The Lake District granted World Heritage status

Tourism and hospitality businesses in the UK’s Lake District are celebrating after the region was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.

Being named World Heritage Site puts the Lake District alongside the likes of the Taj Mahal, Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon as a site of global, cultural and historical significance.

The announcement, which was made in Krakow, led to jubilation among 25 organisations in the Lake District National Park Partnership that had put the bid together for UNESCO recognition in the cultural landscape category.

John Glen

John Glen, the UK’s Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said: “The Lake District is one of the UK’s most stunning and ancient landscapes and I am thrilled it has been granted World Heritage Site status. It is a unique part of the world, that combines a vibrant farming community with thousands of archaeological sites and structures that give us an amazing glimpse into our past.”

“This decision will undoubtedly elevate the position of the Lake District internationally, boosting tourism and benefitting local communities and businesses.”

Lord Clark of Windermere, chairman of the Partnership, said earning World Heritage Site (WHS) status would bring great benefits for locals, visitors, tourism, businesses and farming.

Three key themes underpinned the bid for WHS status, recognising the Lake District National Park as a cultural landscape of international significance. These include world ranking examples of identity – the dramatic farmed landscape; inspiration – art, literature and love of the place. This in turn sparked the birth of conservation – people fought and invested to look after this special corner of England.

Lord Clark said: “It is this exceptional blend which makes our Lake District so spectacularly unique and we are delighted UNESCO has agreed.

“A great many people have come together to make this happen and we believe the decision will have long and lasting benefits for the spectacular Lake District landscape, the 18 million visitors we welcome every year and for the people who call the National Park their home.”

• RCI has 10 resorts in Cumbria and the Lake District.

Hikers enjoy the view from Blencathra in the Lake District