Let’s finish our journey through the Lake District National Park in Cumbria County, England, by stepping back in time.

The Romans

For over 400 years (55BC to 410AD), Romans played a significant part in England’s history. Their presence can be seen in various locations throughout the United Kingdom, but the best-preserved Roman fort is found in the Lake District. Built between 120-138AD, Hard Knott Fort was one of the loneliest outposts in the Roman empire. Initially, this garrison housed a troop of 500 cavalry from the Dalmatian Coast (today’s Croatia). The small three-acre fort, built high on a rocky mountainside, was abandoned after only a decade or so of use. However, around 200AD it was reoccupied, this time for over two centuries.

Want to go back further than the Romans? Did you know the Lake District has four stone circles, as well as other Stone Age and Bronze Age remains?

Food and Restaurants

Did you know the Lake District is home to Britain’s 44th Protected Food, the Cumberland Sausage? Created some 500 years ago this coil-shaped pork sausage is traditionally around two feet long and a quarter of an inch thick. It has a distinctive peppery taste, though it’s not as highly seasoned today as it once was. Because it’s unique to the area, it received Protected Geographical Indication status in March of 2011.

And if you want a pint to wash down your sausage? Cumbria County has more microbreweries than any other county in Britain. Coupled with Jennings Brewery, Cumbria’s last remaining major brewery, you’ll find a nice variety of excellent English Ales stocked in all Lake District pubs and restaurants.

Finally, no meal is complete without dessert. Did you know, in the Lake District, that means Sticky Toffee Pudding? It’s a moist sponge cake filled with finely chopped sweet dates and covered in toffee sauce. Sometimes it’s served with whipped cream, vanilla custard, or vanilla ice cream. The exact origin of this decadent dessert is unknown and disputed. Several pubs have claimed the honor of inventing it. However, the contemporary pudding’s popularity can be dated to the 1970s and a hotel restaurant in the Lake District. (This is one of my favorite desserts!)

Princes and Zombies

Did you know the Lake District is a haven from zombies? In Danny Boyle’s 2002 film 28 Days Later, the main characters finally escape the zombies and find refuge on the shores of remote Ennerdale Water. This glacial lake is the most westerly lake in the Lake District and is surrounded by some of the highest fells (mountains) in the area. Unlike the other lakes, Ennerdale Water sees few tourists, but if you ever need to escape a Zombie uprising, it’s the place to go.

More than a millennium before it became a refuge from zombies, the Lake District provided sanctuary from a prince. Irish princess Bega, a Christian, fled her land to escape marriage to the King of Norway’s son, a pagan Viking. Guided by an angel, she crossed the Irish sea, landing on the western shores of today’s Cumbria County, the survivor of a shipwreck. Seeing her survival as a sign from God, St Bega settled in the Lake District and devoted the rest of her life to serving Him. A small 12th century chapel by Bassenthwaite Lake was named for her.

Let’s Write

Finally, let’s talk pencils. We’ve all used them, but did you know they were invented in the Lake District? It started with the discovery of a graphite mine there in the 1550s. The pencil’s full story can be found in the Pencil Museum located in the Lake District town of Keswick.

Virtual Visit

I hope you’ve enjoyed this ramble through the Lake District. It really is more than just breath-taking vistas. (Although that is for what it is most well-known.) If you travel to England, be sure to include a visit to this national park, exploring some of the places I’ve mentioned. But if you can’t pop over now, don’t worry. You can still enjoy many of the sights thanks to webcams located throughout the area. (Just remember, with Daylight Savings Time, the Lake District is five hours ahead of CST.)