The Lake District has been named as the UK’s top destination in a new book listing the world’s 500 best places to visit.
Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist ranked hundreds of “unmissable global travel experiences,” with the national park rated number 40, the highest of the UK’s 34 must visit recommendations.
Cumbria also provided the UK’s second highest entry, with Hadrian’s Wall listed as its 13th most essential destination, while the historic city of Petra in Jordan came out on top of the world in the prestigious international guide.
Almost half of the book’s recommendations are outdoors or wildlife experiences, which the guide’s authors say reflects “a growing desire from travellers to experience the natural world.”
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “We’re thrilled to see that both of Cumbria’s World Heritage Sites have made this amazing list.
“We can’t understate the value of Lonely Planet’s recognition highly enough.
It 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.”
The Ultimate Travelist, published on Wednesday, is described as “the definitive wishlist of the 500 most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world – ranked in order of brilliance.”
Last year, Lonely Planet ambassador Chloe Gunning highlighted Cumbria as one of her favourite places to visit.
Better known to the online community as Wanderlust Chloe, she spent three days travelling by foot and eBike in the Eden valley as part of Cumbria Tourism’s sustainable travel campaign.
Commenting on Cumbria’s double-inclusion on Lonely Planet’s list, Chloe said: “It’s no surprise to see the Lake District as the highest-placed destination in the UK. It has it all.
“Beautiful landscapes, lots of great activities and a top food scene too. I’ve adored my trips to the region and when people ask me where to visit in the UK, it’s one of the places I recommend most of all.”
