Visit mystical Eden

A British tourism destination is positioning itself as the number one place to visit for 2012 staycations taken by those wishing to explore the mystical past, discover some true ‘Twilight’ style tales and leave a lighter imprint on the landscape, by holidaying in a responsible and sustainable way.

Eden, in the eastern part of Cumbria, is a lesser-known part of the ‘Lake District county and one rich in myth, legend and enthralling history. The land beneath its major town of Penrith once stood on the equator, but this is not the only remarkable fact about this area, which to many is how the Lake District honey pot area used to be 30 years ago, free of traffic, full of empty landscapes to explore and brimming over with stunning views.

Thanks to Nurture Eden, a project managed by the responsible tourism organisation, Nurture Lakeland, Eden is putting itself firmly on the tourism map as Britain’s first sustainable tourism destination. Initiatives are unfolding to make Eden the destination of choice for those wishing to explore on two wheels, on foot, or even by snowshoe! Eden businesses are shouting about their green credentials and artisan producers are creating some of the finest foods with a local provenance, to feed those hungry for the true taste of Eden.

The exclusivity of Eden as a destination, thanks to a lack of awareness about its riches, is one reason for the mysterious aura that surrounds it. The fact that so many myths, legends and Arthurian links enrich a visit is another reason why those with a lust for the supernatural and the inexplicable should make it their number one holiday choice in 2012. Even teenage kids can enjoy a staycation if there are vampires and inexplicable events thrown into the mix!

From sunrise over its magnificent standing stones, to twilight over the ruins of an Arthurian castle, it has the recipe for romance, true indulgence for the imagination and all the spine tingling the thrill seeker could desire.

Distinguished by its picturesque, red sandstone villages – reminders of the red desert sandstone formed 250 million years ago in a desert – by glacial geological features formed when the glaciers retreated 12,000 years ago and by the rich pastures of the Eden Valley, this area is deemed one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Perhaps this is why the Celts, the Romans, the Danes, the Saxons and the Scots have all tried to become masters of its lands.

Why is Eden so mystical? That is for the visitor to determine, having explored its many legendary locations, but for starters there’s the River Eden – the only one in Britain to flow from south to north. Could it be magic? It’s certainly in the right place for it!

For further information on Nurture Lakeland visit nurturelakeland.org.