From the rugged Scafell Pike to the glass-like waters of Windermere, the Lake District is visited by 18 million people each year, who flock there for its hiking, boating and camping offerings.
But in a council crackdown, a new wave of £100 fines are set to be issued to tourists who don’t clear up after themselves on their camping trips.
It comes after increasing reports last year of tents left abandoned, burned grass from the use of disposable barbeques, and littering.
So, what anti-social behaviour will get you a £100 fine?
- Use of disposable barbeques
- Fly-camping (an irresponsible form of illegal camping in UK beauty spots leaving litter and damage)
- Abandoned tents
- Littering
- Irresponsible alcohol use
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Westmorland and Furness Council will introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in the following areas:
- Askam
- Dalton
- Blea Tarn, Coniston East Shore and Windermere West Shore (National Trust sites)
This could be extended to an additional nine locations, including Ullswater, after an additional consultation on January 6 (although this is yet to be announced).
These PSPOs will allow Cumbria Police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 for breaches — and if you don’t pay, you can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.
These Public Space Protection Orders are set to come into effect in early 2026, after the council’s consultation in September last year saw 90% of people say they supported these measures.
A survey by Friends of the Lake District found 97% of people encountered litter when they visited The Lakes, 80% saw barbeques or small fires in the summer months, while 77% witnessed fly-camping.
‘We are delighted our communities have backed these proposals and as a result, we will introduce this useful tool in even more areas to help deter anti-social behaviour and protect our valued local spaces,’ says councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety.
‘We understand the frustration residents feel when they see the impact that irresponsible behaviour can have on our communities and natural landscapes.
‘Many people have called for stronger measures in these areas to allow enforcement action when needed, and this is exactly what we are aiming to deliver.
‘Our goal is for everyone to enjoy Westmorland and Furness responsibly and to leave no trace, rather than issuing fines. These Orders are used to safeguard the places that matter to us all.’
Love the Lakes? Try these Metro loved favourites
- If you’rea new parent wanting a break in the Lakes, try this ‘phenomenal’ hotel with paddleboarding, saunas — and free childcare
- Want to get away from it all? This UK Lakes town is said to have a ‘magical feeling’ and ‘lovely scenery’, and it’s been dubbed one of the most laid-back places in the UK.
- If you want a trip where you can go wherever the wind takes you, why not ditch the hotels and tents, and try something different? We challenged Metro’s cartoonist, Guy Venables, to go on a Lake District motorhome trip — and draw his break.
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