Famous not only for its lakes, but for its heaths and forests, mists and meadows, farmlands and poets, The Lake District is Romantic country. Home to William Wordsworth some 250 years ago, his house is still open for visitors with handwritten excerpts of his work on display, and in the late winter and early spring, one is still delighted by hosts and hosts of golden daffodils crowding beside the lakes and beneath the trees, ‘Fluttering and dancing in the breeze’.
The ecotourist will be excited by the acres and acres of unimaginable lake and landscapes to hike over and explore, most as unspoiled now as when Wordsworth was writing about them. And any green travellers looking for a unique wildlife experience will not be disappointed by what The Lakes have to offer as well. Home to Britain’s largest population of the ever endangered red squirrel, the Lake District is one of the few places left where you are likely to spot one. Plants, too, enjoy the special habitat, with colonies of sundew and butterwort – two of Britain’s few carnivorous plants – finding a happy home here. Twitchers watch out, too, for England’s only pair of nesting golden eagles is found in the Lake District.
Accommodation wise, The Langdale Hotel proudly boasts winning the coveted ‘Green Hotel of the Year award’, with a restaurant that serves only local food, this is the place to enjoy ecotourism in luxury.
If you’re a green traveller on a budget, however, then why not try a Tipi Camping Holiday with 4 Winds Lakeland Tipis and really sink yourself into the beautiful natural surroundings.
And of course, the best way to take in the views is by using the most environmentally friendly form of travel available to us – foot power. The Lakes were built for hiking, but if you want to cover a larger area, then check out Country Lanes Lake District Cycle Hire Centre for some great deals on hiring bikes.