In pictures: How much has the Lake District really changed over the years?

On May 9 2021 The Lake District National Park celebrated its 70th anniversary – in 1951 the area, which had long been championed by the likes of poet William Wordsworth and author Beatrice Potter, officially became the second ‘park of the nation,’ a month after the Peak District.

The area has, in many ways, changed very little over the last century – Windermere is as long, Scafell Pike as tall – but in other ways, the National Park has experienced a dramatic transformation. In 1969 it opened the UK’s first National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole on Windermere, in 2017 it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and by 2025 the National Park authority aims to become carbon neutral.

Today, the Lakes welcomes 19 million people a year, ranking it among the most popular attractions in the world, but has it always attracted the masses on such a scale?

Perhaps not, yet it has long been a popular destination, from 19th century hikers tackling first ascents to early 20th century motorists putting their new machines to the test.

The anniversary comes at a time during which Britons have relied on open spaces, nature and subsequently the nation’s National Parks for their wellbeing, both mental and physical. As the Lake District continues on a journey to understand how it can continue to attract travellers of all ages and backgrounds in the post-pandemic world, it’s worth looking back at how we used to enjoy it in days gone by.

The photos below, dating back as far as 1890, will show that it was not all that different from today.

An early incarnation of the ferry on Windermere (1880)

Messing about in boats beneath Scafell Pike (1896)

This scene from Grasmere could easily be today (1935)

As could this one, swapping the map for an iPhone maybe (1953)

How much has Troutbeck changed? (1935)

Wastwater Screes was as tricky as it ever was (1931)

Penrith was a little more peaceful (1890)

Great Gable remains as is (1896)

A Morris Oxford tackles one of Lakeland's infamous passes (1920s)

Sheep do the same on Honister (1920)

Lads on tour (1909)

Grasmere resplendent in the sunshine (1900)

Here's a rarity today: an impromptu ice rink (1952)

But races are as popular as they ever were (1912)

As is the pub – the Royal Oak Inn remains open (1947)

Time to freshen up, beneath Helvellyn (1934)

This shot from Ennerdale is very much of a bygone time (1930)

Fearless climbers on Napes Needle (1929)

Windermere station opened in 1847 (1931)

Ambleside has long been popular (1930)

As has Honister (1930)

A swimming pool in Arnside (1933)

Rydal (1940)

This image captures the timeless appeal of the Lakes (1935)

As does this bucolic scene (1934)

This scenario, on Dow Crag, however, might not be everyone's cup of tea (1933)

A rushbearing parade through Ambleside (1933)

Hikers pause at Langdale (1935)

Bridge House survives in Ambleside today (1936)

So does the serenity of Langdale (1941)

Fashion was, of course, far superior in those days (1935)

The Second World War saw the arrival of evacuees from London (1941)

Who were able to experience the countryside for the first time (1940)

As many had long had the fortune to do (1938)

Evacuees on a hike (1941)

Traffic in the Lakes is not a new issue (1970)

Though they made it look cool (1968)

The rise of the car meant the rise of the caravan (1962)

And, erm, the rise of the canoe (1967)

Ribblehead viaduct remains a highlight for rail travellers in the region (1967)

The essence of the Lakes remains the same (1953)

Who wouldn't want to be in this situation right now? (1941)

Or indeed this one? (1961)

The Lakes provides British holidaymakers an escape like no other (1947)

From the buzz of its communities, like Kendal (1950)

To the peace and quiet of its waters (1948)

As long as there still scenes like this, over the River Irt (1951)

And this (1948)

And, of course, this (1948)

The Lake District will remain an integral part of British culture (1950)

And we will keeping coming back (1957)

All photos courtesy of Getty. To find out more about the Lake District and to plan your visit see our comprehensive guide.