The Lake District, one of the UK's most cherished tourist hotspots, is facing a visitor downturn with hotels and restaurants experiencing unexpected vacancies, according to local voices.
Community activist Tim Keenan shared with the Express that the area has yet to bounce back to its pre-pandemic vibrancy, even as domestic travel has increased. "It should be peak season," he said, noting the unusual quiet. "But it's not as busy as it usually is. There are guest homes not full and restaurants lying empty."
Keenan pointed out that the cost of living crisis is just one of several issues impacting tourism. He recalled a surge in local stays after Covid-19 restrictions eased, but suggested that visitors were taken aback by the journey to the lakes, the expense once there, and the limited services and activities available.
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"I mean there's always walking and swimming [but beyond that] things to do are few and far between. If it rains, as it has a habit of doing, you're stuck inside with the TV, which is fine - that's a lakeland holiday. But I think a lot of people if they do something want the guarantee of sunshine."
Supporting Keenan's observations, official figures indicate that the Lake District's visitor numbers have plateaued at around 18 million for the second consecutive year in 2023, a stark contrast to the 22 million who visited Cumbria in the last year before the pandemic struck.
Locals have observed a change in visitor behaviour post-pandemic; alongside traditional family groups, the area is now attracting students more interested in partying than enjoying the serene landscapes.
Keenan, who has a wealth of experience in hospitality, has noticed changes too, noting: "There's a lot more day-trippers. People are more likely to go to Tesco and get a four-pack, go sit somewhere and drink it. So I think there's been a shift in cultural behaviour."
He also mentioned that while people still venture out for special occasions, these outings have become less frequent. Keenan highlighted the financial pressures on businesses, noting that costs have soared recently.
When asked about potential closures, he added: "I think it's on the cards. We do see a number of businesses pop up and disappear. There's so many bars and restaurants we are now at a saturation point. [August 3] was first Saturday [this summer] it was as busy as it normally is when it's almost like a mini city you're trying to battle your way through the street with all the restaurants and pubs full.
"There is a popular pub in Bowness which I think offers a barometer for how busy things are. They used to be slammed all day long. But now it's like little dips and flows, it's just not as busy."
"People are not spending as much and the bottom line has gone from like 20 percent to five percent with all the increase in the cost of ingredients, wages and other stuff. So it's it's not very robust."
Finding a solution to the dwindling visitor numbers is no simple task. Proposals for new attractions that might alter the idyllic landscape often face stiff local resistance.
In May, plans for a zip wire attraction in Elterwater Quarry were greenlit. These plans unsettled many locals, prompting 90,000 objections initially submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority.
Despite alterations to the scheme, Friends of the Lake District, a community group, still had concerns. They said: "We remain opposed in principle to a major tourist attraction being established in a small community that is already under huge visitor pressure.
"The area already suffers from congestion and a demand for parking, and even a small increase in traffic will make the problems worse."
The Lake District is dependent on tourism for its local economy and lacks both sufficient infrastructure and attractions to support the industry adequately. There are also concerns about 'overtourism' while businesses simultaneously contend with the effects of fewer visitors coming to Cumbria.
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