In 1968 Celia Fiennes undertook a mounted journey along the length of England. She later published a book titled Great Journey to Newcastle and Cornwall in which she describes her travels through Patterdale, Kirkstone Pass and Kendal. Later in 1724 Daniel Dafoe commented on the barren, wild and frightful countryside of Westmorland.
At the end of the 18th century the Lake District was already popular with travellers, this was possibly caused by the wars in Europe forcing restrictions upon travel destinations. Then in 1778 A Guide to the Lakes was published by Father Thomas West and so began a recognisable tourism industry in the district.
West produced a list of "stations" or viewpoints that he recommends tourists would fine pleasing to enjoy the most spectacular views of the terrain. At key stations, buildings were constructed, some of which can still be visited today.
William Wordsworth contributed to the popularity of the area in 1810 by publishing his guide to the lakes; this was arguably the most influential book written about the locale and did much to stir interest in the Lake District as a holiday destination.
Later came the railways and with them came mass tourism. The original Kendal and Windermere Railways first penetrated the district in 1846 by opening a line to Kendal. Further points of access were opened up in following years, thus allowing visitors easy access too many of the highlights of the area.
Tourism increased exponentially following the onset of the age of the motor car. Railways were wound down as the formation of the National Park in 1951 bought about the realisation that the unique environment of the area needed to be protected from industrial and commercial exploitation. Finally the M6 motorway opened in the early 1960's and traffic was able to flood into the area with relative ease.
At the end of the 18th century the Lake District was already popular with travellers, this was possibly caused by the wars in Europe forcing restrictions upon travel destinations. Then in 1778 A Guide to the Lakes was published by Father Thomas West and so began a recognisable tourism industry in the district.
West produced a list of "stations" or viewpoints that he recommends tourists would fine pleasing to enjoy the most spectacular views of the terrain. At key stations, buildings were constructed, some of which can still be visited today.
William Wordsworth contributed to the popularity of the area in 1810 by publishing his guide to the lakes; this was arguably the most influential book written about the locale and did much to stir interest in the Lake District as a holiday destination.
Later came the railways and with them came mass tourism. The original Kendal and Windermere Railways first penetrated the district in 1846 by opening a line to Kendal. Further points of access were opened up in following years, thus allowing visitors easy access too many of the highlights of the area.
Tourism increased exponentially following the onset of the age of the motor car. Railways were wound down as the formation of the National Park in 1951 bought about the realisation that the unique environment of the area needed to be protected from industrial and commercial exploitation. Finally the M6 motorway opened in the early 1960's and traffic was able to flood into the area with relative ease.