Claife Viewing Station, Windermere

Benefits of World Heritage Status

The Lake District World Heritage Site is:

  1. One of just over 1,000 World Heritage Sites (1,052)
  2. The UK's largest World Heritage Site: 229,200 ha (1951 boundary)
  3. The UK's 31st UNESCO World Heritage Site
  4. The only UK National Park that will entirely be a World Heritage site, joining:
  5. Cumbria's second World Heritage Site together with Hadrian's Wall
  6. One of eight World Heritage Sites looked after by the National Trust
  7. One of 15 National Parks. The others are: Brecon Beacons, the Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Loch Lomond and Trossachs, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales, the Broads, the New Forest and the South Downs.

How does World Heritage benefit us?

  • Our vital farming community will enjoy increased recognition of the cultural role of farming and its integral role with the landscape.
  • Our government has pledged to provide resources to protect its World Heritage Sites. Having this status could attract more funding and investment into the Lake District - and we'll be heard.
  • We’ve worked out that just a one per cent switch to cultural visitors who spend more on accommodation, leisure and food and drink could boost our economy by about £20m per year.
  • The profile of the Lake District will be elevated internationally. 
  • We will develop as an international brand on the 'A-list' of places to visit.
  • The sense of achievement is sky-high. We’re bursting with pride.

Benefits study

In 2009 the Partnership commissioned Rebanks Consulting Ltd to produce the 'Is there an opportunity for economic gain?' report.

An updated report has also been completed with an action plan in 2013. Read 2013 How the Lake District and Cumbria can benefit from World Heritage Status - report (PDF).

Both reports conclude that economic and social impact is achievable through global recognition of the site and through the nomination process itself. The following benefits may come from World Heritage inscription:

#LakesWorldHeritage

The Lake District has become a World Heritage Site joining iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon as a place of international acclaim. Find out how you can celebrate the identity, inspiration and conservation of the Lake District on our Lake District World Heritage website.