lake district tourism impacts

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Tourism in an upland glaciated area - The Lake District

Tourism in a glaciated upland area – The Lake District

Why do people visit the lake district.

The Lake District in northwest England became a National Park in 1951. The Lake District is renowned for its mountains, hills (fells) and lakes. Glaciers carved the mountains during the last Ice Age , creating broad valleys and jagged peaks. Current surveys show that  15.8 million visitors come to the Lake District annually. Most come to enjoy the scenery, peace and walking, but many others visit specific attractions or participate in outdoor activities.

The physical attractions of the Lake District include:

• Lakes such as Windermere and Ullswater offer opportunities for water sports such as canoeing and paddle boarding, cruises, and fishing.
• Adventure activities such as rock climbing, abseiling and gorge scrambling.
• Hiking and mountain biking.

The cultural/historical attractions of the Lake District include:

• The home of Beatrix Potter, Hill Top, is close to Lake Windermere and is popular with tourists.
• Scenic towns and villages such as Grasmere and Ambleside are popular with tourists.
• Monuments such as Muncaster Castle at Ravenglass.
• The landscape inspired writers and poets like William Wordsworth.

What are the impacts of tourism in the Lake District?

Tourism in the Lake District has a range of social, economic and environmental impacts.

Social Impacts of Tourism in the Lake District 

• Current data suggest 15.8 million people visit the Lake District each year. Consider the impact of this on the 40,000 local people.
• 83% of visitors to the Lake District travel by car. Over half of these people use their car as the primary form of transport within the park. This causes severe congestion on the narrow, winding roads.
• House prices are high in the Lake District, with 20% of the properties either second homes or holiday rentals.
• Jobs in tourism are typically seasonal and poorly paid.

Economic Impacts of Tourism in the Lake District 

• Tourist revenue in the Lake District was £3 billion in 2019, supporting hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Fifteen thousand local people are employed in tourism in the Lake District, working in shops, restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
• New businesses, such as adventure tourism, create new jobs for local people.
• Congestion slows business communications in the Lake District.

Environmental Impacts of Tourism in the Lake District 

• The main honeypot sites and footpaths experience considerable erosion , litter, and damage to verges by cars.
• Ecosystems are affected by pollution from cars and boats.
• Farmland is affected by walkers leaving litter, trampling crops and disturbing sheep and cattle.
• Lakeshore erosion is a continuing problem around Windermere. Tourists and locals enjoy walking by the lakeshore, but it destroys plant life and leads to erosion of the area. Soil gets washed away, and then only a stony beach remains rather than a natural area of reeds and water-loving plants.

How is tourism in the Lake District being managed?

Managing Traffic Congestion  

The Department of Transport funds the Go Lakes Travel Programme through a £6.9m initiative. It aims to change how visitors travel to and around the Lake District, focusing on more sustainable travel methods, including:

• Reducing congestion by Improving public transport services and traffic management.
• Developing integrated cycling and walking networks with wheelchair access.
• Creating transport hubs , like the one at Ambleside, and using integrated ticketing allows people to use different modes of transport.
• Expanding park and ride schemes , such as the Honister Rambler, connecting town car parks with popular footpaths and villages.
• Developing dual carriageways to improve access.

Managing Footpath Erosion  

Fix the Fells is a partnership programme between the Lake District National Park, National Trust, Natural England, Lake District Foundation, Friends of the Lake District and Cumbria County Council to repair erosion scars which have developed over the years and to make sure that these scars are prevented in the future.

The Lake District fells are enjoyed by millions of walkers every year, but the high-level paths can be surprisingly fragile, and the sheer number of visitors leaves a mark on the landscape. Over time the grass is compacted by heavy foot traffic and dies. Heavy rainfall quickly washed away the exposed soil down the steep slopes into streams, rivers and eventually, the lakes, where the increased silt causes havoc for fish and other species.

The work aims to prevent this loss of grass and soil by designing and creating paths resilient to wear and tear and reducing the impact on the surrounding landscape. On steep slopes, you may see ‘pitching’ where stone has been laid, while on less steep slopes, the paths may have been repaired by a ‘soil inversion’ technique with a digger.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

The Lake District Sustainable Travel Guide

25 March 2022 · In: England , Lake District , Sustainable Travel , UK

A complete guide to sustainable travel in the Lake District, UK. 

The Lake District is a mountainous area located in northwest England . This place is incredible, and definitely my favourite in this country. Whatever the season and wherever you go, there is always something to do or see. The colours, the peaks and the lakes, everything is perfect for people like me who love photography and the outdoors!

The Lake District is also an ideal place to travel sustainably and responsibly . 

Sustainability is at the core of the National Park Authority. Their  vision  states that “The Lake District National Park will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action”. Therefore, they want to create a tourism industry that is thriving and profitable and protects the local environment and culture.

And more national parks should do the same!

However, the Lake District is also one of the most popular places in the UK , and its popularity comes with an impact. Of course, many of the effects of tourism are positive. But high demand also means more visitor facilities, crowds and carbon impacts, leading to more challenges for the National Parks Authority to overcome and consequences you need to be aware of when travelling to the Lakes.

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information,  read our full affiliate disclosure .

The impacts of tourism in the Lake District

Positive impacts.

• Tourism creates new jobs and income for local people.
• Tourists support local businesses and products.
• Money from tourism goes back to the local economy and is used to preserve the area.
• Services provided for the use of tourists also benefit local populations.

Negative impacts

• Jobs are often seasonal, and wages are low.
• Prices rise in stores as tourists have more money to spend.
• Shops cater for the needs of tourists, not locals.
• A large number of tourists damage the environment. 
• Watersports cause erosion of lakeshores and create conflicts of interest between different lake users.
• A large number of hikers provoke footpath erosion.
• Demand for holiday homes is driving up house prices for locals. 
• Tourism produces more pollution and litter.
• In high season, traffic causes parking issues, and narrow roads become congested.

How is the Lake District working toward sustainability?

As you can see, the negative impacts of tourism outweigh the positive ones, and it is why we should all act in ways that rebalance these effects.

Here are the goals of the National Parks Authority to ensure the heritage of the Lakes. They want to:

• Preserve the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.
• Improve the visitor experience by providing better services.
• Enhance access to the countryside and water.
• Provide more opportunities for eco-activities.
• Offer local food and crafts typical of the region.
• Ensure that high-quality eco-accommodations are available.

Additionally, here are some of the steps they are taking to help preserve the Lake District for future generations:

• The National Trust and other conservation groups have undertaken  footpath maintenance . They have rebuilt or restricted access to some paths to reduce the effect of erosion.
• They have improved   public transport , and visitors are encouraged to use the buses instead of bringing their cars into the National Park.
• They have set up  restricted parking zones  in some villages. In Elterwater, for example, they have expanded the car park on the outskirts of the village and limited parking on grass verges and near houses.
• They continue to  educate visitors  about conservation issues with posters and leaflets available at tourist offices and visitor centres.
• They introduced a  10mph speed limit  on Windermere in March 2005 to decrease the noise from speedboats spoiling the lake for users and reduce shoreline erosion and pollution.

How to get around the Lake District sustainably?

The best way to get around the Lake District is  on foot . This national park is perfect for hikers and nature lovers, offering plenty of trails for all levels. You will also find numerous walks around the lakes that allow you to slow down and fully appreciate your surroundings. 

However, the  car  is probably the fastest way to get around the Lake District, but not the most environmentally friendly! I understand some places may be difficult to access without a car, or hiking is not always accessible to everybody. Therefore, driving is ok, as long as you are mindful of others, such as cyclists and walkers, drive slowly and park carefully. Here are all the car parks across the National Park:  https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/car-park-status . Planning your trip in advance will also help reduce impact. And if you can, try driving an electric car! 

Another way to get around the Lake District more sustainably is by  public transport . The National Parks Authority has improved its public transportation network, and visitors are encouraged to use buses instead of bringing their cars. Here is more information about the buses:  https://www.lakedistrictonboard.com/transport/lake-district-buses/ .

As mentioned, walking is one of the best ways to explore the lakes, but also  cycling ! You can bring your bike or rent one, as the Lake District cycling routes take you on some of the most scenic trails in the UK.

And finally, something impossible to forget:  boats .   Make the most of the Lake District by sailing across a lake, hiring an electric boat or using a streamer to visit local villages. The unique thing about this National Park is that you can get on and off a boat at different locations and move around in a truly memorable way.

Best eco-conscious hotels and B&Bs in the Lake District

1- moss grove organic, grasmere.

Moss Grove Organic is a beautiful 5-star boutique guest accommodation in the heart of the Lake District. This hideaway is the ideal place to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Perfectly blending classic and modern, this restored Victorian house also has an elegant style and organic concept.

After a significant renovation project in 2006, Moss Grove Organic strives to make all it does as natural and sustainable as possible, from organic clay paint and natural screen-printed wallpaper to sheep fleece insulation.

Website: https://www.mossgrove.com/

2- Cedar Manor, Windermere

Cedar Manor is a family-owned boutique hotel in Windermere, ideally located for exploring the beautiful Lake District. Whether you wish to hike through stunning scenery, sail on a lake or relax in a café, you will find everything you need within walking distance.

Cedar Manor is also part of the Green Hotel accreditation and is actively involved in sustainable tourism. Today, they work on significant measures to protect the environment and support the locals, such as reducing carbon footprint and raising staff awareness. 

Website: https://www.cedarmanor.co.uk/

3- Victorian House Hotel, Grasmere

Located in the idyllic village of Grasmere, Victorian House offers a central base to explore the delights of the Lake District. And if you want to get away from it all, discover the Shepherds Hut, the perfect hideaway leading to private riverbank views.

The Victorian House Hotel also has the unique mission of making Cumbria Greener by 2037 by reducing the carbon footprint of travellers in the Lake District. And as one of their exceptional measures, they will offset your impact by planting a tree if you travel by public transport. 

Website: https://victorianhousehotel.co.uk/

4- Southwaite Green, Cockermouth

Southwaite Green offers you a new eco-way to experience the Lake District. Situated on the edge of the National Park with stunning views of the western fells, these four cottages combine quality and comfort with the latest green technologies.

With a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Scheme, Southwaite Green ensures your stay is enjoyable whilst lowering your carbon footprint. The cottages have retained their traditional character with local stone and timber and use green technologies such as ground and air source heat and solar panels.

Website: https://www.southwaitegreen.co.uk/

5- Ivythwaite Lodge, Windermere

The Ivythwaite Lodge is a traditional stone and flint Lakeland guesthouse located in the beautiful town of Windermere. Owned by Andrew and Abigail, they welcome you to their spacious accommodation with original details and modern features. 

In addition to being a perfect getaway, Ivythwaite Lodge is taking several steps toward sustainability and measures to reduce the environmental impact of its guests. For instance, they have recently partnered with Ecologi to offset their carbon footprint and become a climate-positive organisation.

Website: https://www.ivythwaitelodge.co.uk/

Best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the Lake District

1- kat’s kitchen, keswick.

Kat’s Kitchen is a lovely vegetarian and vegan café in Keswick offering a variety of homemade meals and freshly baked cakes – plenty of choices for any time of the day! In addition, they are committed to doing good for the planet by using organic ingredients and plastic-free packaging.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/katskitchenkeswick/

2- The Garden Cafe, Kendal

Set in a quiet courtyard, The Garden Cafe welcomes you to a cosy and peaceful area of Kendal. Entirely vegan, this café serves delicious fresh homemade plant-based meals. Plus, it operates with a zero-waste policy and uses local speciality ingredients.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheGardenVegantakeaway/

3- Fellini’s, Ambleside

Fellinis is a modern restaurant serving vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a distinctly Mediterranean twist. Defining itself as ‘Vegeterranian’, this restaurant is a perfect place for a romantic getaway and offers a frequently changing menu to match the seasons. Additionally, you can find above an outstanding cinema showing the latest film productions and world-class events. 

Website: https://www.zeffirellis.com/venues/fellinis

4- Green’s, Grasmere

Green’s is a café located in the picturesque village of Grasmere, serving tasty food using fresh, local ingredients. They offer a menu with plenty of choices and specialise in vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/GreensGrasmere/

5- Café Bar 26, Keswick

Café Bar 26 is a 100% plant-based restaurant in the heart of Keswick, offering food and drinks in a comfortable and unique setting, perfect after a day exploring the lakes. Do not forget to stop by in the evening to enjoy one of their superb cocktails.  

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cafebar26/

Best (eco-friendly) things to do in the Lake District

• Take a cruise on Lake Windermere
• Climb the highest peak of England, Scafell Pike
• Observe the stars at Low Gillerthwaite
• Stroll around Lake Buttermere
• Wander in Ambleside
• See the sights on an electric bike
• Roam the trails at Whinlatter Forest Park
• Check out Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Explore Ullswater lake
• Eat and drink local

How to be a sustainable traveller in the Lake District? 

Now it is your turn! Be a more responsible traveller in the Lake District and leave a positive impact with these ten sustainable travel and ecotourism tips to make your trip greener: 

1- Prioritise public transport

I know it is not easy when you want to reach remote places, but try to use public transport as much as you can. The Lake District has an excellent transport network and is easily accessible by train. Once there, do not hesitate to use the buses to get around. 

Here is more information:  https://www.lakedistrictonboard.com/transport/lake-district-buses/ .

2- Be mindful of where you park

If you use a car to reach the Lake District or move around, be aware of where you park it. This National Park has a fragile ecosystem that needs protection. Here are all the car parks across the National Park:  https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/car-park-status . Try planning your trip beforehand to help reduce your impact. 

3- Stick to marked trails

When you go on a hike or a simple wander, always stay on the marked paths and be careful not to litter. Remember that your surroundings are fragile and need attention.

4- Stay in an eco-conscious accommodation

Many accommodations are working to become greener by innovating and reducing their impact. Therefore, try booking your Lake District getaway at a hotel or B&B that adopts eco-responsible practices and look for green accreditations on their website. 

Also, check out these five sustainable hotels and B&Bs in the Lake District: 

• Moss Grove Organic, Grasmere
• Cedar Manor, Windermere
• Victorian House Hotel, Grasmere
• Southwaite Green, Cockermouth
• Ivythwaite Lodge, Windermere

And if you want more, have a look at  BookDifferent .

5- Enjoy a boat trip

Make the most of sustainable travel in the Lake District by participating in eco-friendly water activities such as swimming, sailing across a lake, hiring an electric boat or using a streamer to visit local villages and appreciate beautiful sunsets.

6- Eat local and shop at markets

When you travel to the Lake District, being mindful of what you eat and buy is key to leaving a lower footprint and being a sustainable traveller. Ask the locals where they like to eat, buy your food at local markets, and go to local vegetarian and vegan restaurants supporting farmers and sustainable products.

The same applies to the souvenirs you bring home. Ask questions to learn more about the product you want to buy and its origin, shop local, decline objects made with animal products and refuse single-use plastic bags.

The Lake District is full of incredible markets where you can buy the best local organic meats, fish and vegetables, plus a wide range of crafts – so take advantage!

7- Be zero waste and avoid plastic

Sustainable travel in the Lake District also means picking up your trash or any you come across, and avoiding plastic at all costs! The best way to reduce waste when exploring is to arrive prepared. That is why considering what you bring with you is essential, even for a weekend break or a day trip. Here are some ideas, bring: 

• Reusable filtered water bottles (reduce single-use plastic)
• Eco-friendly tote bags (reduce single-use plastic)
• Travel towels (reduce water usage)
• Cutlery and containers (reduce single-use plastic)
• Reusable straws (reduce single-use plastic)
• Biodegradable shampoos (reduce toxic chemicals)
• Solid toiletries (reduce water usage) 
• Zero-waste sunscreens (reduce single-use plastic and toxic chemicals)
• Portable solar chargers (reduce energy usage)

Check out  this page  for more ideas on eco-friendly products & gear.

8- Go Camping 

Another great way to reduce impact in the Lake District whilst enjoying the outdoors is to go camping. There is no better method to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. The National Park offers many campsites with excellent facilities and a low carbon footprint. Check out this website for more information:  https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/where-to-stay/camping-camp-sites .

My favourites are  Great Langdale Campsite  and  Sykeside Camping Park .

However, keep in mind that the Lake District is a protected area. Therefore, you can not go wild camping and set your tent wherever you want. Please, be respectful and book your spot at an accredited campsite. The experience will be just as magical. 

READ MORE: 10 Best Campsites in the Lake District, UK .

9- Explore by bike

The Lake District is a perfect place to explore with a bike. Bring your own or rent one, and start your journey along some of the most scenic trails in the UK. Take time to stop and appreciate the spectacular scenery of the Lakes.

Alternatively, you can rent an electric bike to help you on the hills. There are plenty of charging stations along the way, so you do not have to worry and can fully enjoy the moment without harming the planet. 

10- Volunteer

When visiting the Lake District, take the opportunity to give back and help local organisations. For instance, check out  Fix the Fells , a project undertaking maintenance and repair work on the footpath network, monitoring and improving the condition of popular routes in the Lake District. Participating in local projects will help you better understand the consequences of tourism and become a more responsible traveller.

related post

The complete sustainable travel guide – what, why, how & tips.

How to explore with less harm and more positivity? Here is a  complete guide to sustainable travel  – an incredible way to explore the world whilst positively impacting people and our planet! 

I hope this sustainable travel guide will help make your adventure in the Lake District greener!

Remember, always leave a place better than you found it.

Shop the travel itinerary planner

Explore responsibly and organise your green adventure all in one place.

Do you have any other suggestions for sustainable travel in the Lake District? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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Go Lakes Travel

The Go Lakes Travel programme is a £6.9 million initiative, funded by the Department of Transport, and being delivered in partnership by Cumbria County Council, the Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria Tourism.

Between 2011 and 2015 it aimed to generate a step-change in how visitors travel to and around the Central and Southern Lake District, enabling them to make greater use of sustainable modes of travel.

Some key objectives include:

• Improving public transport services and traffic management to tackle congestion and reduce delays
• Creating a network of pay-as-you-go car and cycle hire fleets
• Developing safe, continuous networks for walking, cycling and wheelchair use
• Making paying for, and changing between different modes of travel easier, through integrated ticketing and discounts for those arriving by public transport
• Targeted marketing and information designed to change visitors' travel behaviour to/from and around the Lakes
• Ensure that, as far as possible, local residents and communities benefit from the programme

Find out more at  www.golakestravel.co.uk (opens in new window) 

GoLakes Travel was followed by the See More Cumbria and the Lake District project

Find out more about the legacy and achievements of these projects.

Fix the Fells

Footpath erosion is a serious threat to the mountain environment and consequently to the tourist industry. Walking is the most popular activity for visitors to the Lake District and fifteen million pairs of feet are very damaging to the footpaths particularly on the high fells.

The Fix the Fells project is a partnership of six organisations lead by the National Trust. It maintains and repairs the upland paths preventing further erosion. This is vital work without which access to the fells would be limited with severe impacts on the tourism industry.

Check out www.fixthefells.co.uk (opens in new window) 

Lake District Foundation

(formerly nurture lakeland).

The Lake District Foundation was established as a charity in August 2017. Prior to this, under the name Nurture Lakeland, the organisation had been working for 23 years to raise funds from visitors and the tourism industry. We also delivered sustainable tourism programmes and messages across Cumbria, gaining national recognition. The Lake District Foundation will build on this work and grow in reach, impact and influence.

Love Your Lakes

This initiative encourages visitors, businesses and local people to take simple steps to reduce the amount of phosphates entering Windermere. This will improve water quality and reduce toxic algal blooms.

Low carbon cottages

This scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions and running costs of traditionally built holiday cottages without damaging any of their essential character. Working with holiday cottage owners and letting companies, they want to prove that cottages can meet the highest of environmental standards without it costing the earth, either to the owners or to the holidaymakers.

Find out more at www.nurturelakeland.org (opens in new window)

The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Our staff include rangers and field workers, advisers at our visitor centres, planners and ecologists.

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