The unrivalled natural beauty of Cumbria and the Lake District attracts visitors from around the world, making it one of the most popular UK tourist destinations. Over 15.5 million people visit the Lake District each year and in 2007 tourism contributed £1.1billion to the Cumbrian economy. The numbers of people visiting the area is going up as is their length of stay with the average length being six days. The area has a
loyal and repeat customer base with 83% of people returning. The industry is
supported by businesses from food and drink organisations to the mammoth hotel
and B&B industry.

Visitors can enjoy a rich variety of outdoor activities and the area hosts one of the three Centre Park brand holiday parks, Oasis Whinfell. In the north of the County, the famous Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall lie near Cumbria’s cosmopolitan city of Carlisle. In the west, the coastal towns of Maryport, Whitehaven and Workington have seen investment and regeneration whilst new leisure facilities are being built as part of ‘The Waterfront Barrow-in-Furness’. Meanwhile, Kendal in the south, voted best place to live in 2008, provides a perfect Gateway to the Lake District.