away from the crowds if you really want to, especially if you stay in the western and west central side of the Lake District.

Accommodation in Cumbria is not a problem and there are a large number of Bed and Breakfasts right across the area, although you should book well in advance if you intend to arrive in the busy season. These properties range in size from a single room in a family house to a 10 to 12 bed establishment in a town centre. Prices also reflect the popularity of the location and can be quiet high especially during the peak holiday times. A bed and breakfast is just that; a place to sleep where a home cooked breakfast is provided as part of the tariff. In Britain, bed and breakfast places can be found in every location and they are a lot more personal and friendly than other forms of accommodation. The tourist board and the AA have a grading scheme for Bed and Breakfast properties, based on the number of stars they are allocated (from 1 to 5). The more stars the higher the property standard. However, it should be noted that not all properties subscribe to this rating syatem and many very fine Bed and Breakfasts can be found that have no official rating, which is seen as too expensive by many owners, especially as they need to be renewed every year.


For several years, my family have stayed at a small bed and breakfast in Keswick, which is a town just north of Derwent Water, and a short distance from Bassenthwaite Lake. We find this an ideal base from which to explore the region as it is fairly central and just away from the main tourist areas. The accommodation itself is clean, welcoming, decorated to a high standard, with great breakfasts and two very friendly hosts who we have come to regard as friends. Born and bred in the lakes, their knowledge of the area is invaluable and many times their advice on both the weather and the places to see has made our excursions memorable.

Tony Lucas has spent many years in the travel and tourism market, has travelled in many parts of the world. He has lectured and worked freelance for many of the major Hotel corporations. He writes extensively on all matters to do with Britain and tourism in the British Isles.

More information on http://www.stayinbritain.co.uk