With another year of very successful Easter and Whitsun holiday periods, the English Lake District has further broadened its appeal.

With the fells to bursting point with seasoned walkers and newbie’s alike, the beauty of this region is truly being appreciated. Cumbria was also extremely lucky and to have been given the destination for hosting the Radio 1 Big Weekend in May. The value to the tourism industry in Cumbria was thought to be somewhere in the region of £3 million to £4 million during the 3 day weekend and for many visitors, their first experience of this beautiful county.

It’s the little things that are contributing to the Lake District appeal. For food lovers then the local produce in Cumbria the Lake District is hard to beat. Cumberland sausage gaining its protected status has further cemented this region on the culinary map. With Cumbrian produce being popular in London such as at Borough Market to orders being placed by Japanese companies for the famous Grasmere Gingerbread and Hawkshead Relish. Chefs in many of the hotels in the Lake District have been resurrecting traditional Lakeland dishes and using as much local produce as possible on their menus. The for real ale fans, Cumbria and the Lake District has the highest concentration of micro breweries in the country.

The outdoors and walking is paradise for dog owners. The Lake District is geared up for dogs with the endless walking routes but also many pubs and other establishments being dog and pet friendly. There is now a very good choice of dog friendly hotels in the Lake District. Not every dog owner likes self catering holidays or like having to put their dog into a kennel. Dog friendly hotels suit both the dog and its owner.

For the more adventurous then the award winning Honister Slate Mine is a must. Being shortlisted for the prestigious Cumbria Tourism Awards 2011. Not only is it a working slate mine with visitor centre and cafe but also the one of a kind Via Ferrata experience as well. Over looking one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District, the Borrowdale valley, the Via ferrate experience takes place 2126 feet up Fleetwith Pike. It enables visitors to experience the thrills and stunning views usually only seen by climbers. Visitors to this attraction are then lucky enough to have the choice of staying in some of the best Lake District hotels as well.

So, Cumbria and the Lake District is really leading the way in tourism in this country. It is moving with the times, enabling visitors to try out diverse activities and experiences and caters for adventurists, romantic weekends, family holidays, dog and pet owners and even business trips in Lake District hotels.