The Lake District has proudly joined the league of global wonders as Prince Charles dropped by to declare it a Unesco World Heritage Site on Monday.
With vast stretches of open water, forests and lush green scenery, the region has long been one of Britain’s favourite tourist spots.
Its scenic and breath-taking landscape helped secure its spot on the prestigious list, joining the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and Stonehenge.
The Prince of Wales, who is a regular visitor to the county, took pride in unveiling the plaque in a ceremony at Crow Park, in Keswick.
The Lake District has proudly joined the league of global wonders as Prince Charles dropped by to declare it a Unesco World Heritage Site on Monday
The Prince of Wales, who is a regular visitor to the county, took pride in unveiling the plaque in a ceremony at Crow Park, in Keswick
Around 18 million people per year flock to north-west England to witness the beauty of the famed mountains and tranquil waters for themselves
With vast stretches of open water, forests and lush green scenery, the Lake District is one of Britain’s favourite tourist spots.
Around 18 million people per year flock to north-west England to witness the beauty of the famed mountains and tranquil waters for themselves.
In previous years, the Lake District has been named the most photogenic landscape in all of Britain.
The region is known for its soaring fells as much as its expansive lakes, including England’s longest, Windermere, and deepest, Wastwater.
The Lakes also boasts sites of historical importance such as King Arthur’s Round Table, said by English Heritage to be a neolithic earthwork henge believed to be the legendary monarch’s jousting arena.
And it was an inspiration for some of the country’s most beloved writers including Beatrix Potter, who owned Hill Top Farm, and poets William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge and John Ruskin.
Speaking outside the Theatre by the Lake before unveiling the plaque, Charles said: Whenever I come here and, in the words of Psalm 121, ”lift up mine eyes unto the hills” I feel my spirits rise and I know the same is true of countless others’
In previous years, the Lake District has been named the most photogenic landscape in all of Britain
Prince Charles stopped by the Lake District as part of his whistlestop tour of Cumbria. Pictured: The Prince of Wales unveiling the plaque declaring the Lake District a World Heritage Site on Monday
A UNESCO committee in Krakow, Poland, had backed the national park in Cumbria – home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike – which was among 33 nominations all over the world.
The UK now has 31 World Heritage Sites including the city of Bath, the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral and the Giant’s Causeway.
Prince Charles stopped by the Lake District as part of his whistlestop tour of Cumbria.
Speaking outside the Theatre by the Lake before unveiling the plaque, he said: Whenever I come here and, in the words of Psalm 121, ”lift up mine eyes unto the hills” I feel my spirits rise and I know the same is true of countless others.’
Charles, a passionate environmentalist, had travelled by rail to Langwathby.
He was greeted by a welcome party including local MP Rory Stewart and his wife Shoshana.
Charles, a passionate environmentalist, had travelled by rail to Langwathby. He was greeted by a welcome party upon arrival
The Prince of Wales is given a warm welcome to the Lake District by locals including MP Rory Stewart (fourth left) after travelling by train on Monday morning
The UK now has 31 World Heritage Sites including the city of Bath, the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral and the Giant’s Causeway
Lord Clark of Windermere, chairman of the Lake District National Park Partnership, led the award bid and had urged people to attend the ‘once in a lifetime event’.
Lord Clark said: ‘This plaque will give local people and visitors a place to come and appreciate not just the spectacular landscape but also the rich, cultural history of the Lake District as a World Heritage Site.’
Lake District National Park chief executive Richard Leafe added: ‘Since last summer we have seen some great examples of organisations, businesses and communities using World Heritage status to flourish and prosper.
‘From inspirational cultural events to welcoming first-time visitors to the park, this global recognition has encouraged new opportunities while continuing to be a much loved national park for everyone to enjoy.’
Following the ceremony, Charles attended a reception at the nearby Theatre By The Lake where a selection of musical performances will be staged.
Following the ceremony, Charles attended a reception at the nearby Theatre By The Lake where a selection of musical performances were staged
Charles is greeted by Rory Stewart’s wife Shoshanna after touching down in sunny Cumbria this morning, where he is due to carry out a number of engagements
A UNESCO committee in Krakow, Poland, had backed the national park in Cumbria – home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike – which was among 33 nominations all over the world
The event was also attended by Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove and Michael Ellis, minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism.
He said: ‘I could not be more delighted to be with you here today on this very special occasion in what I happen to think is a particularly special part of the world.
‘Official recognition by the Unesco World Heritage committee of the Lake District National Park as a World Heritage Site is a significant achievement, which I am told has taken 31 years.’
Lord Clark of Windermere, chairman of the Lake District National Park Partnership, thanked the Prince of Wales for attending the event.
He said: ‘We know he is a regular visitor to the county and we appreciate it so much.’