'Exceptional' Lake District is named World Heritage status by UNESCO

Time to start planning your next country break?
Visitors to the Lakes are spoilt for choice with views like this
Shutterstock / Michael Conrad
Kate Lough12 July 2017

The UK’s Lake District has been elevated to World Heritage status by UNESCO, joining a very distinguished list which already includes India’s Taj Mahal, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Petra in Jordan.

A 2,292 sq km national park in Cumbria, the area is well-loved for its glassy lakes and spectacular mountains, its cosy winter walks and pubs and postcard-perfect stone cottages. The birthplace of children’s author Beatrix Potter, the area is also home to an increasingly stylish portfolio of boutique hotels and B&Bs.

One of 33 sites around the word to be debated this year by the UNESCO committee in Krakow, the Lake District is the first British national park to be awarded the status.

The committee chose it on account of its 'exceptional blend' beauty, farming and the inspiration it had provided to artists and writer.

Shutterstock / Kevin Eaves

Lord Clark of Windermere, who chaired the Lake District’s bid, described the moment as “momentous”.

Lake District - in pictures

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The UK – and its overseas territories – can now boast the bragging rights to 31 world heritage sites in total; an impressive list which also includes Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Canterbury Cathedral in Kent and Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Currently, about 18 million people visit the Lakes every year, but there’s no doubt that this figure will increase dramatically, given its new status.

Time to start planning your next country break?

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