Situated in England's northwest corner, the Lake District, also referred to as Lakeland or simply The Lakes, is a fascinating 900 square mile area of ancient mountains and lakes. Established as a National Park in 1951, it is 40 miles long and 33 miles wide, and surrounded on all sides by rich farmland. The views are vast and sweeping, even awe inspiring, one of the most alluring places in all of England. The English Lake District is a great haven for hikers and walkers, but was also celebrated by the Romantic poets, including William Wordsworth. This area was also the longtime home of the well-known childrens' author Beatrix Potter, whose Surrey farm Hilltop is visited here.