With staycations on the rise there has never been a better time to holiday in the Lake District, Cumbria. 2017 will see the launch of new hotels, museums and events, and there is even the prospect of The Lake District National Park becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upcoming highlights for The Lake District, Cumbria, include:

• The opening of 'Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories'. A world class museum on the shores of Windermere, England's largest lake, with a nationally significant historic boat collection, learning centre and café.

• The verdict will be given on the English Lake District's bid for World Heritage status. The Lake District is the UK's only submission to UNESCO for World Heritage status in 2017 under the category of Cultural Landscape and three key themes of: Identity, Inspiration and Conservation.

• Hadrian's Cavalry event at Hadrian's Wall. In July 2017 Carlisle will host the largest Roman cavalry re-enactment ever seen in the UK. A troop (turma) of 30 Roman cavalrymen will come together to perform training exercises described by Hadrian himself 2,000 years ago.

• Another Place: The Lake, a new family resort in the heart of the Ullswater Valley will open in summer 2017. From the team behind Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall, the 18th century building will house 40 bedrooms, including several family suites and dog friendly rooms, as well as fresh, contemporary spaces with views over Ullswater and the fells beyond.

• The opening of the Whitehaven stretch of England's Coast Path in summer 2017 will see Cumbria's coastline become part of the longest continuous coastal walking trail in the world.

Other highlights for The Lake District, Cumbria, 2017 are:

• The opening of The Beacon's brand new £1.2 million conference and event facility in Whitehaven.

• The re-development of English Lakes Hotel's Low Wood Bay to become the Lake District first luxury 'resort'

• The re-opening of the iconic Queen's Head, Troutbeck by Robinsons Brewery, two years after it was closed due to a devastating fire

• The re-opening of the world's only Pencil Museum in Keswick

• The expansion of the museum at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, following a £1million grant.

Ian Stephens, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism says, “Each year we see more investment, more bed spaces and more events coming to Cumbria and 2017 is no exception. With an exceptional offer of accommodation, food and drink and attractions for visitors, 2017 will be an ideal time to come and see exactly why we believe the Lake District, Cumbria is the place to be.”

2017 will also be marked by VisitEngland as the Year of Literary Heroes, and with the Lake District, Cumbria inspiring the likes of William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome amongst others, it is the ideal place to be inspired and pay homage to these literary greats. 

Find out more about visiting the Lake District, Cumbria by visiting www.golakes.co.uk. Here you can find and book accommodation, attractions and activities for your perfect stay.

If you're visiting the Lake District, Cumbria before 31st March 2017 make sure to purchase a Love Cumbria card before your arrival. The must-have holiday accessory entitles you to a whole host of exclusive offers from 2 for 1 entry to attractions, 30% off food and 2 for 1 afternoon teas for only £10 per card. Check out the offers and buy your card from www.golakes.co.uk/lovecumbria 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For more information, hi-res images or press trip opportunities, please contact the Cumbria Tourism Press Office on: 01539 825019 or email pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org 

1. Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy. It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than 2,400 members. In 2015, more than 43 million people visited Cumbria, contributing more than £2.62 billion to the local economy and support around 61,000 jobs.

2. For more information about visiting the Lake District, Cumbria, visit: www.golakes.co.uk 

3. To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org