EARLY MOTORING IN THE
ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
For more than 200 years artists, writers, climbers and walkers have come to The Lakes, attracted by its tranquillity and natural beauty.
As early as 1840 John Ruskin, William Wordsworth and others predicted the onslaught of the visitor as railways opened up the area to tourists and developers, who followed in their wake, eager to provide the necessary infrastructure.
Many of the later visitors came by motor cars and motorcycles to stay in bed and breakfasts and the more luxurious hotels, which enticed the more discerning by the offering of an electric light and running water in every room!
This exhibition details how the accommodation providers serviced the motorists' needs for comfortable bases from which to enjoy, quiet roads, breathtaking, ever changing scenery.
Education Visits & Courses
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Admission Prices
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Local Attractions
WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES
LAKESIDE & HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY
- Open daily except Christmas Day from 10.00
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- Closing at 16.30 until the 30th March then 17.30 until the end of October
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- Enquiry line: 015395 30400
By the early 1900’s The Lake District was being heavily promoted as an idyllic destination for touring holidays. An article in the journal The Car Illustrated, published April 1914, entitled ‘A circular tour in Lakeland’ refers to confronting mountains, wondrous views and remote but accessible beauty spots. This was penned by Keswick based author, photographer, mountaineer and motoring enthusiast, George D. Abraham who captured the images being shown above.
Motor car manufacturers’ used the steep mountain passes to trial their latest models in the knowledge that glowing press reviews would booster sales in the showrooms.
