{"id":1599,"date":"1899-12-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"1899-12-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelovers.cottage-search.com\/blog\/why-you-must-visit-the-lake-district-in-2016-2\/"},"modified":"2020-11-25T15:09:18","modified_gmt":"2020-11-25T15:09:18","slug":"why-you-must-visit-the-lake-district-in-2016-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/why-you-must-visit-the-lake-district-in-2016-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you must visit the Lake District in 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n 10th March 2016\n<\/div>\n

Why you must visit the Lake District in 2016 <\/h1>\n

8 must-dos on your Lake District self-catering cottage holiday 2016<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the wake of the 2015 Storm Desmond floods there\u2019s never been a better time to visit the Lake District.  The floods caused serious and heartbreaking devastation to locals and holidaymakers, but in the calm after the storm there are great offers, an enormous welcoming spirit and of course the Lakes mesmerising landscape, walks and outdoor adventures all awaiting you.<\/p>\n

2016 is going to be a special year. Come and soak up the spirit and be inspired. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the places across the region that you should explore in 2016.<\/p>\n

1.) Visit South Lakes Safari Zoo<\/h3>\n

In a shock turn of events in January 2016 the unique and special South Lakes Safari Zoo, Dalton in Furness, avoided closure \u2013 yes we nearly lost the much-loved family attraction \u2013 and was, thankfully, gifted as a charity. The park was saved by a petition signed by 200k visitors desperate to keep the Uk\u2019s first ever safari experience on foot, open for generations to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Phew we say and what better time than 2016 to support the zoo, which is more of a conservation park than conventional zoo. They successfully breed the endangered Sumatran tigers (the world\u2019s largest and smallest tiger breed) and indeed, it is one of the few zoos in the UK where primates are allowed to roam free around the park. There are expansion plans in 2016 including a \u2018Natural History museum\u2019 where kids and parents alike can learn about Lake District wildlife. Voted the most \u2018family friendly zoo\u2019 you\u2019re looking at \u00a315.50 adult entry which allows up to 4 kids (age 3-15 years) free admission. Follow their Facebook page for lots of offers and competitions where you can win prizes like the chance for a big cat hand feeding experience \u2013 if you dare! Making sure you catch feeding time of the big cats, especially the jaguars!<\/p>\n

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Kids are FREE at South Lakes Safari Park where you can really get up close to a huge variety of animals in this superb conservation park <\/p>\n

2.) Join Beatrix Potter\u2019s 150th birthday celebrations<\/h3>\n

London born Beatrix Potter, children\u2019s author and illustrator famed for her creation of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and his many friends, holidayed in the Lake District as a child until she bought Hill Top farm in Sawrey with the proceeds of her \u2018bunny book\u2019 in 1905.  Miss Potter\u2019s love of the Lake District grew and she played an important role in its preservation as well as being the first woman to be elected president-designate of the Herdwick Sheepbreeders\u2019 Association! Her \u2018gift to the nation\u2019 upon her death included 14 farms and 4000 acres of land across the Lake District, which she left to the National Trust for generations to continue to enjoy. 2016 marks the 150th<\/sup> anniversary of her birthday and The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness (celebrating 25th anniversary this year), the National Trust and many others have lots of events going on across the Lakes to celebrate:<\/p>\n