Lake District beauty spot now compared to 'Blackpool' as visitors ruin its natural charm
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Lake District is becoming overcrowded with tourists, according to local resident Keysia Mattocks, who grew up in the area.
She says many visitors show little care for the beautiful natural surroundings.
“It’s so busy and full of people who don’t actually respect the area,” she explained.
“It’s starting to get covered in rubbish, and if you go down to the lake, even in quiet spots, you’ll find glass, litter and barbecues where you’re not supposed to have them.”
But that’s not the only issue Mattocks has noticed with the growing number of holidaymakers visiting Windermere.
“I feel like instead of Windermere being how it used to be, it’s turning into more like Blackpool,” she said.
Local residents are also struggling as more homes are turned into short-term holiday lets, pushing people out of the community.
“Me and my wife have been renting our house for seven years, but the landlord is selling up, and trying to find somewhere nearby that will accept three cats is impossible,” she previously told the Express.
“The places that are available are only six-month winter lets because they become holiday cottages in the summer or during busy seasons,” she added.
Only a handful of her old school friends still live in Windermere. Most have been forced to move away and only return for work or to visit family.
Keysia says it’s clear to see why this is happening. The streets that once had long-term neighbours who knew each other well are now filled with short-term holiday rentals, changing the sense of community.
She explained: “I’ve got two holiday cottages near me, and even my next-door neighbour’s house is used as an Airbnb. There’s someone new staying there every week.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
Comments