25 September 2020
We’re celebrating World Tourism Day 2020 (27th September 2020) by taking a look at our fantastic Tourist Information Centres across the National Park. Running for over 20 years, we have three Lake District National Park Information Centres located in Keswick, Ullswater and Bowness on Windermere, each offering knowledge on their local area and much more.
Providing information to visitors and residents is a valuable part of the Lake District National Park Authority’s role in this beautiful part of England. We are proud to welcome over 19 million visitors a year, and we are sure that those who pop in to our centres will be greeted by a warm, local smile, always happy to help.
With the easing of lockdowns across the country at the start of the summer, and the restrictions on travel abroad, the Lake District has had one of its busiest summers to date. Attracting new types of visitors, we are proud to be a park for all. With many visitors coming to explore the Lakes for the first time our Information Centres have been busy pointing people in the right direction, and showcasing the variety that the Lake District has on offer for all.
However, we are not immune to the economic pressures faced by the high street and other retail sectors. As a National Park authority we are proud to have kept our Information Centres open, when many have been forced to close across the country.
We have done this by enhancing what we believe a Lake District National Park Information Centre is about. As well as our core belief of providing up to date information, including selling maps, walking books and other walking accessories, we have developed a local shop atmosphere in our Information Centres. Showcasing local products from across Cumbria. The variety of what is on offer encourages all tourists and locals to pop in and support the Lake District National Park.
Found in Keswick’s Market Square, in the iconic Moot Hall, expect to get a warm Cumbrian welcome as soon as you step through our door. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or some information on the local area, we will be happy to help. Chris has been working at Keswick Information Centre for over four years, and loves encouraging visitors to make the most of their break; ‘with so much to do around the Keswick area, I try and let people know about things they have never considered before’.
We caught up with Chris, here’s what we chatted about
Found by the large public car park in Glenridding, we are at the base of some of the Lake District’s most iconic walking routes, and just a stone’s throw away from the Ullswater Steamers jetty. With free Wi-Fi (important when there is no signal), brilliant local products and endless local knowledge it’s definitely worth popping in if you’re in the area. Plus we are the meeting point for the Lake District National Park’s Winter Skills Courses. Available from December to March (weather permitting), our winter skills courses are perfect for those wanting to learn how to summit safely.
Find out more about our Winter Skills courses
Located at Bowness Bay, we are pleased to be at the heart of the Lake District’s busiest and most diverse tourist hotspot. With so much going on around Windermere, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the Lakes, as well as ensuring you have that perfect memory to take home with you. We’re also home to Bluebird Café, after you’ve had a chat with us and selected your leaflets why not enjoy a delicious coffee and cake overlooking the bay as you plan your trip highlights. 2019 was a special year for us as Marion, who has been a smiling face at Bowness Bay for 17 years, was shortlisted for the Sheila Hensman Award for Outstanding Customer Service in the Cumbria Tourism Awards, well done Marion!
Here at the Lake District National Park Authority we recognise both the pressures and the benefits that tourism has on in our National Park. We’ve been working with our partners to ensure the Lake District is an example of sustainable development in action. Our aim is to have a prosperous economy, world class visitor experience and vibrant communities in our stunning landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One key focus is encouraging sustainable tourism, we work closely with transport providers and technology companies to have less cars on our roads, particularly in our busy honeypot areas - have a look at the driverless pod currently on show at Brockhole. We’ve been encouraging our fantastic accommodation providers, and world class attractions to be more environmentally conscious in terms of energy and water use, as well as reducing waste. Tourists and locals can play their part too by making the most of our 900 square mile National Park. Why not avoid the busy areas and visit somewhere new when you’re out and about? Or try a more sustainable activity like paddleboarding, kayaking, or cycling? You could even explore the park on an e-bike and give your car a rest?
Find new walking routes with Miles Without Stiles.
Get involved this World Tourism Day by popping in and saying hello to our teams around the National Park, and see who else is involved using #WorldTourismDay.
Staff Blogger
