Eden, Cumbria, The Lake District – A natural choice for business

Visitor Economy

  • In 2022 Eden attracted 4.61 million tourism visits
Visitor Economy
Visitor Economy
Visitor Economy
Visitor Economy
Visitor Economy

Visitor Economy case studies

Success stories throughout Eden, Cumbria

In 2022 Eden attracted 4.61 million tourism visits to Eden (source: STEAM Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor).

Eden is renowned for its natural beauty and environment. It contains areas of the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Eden which flows through the Eden Valley is of international importance for its wildlife and habitat. The quality of the landscape; the variety of outdoor activities and the local food and drink offer are key drivers behind the decision of visitors to explore Eden.

There remains capacity to selectively grow the visitor economy in a sustainable manner, in particular the international visitor base using  the 'attack brand' of the Lake District.

For the independent sector Augill Castle at Kirkby Stephen and Appleby Castle breaks the mould of the traditional and offers the chance to stay in a real Castle.  Eden offers many independent and family run B&Bs, self catering cottages and campsites.

For the national brands, Premier Inn opened a 60 bed hotel close to Penrith town centre in 2016.

The Eden Tourism Network is made up of over 100 representatives from tourism businesses in Eden who meet on a quarterly basis to share information and discuss the latest tourism developments and issues at both a local and national level. Members of the Network inform and advise the work of the Economic Development and Tourism team at Westmorland and Furness Council and stage an annual Tourism Summit with national, regional and local speakers.  For further information on the work of the Economic Development and Tourism team visit the Trade section of the Visit Eden website.

Eden is a great place to live and to work. There can be few places better for life-work integration Sarah Dunning, Chief Executive of Westmorland Ltd.
Sarah Dunning

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