North-west national parks most popular with UK tourists

30/07/2009 13:55:46

Two of England's national parks have featured in the top ten holiday hotspots for Brits this summer.

Cumbria's Lake District came second in a Garmin poll after London, owing to the popularity of its spectacular scenery, outdoor leisure opportunities, attractive coastline and tourist-friendly accommodation centres.

Following not far behind was the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales, which holidaymakers voted into fifth place due to its serene valleys, wild fells, honeypot sites such as Malham Cove and Ingleton Falls, and attractive market towns like Sedbergh, Grassington and Settle.

Commenting on the poll, a VisitBritain spokesperson said the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales boasted "some of the most spectacular countryside in the world".

"Both also have literary connections - Beatrix Potter and the Brontes," he noted.

With Blackpool and Manchester featuring in the Garmin top ten in sixth and eighth place respectively, the north-west of England may just be the place to look for hospitality jobs this summer.

Last month, budget accommodation provider Travelodge warned the Lake District to prepare for an influx of domestic visitors this year – comments which may have encouraged hospitality recruitment in Cumbria.

Hotel jobs in Cumbria
Hotel jobs in West Yorkshire

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