The Lake District – A Wordsmith’s Holiday Paradise!
What is it that makes the Lake District a perfect holiday destination? In the words of the immortal poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways”. With the Lake District, the largest of the 13 national parks in England and Wales, it is hard to know where to begin.
Could it be its beautiful waters of which there are 19, the largest and most popular of which is Lake Windermere. It is interesting to note that only one of the 19 bodies is actually a lake. The remaining ones are meres, tarns or waters, the latter being the most common.
Could it be the mountains or fells as they are called, that beckon ramblers invitingly to explore their natural beauty. Throughout the year these mountains and hills attract walkers of all standards to enjoy the plethora of seasonal colours that dazzle the eye and stimulate natural senses. The most famous was Alfred Wainright, author of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. It is his guide, first published between 1952 and 1965, that is credited with attracting tourists to the area in numbers and ever since then, visitors have been coming in droves.
Perhaps it is the beautiful towns, villages and hamlets that are sprinkled throughout this natural wonderland. The most significant towns are Ambleside, Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. From a visitor point of view, the most popular of these is perhaps Bowness-on-Windermere because of its location right at the tip of Lake Windermere, largest of all the Lake District waters. This bustling little town is the point to catch the ferry for a Lake Cruise, hire a boat or just meander around its varied shops. On its outskirts is the famous kitchenware company Lakeland Plastics, an attraction that draws tourists in its own right! Scattered around the area are pretty little villages like Grasmere, home of William Wordsworth, Newby Bridge and Hawkshead, home to the well- known manufacturer of the outdoor and hiking wear that is de rigueur for Lakeland walkers.
Of course there are more natural attractions than just the waters, hills and fells. For lovers of wildlife, there is much to be spotted, some species of which are unique in England. The lakes are home to the red squirrel and colonies of sundew and butterwort, two of the few carnivorous plants native to Britain. England’s only pair of nesting Golden Eagles are found here as are three rare and endangered species of fish: the vendace, that can only be found in the waters of Bassenthwaite Lake and, found in many of the other waters, the schelly and the Arctic Char.
Perhaps one of the Lake District’s most famous associations is with the world of literature and when you experience the natural beauty to be found here, it is not surprising. William Wordsworth took his inspiration for his most famous poem from the daffodils growing in abundance along the lake shores. In fact he, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey became known as the Lake Poets. The area was a magnet for other poets such as Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, Keats and Tennyson to name but a few. Beatrix Potter is perhaps the best known resident author, closely followed by Arthur Ransome, who penned another children’s classic, Swallows and Amazons. More current literary figures have included film director Ken Russell and writer/broadcaster Melvyn Bragg.
Whether for education, pleasure or sport, the Lake District is a perfect holiday destination and visitors are sure to be spoiled for choice in terms of what to see and do, regardless of season. The most difficult decision perhaps is where to make your base. A recommended choice, not only because of its size and number of attractions, but also because of its proximity to so many other attractions, is Bowness-on-Windermere. If you are going to stay by this water then you should ensure that you make the most of it and book somewhere that will give you a staggeringly beautiful view of the lake. One ideal place, situated right on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, offering views over the lake and perfectly framing the Coniston Old Man mountain, is the 4 star Beech Hill hotel. Aside from being an oasis of comfort and luxury, with the most convivial of atmospheres, this hotel has its own private jetty so you can pick up a Lake cruise without having to brave the crowds in Bowness-on-Windermere. It has 58 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and an award winning restaurant that will give you the most delicious taste of the best of high quality Lake District produce- all to be enjoyed whilst basking in the pleasure of those stupendous views. A friendly team of staff are only too pleased to assist in ensuring a Lake District visit is memorable, from providing information on the best walks, helping to hire bicycles, directions to the best attractions – each member of staff will happily go the extra mile to ensure happy guests.
The Lake Distict, Bowness-on-Windermere and the Beech Hill Hotel – perfect choices for a perfect holiday in one of Britain’s most beautiful areas, an option well worth exploring. If it is a first time visit, be assured that it won’t be the last as one visit is never enough to take in the beauty of what there is to see and do.
The Article is written by www.beechhillhotel.co.uk providing Lake District Hotels and Hotels in the Lake District. Visit http://www.beechhillhotel.co.uk for more information on http://www.beechhillhotel.co.uk Products and Services!
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