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Watch: The Lake District

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Where is the Lake District?

Map with arrow pointing to the Lake District in North West England.
  • The Lake District is a national park in North West England.

  • It is home to the highest mountain in England - Scafell Pike, and the deepest lake - Wastwater.

  • It is popular with holidaymakers because of its beautiful mountains and lakes.

Map with arrow pointing to the Lake District in North West England.
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What is the Lake District like?

Diagram showing the tectonic plates moving towards each other and creating a mountain above.
Image caption,
Tectonic plates move and create mountains and volcanoes.
  • The landscapes of the Lake District have been created over millions and millions of years. Rocks such as sandstone, limestone and granite slowly formed in layers.
  • Next, tectonic plates created volcanoes and pushed the rock up to create high mountains.
A diagram of the Lake District showing a lake and a tarn.
  • Two million years ago, icy glaciers covered the mountains. As the glaciers slowly crept down the mountains, they wore away the mountains and created valleys.

  • When the ice melted, these valleys filled up with the melted water and created deep lakes. Small crevices made by the ice at the tops of mountains filled with water to create tarns.

A diagram of the Lake District showing a lake and a tarn.
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Who lives in the Lake District?

Cartoon of some otters in water.
  • Lots of plants and animals live in the Lake District.

  • There are lots of people, who live in towns such as Keswick and Windermere.

  • Tourism is an important industry here. More than 12 million people visit the Lake District each year. They come to walk, cycle, run, boat and look at the amazing scenery.

Cartoon of some otters in water.
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What does the Lake District look like?

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 4, Windermere is the largest lake in England., Windermere is the largest lake in England.
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Activity: Quiz – The Lake District

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