Lakes named UK’s top destination on Lonely Planet’s brand new international ‘Ultimate Travel List’

Hadrian’s Wall also made it into the top 500.

The prestigious international travel guide has ranked hundreds of what it calls “unmissable global travel experiences”, with the National Park sitting at number 40 - the highest of the UK’s 34 recommendations, with Hadrian’s Wall listed as the UK’s 13th most essential destination.

Described as “the definitive wish-list of the 500 most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world – ranked in order of brilliance”, with almost half of the guide’s recommendations being outdoors or wildlife experiences, its authors say the list reflects “a growing desire from travellers to experience the natural world”.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “We’re thrilled to see that both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites have made this amazing list, with The Lake District topping the UK’s tally of 34 ‘must visit’ destinations, alongside the equally important Hadrian’s Wall. As one of the world’s most-trusted travel guides, Lonely Planet’s acknowledgement of both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites speaks volumes for the region and is also a timely boost for our #theperfectplacetobe recovery campaign, which we launched to help the entire tourism and hospitality sector get back on its feet after a very difficult 2020.

“Our wide open spaces provide the perfect environment for a visit based around relaxation, health and wellbeing, while our culture and arts sectors are among the best in the world thanks to famous writers with a Lake District connection such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. As the Lake District is also the home of England’s deepest lake and highest mountain, opportunities for adventure are endless, and we also boast the highest number of Michelin stars anywhere north of London – making Cumbria a true food-lover’s paradise.

“Of course, there’s so much more to Cumbria than just The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. The whole county is a fantastic all-year-round destination with more than 100 miles of stunning coastline, the city of Carlisle, England’s highest town of Alston, and towns and villages wrapped around Morecambe Bay, just to name a few other highlights which makes Cumbria #theperfectplacetobe. At a time when awareness of our visitor-offer is more important than ever, we can’t understate the value of Lonely Planet’s recognition highly enough.”