Lake District
The boulder-strewn Scafell Pike is England's highest point, at 3210ft above sea level, rising high above the other crags in the wildest and most majestic part of Lakeland. From its summit, the view embraces the lakes of Windermere and Derwent Water, in addition to the high peaks of Great Gable and Pillar. Nestling beneath the crags are eight major lakes, with superb tree-lined walks, and rich green valleys, where the scent of bracken and the sound of gurgling streams, offer physical and spiritual relaxation and regeneration. The spring and autumn months present this dramatic and varied landscape at its most striking - lush-green in spring, flecked with autumn tints in late summer.
The central part of Lakeland contains almost every feature of mountain scenery, and for many visitors this section remains the most exciting and satisfying. Located here are the two largest lakes - Windermere, more than 10 miles long, and Ullswater, 7 miles in length. Here, also, is the most popular of all the peak climbs, in Helvellyn; there are fertile valleys, lofty fells and foaming mountain streams. Central Lakeland also has a rich literary heritage - the landscape has barely changed from the days when William Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott, Charles Lamb and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were inspired by its beauty.
In amongst this natural beauty are a number of ancient towns and villages, with long histories. Kendal, known locally as the 'auld grey town', because of the many fine old limestone buildings lining its twisting streets, was made a barony by Richard Coeur de Lion in 1189. Kendal Castle, now an impressive ruin, is 12th century in origin, and was, in 1512, the birthplace of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife; her prayer book, bound in silver, is on display in the town hall. Abbot Hall, an 18th century mansion, contains an art gallery; included are paintings by Turner, Reynolds and Romney as well as sculptures by Barbara Hepworth. The stables house the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. Among the riverside walks is one to the site of the Roman fort of Alauna.
Lying just south of Kendal are two very attractive mansions, a must for curious gardeners. The Elizabethan Levens Hall has quite amazing 17th century topiary gardens, maintained in their original forms - cones, corkscrews, pyramids. Nearby Sizergh Castle, contains a medieval hall and peel tower built in 1350, with additional Elizabethan wings; these house fine collections of paintings, panelling and furniture. In the grounds are the most beautiful specialist rock, rose and Dutch gardens - a plantsman's delight.
Keswick, the largest town within the Lake District National Park, sits beside Derwent Water and has been a holiday centre since Victorian times. The decorative Moot Hall, in the middle of the Town Square, was built in 1813 on the site of a 16th century original. The 18th century Greta Hall was home to the poet Robert Southey (1774-1843); he is buried in the churchyard at Great Crosthwaite, north-west of the town. The Fitz Park Museum contains original manuscripts by Wordsworth, Ruskin, Coleridge and Beatrix Potter; the art gallery in the same building includes works by Turner and Wilson Steer. Keswick, of all the towns in the area, is ideally situated to visit both mountains and lakes.
One of the oldest market towns in Cumbria, Cockermouth has retained its unspoilt character down the years. At one end of its broad tree-lined main street stands a handsome Georgian house, the birthplace in 1770 of the future Poet Laureate William Wordsworth; the Lakeland poet lived here until 1778. Returned to its original splendour, Wordsworth House is now National Trust property and open to the public. Another famous son of Cockermouth is Fletcher Christian, the man who instigated the infamous mutiny on HMS Bounty in 1789. There is a ruined castle in the town, largely 14th century in construction, built partly with material from the nearby Roman fort of Derventio. This reasonably remote castle has quite a colourful history - besieged by Robert the Bruce, and later involved in both the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
Two villages sitting either end of Rydal Water are linked inextricably with William Wordsworth. The poet lived in Dove Cottage, at the southern end of Grasmere village from 1799 until 1808. The cottage has a humble interior preserved much as it was, and, along with the nearby Grasmere and Wordsworth Museum contains manuscripts and relics belonging to the poet; both are open to the public. At the eastern extremity of Rydal Water is a stone and slate settlement with humpbacked bridge, completely surrounded by high fells. This is the village of Rydal, where Wordsworth lived in a stone farmhouse called Rydal Mount from 1813 until his death in 1850; the farmhouse is still full of his possessions, and open to the public. His body was taken to Grasmere where it lies buried, together with his family, in St Oswald's churchyard; his grave is marked by a simple stone.