Food

This region is known for its sheep and some of the best lamb and mutton in all of Britain is produced here, notably Herdwick. Of the many dishes in which lamb can be found, one of the less well-known local delicacies is the Herdwick Ham - a leg of mutton that's brined and spiced, then smoked. Some 41,000 people live in towns and villages inside the Lake District National Park and more than 16 million visitors arrive each year. As such there are any number of restaurants, bakeries and pubs to visit when you're hungry or thirsty. That said, when you're visiting the Lake District, there are a number of foodstuffs you should look for in the area. One popular delicacy is the traditional Cumberland Sausage, which is a spiral coil shaped seasoned pork sausage. Its most distinctive feature is that, unlike other sausages, it is not linked but long and coiled and has been classified as one of the European Union's PGI (protected geographical indication) foods. Fish is popular here and the Windermere Char, a trout-like freshwater fish, is wild-caught and served at restaurants. Part of the trout family, and related to Arctic Char, it is one of the few fish that can survive in deep cold inland lakes. One theory claims the Windermere Char was trapped in the Lake at the end of the Ice Age while others speculate it was introduced by Roman legionnaires. It has delicate pink flesh and as fresh fish it is usually served grilled. Potted Char, spiced and covered with clarified butter, is a local delicacy. Also potted and absolutely delicious are brown shrimp from Morecambe Bay. Don't skip the sweets while you're here. Grasmere Gingerbread is big, as is the Cumberland Rum Nicky (a date, ginger and rum tart), Cumberland Rum Butter (rum, nutmeg, butter and sugar; it's often served over other cakes and sweets) and Kendal pepper cake (think fruitcake but spicy). The Kendal Mint Cake is one of the sweetest sweets made here, and many hikers stock up before they hit the trail. Two more things to watch for: ale and damsons. In addition to independent breweries, many pubs also have attached microbreweries so you can sample the local fare. Damsons, though, are another story. These tiny tart plums are popular here both as a dessert but also in damson beer, damson gin and even damson cheese. The blossom on the damson trees of the Lyth Valley in April is a joy to behold, while in September they're in season, so you'll see them everywhere from roadside stands to desserts in the fanciest of restaurants. With regards to dining out, you'll find everything from cheap pub eats to fancy four-star restaurants. Many towns have a local favourite or a local dish, so ask around for the best.