Each year, families across the country pack up their cars and journey along the M6 for a camping trip to the Lakes.
As England’s largest National Park, the Lakes are home to soaring mountains – known locally as ‘fells’ – picturesque valleys and a sandy coastline.
From the scenic valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere and the wilder Wasdale and Western Lakes, each lake and valley has a distinct character of its own.
Around 18 million people visit the Lake District each year, with a large percentage of people camping.
Tourism in the Lake District is very valuable and is thought to contribute £2.3billion to the local economy, as well as supporting some 65,000 jobs.
But the sheer number of visitors to beauty spots in recent years has had negative consequences on the environment.
There have been increasing reports last year of tents left abandoned, burned grass from the use of disposable barbeques and littering.
A survey by Friends of the Lake District found 97 per cent of people encountered litter when they visited The Lakes, 80 per cent saw barbeques or small fires in the summer months, while 77 per cent witnessed fly-camping.
Many visitors to the Lake District are drawn in by its magnificent nature and dramatic scenery, popular for both challenging hikes and gentle lakeside walks. Buttermere lake with Fleetwith Pike fell in the background, is pictured
Ambleside, Windermere, is pictured. The area is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of lakeside activities, including walking, boating and lake cruises
Rubbish and BBQs are pictured after being left behind by wild campers on the shores of Thirlmere Reservoir in the Lake District
In a council crackdown, a new wave of fines will hit tourists who don’t clear up after themselves on their camping trips.
In some areas, holidaymakers could face a £100 for using disposable barbeques, fly-camping, abandoning tents, littering and ‘irresponsible alcohol use’.
Westmorland and Furness Council will introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in the Askam, Dalton, Blea Tarn, Coniston East Shore and Windermere West Shore (National Trust sites).
This could be extended to an additional nine locations, including Ullswater, after an additional consultation on January 6 (although this is yet to be announced).
These PSPOs will allow Cumbria Police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 for breaches and if you don’t pay, you can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.
These Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are set to come into effect in early 2026, after the council’s consultation in September last year saw 90 per cent of people say they supported these measures.
Meanwhile, a proposed PSPO requiring dogs to be kept on leads within 200 metres of public highways across Eden will not go ahead.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for Housing and Community Safety, said: ‘This partnership allows us to take a targeted, lawful approach that ensures landowner support is granted and the Order that reflects what the public wants to see.’
Wast Water in Wasdale, a valley in the western part of the Lake District National Park, is renowned for being voted ‘Britain’s Best View’
She added: ‘Our goal is for everyone to enjoy Westmorland and Furness responsibly and to leave no trace, rather than issuing fines.
‘These orders are used to safeguard the places that matter to us all, ensuring our communities and treasured landscapes remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.’
It comes as Expedia’s annual global report, Unpack ’26, found the ‘slow travel’ movement is gaining ground, with 84 per cent of travellers expressing interest in staying on or near a farm.
Mentions of farm-related experiences in Vrbo guest reviews have also surged 300 per cent year-over-year, signalling how travellers are searching for starlit skies over busy city lights in 2026.
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