Tourism and the National Park Authority
Who manages the Lake District National Park?
The Lake District National Park Authority is the local government body with responsibility for co-ordinating the management of the area for the benefit of visitors and locals. It does this through working in partnership with a range of different organisations such as:
- Landowners
- Farmers
- The tourist industry
- Local councils
- Conservation organisations
- Local businesses.
What is a National Park?
A National Park has two purposes and a duty which are laid down in the wildlife and Countryside Act of 1995.
Purposes
- To conserve and enhance the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area
- To promote the understanding and enjoyment by the public of the special qualities of the Park
Duty
- To foster the economic and social wellbeing of the local community.
Role of the National Park Authority in tourism
The National Park Authority works with our partners to achieve a balance between the interests of the environment, visitors and local people. It is a difficult task because tourism is the lifeblood of the economy but inappropriate tourism development could spoil the quality of the environment that tourists value.
We have planning powers which we use to control the development of tourism attractions and facilities. We also provide information and guidance to help visitors enjoy the area without damaging it.
Promoting tourism
Cumbria Tourism is the organisation which promotes Cumbria as a visitor destination through marketing, tourist development and services to the tourist industry. LDNPA provides information and services to tourists but we do not spend money marketing or promoting the Lake District generally. We do however make great efforts to ensure that our services are used by all sections of society.
Sustainable tourism
LDNP policies are currently under development as part of the Local Development Framework. Our focus in the current business plan 2009 – 2012 is on improving the sustainable travel network and encouraging people to use it. This means encouraging people out of their cars and using bikes, boats and buses to get around. Find out more in Getting around.
The Tourism and Conservation Partnership (opens in new window) works with visitors and with tourism related businesses, encouraging both fundraising for landscape conservation, and the development of environmentally sustainable practices within the industry.
Access for all
Like all of our National Parks, the Lake District is meant to be for for everyone. The LDNP are working to ensure that the area is accessible to anyone who wishes to make use of it. Below are just a few examples of initiatives to make our services more inclusive.
- Guided walks which welcome people with limited mobility or sight problems
- Footpaths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs - find out more in our Miles without Stiles section.
- Taking our message to community events such as Preston Mela
- Working with young people from urban areas on the fringes of the park
- MOSAIC project involving ethnic minority communities in visiting and decision making in the park.
Useful links
All links open in a new window.