An angry public backlash whipped through the Lake District online community this week after the tiny village of Bassenthwaite was unwittingly declared the most “tranquil” place for a staycation in the whole UK.
The small community, with one pub and less than 500 residents, was thrust into the national spotlight having been anointed a “hidden gem” by a PR firm trying to win column inches for a company selling cannabidiol (CBD), vapes, edibles, balms and seeds – the compound found in marijuana.
While the news was liked, loved and shared across social media by those impressed by photos of Bassenthwaite Lake’s dreamy shores, closer to home many contributors remarked that the exposure had destroyed any chance of Bassenthwaite ever remaining tranquil.
One commenter quipped: “What a load of tat. The list was compiled by a CBD retailer so it must be accurate then! I’m an expert in spotting absolutely rubbish articles like this.” Another said: “Sadly this tranquillity has been totally ruined!”
Another questioned how a community with one pub and no shop could ever be recommended as a good place for a staycation.
Laurie Wood said: “I feel the ratio of tourists and locals is perfect as it is. I hope there isn’t an influx. I used to live and work in Langdale and although it’s still beautiful, the soul of the village has gone.”
Contributor Adrian Strand quipped that Bassenthwaite had been tranquil: “Until now!” While Mike Spedding added: “Don’t tell everyone.” Mim Porter said: “Peaceful places are that because the public don’t know about them!”
Another said: “I don’t think anywhere in the Lake District needs this sort of advertising, you’re just adding to the problem we already face.”
And the findings were hardly scientific – being based on questionable evidence including the low number of hashtags Bassenthwaite has on the photo and video sharing site Instagram – hardly a robust measure given the Lake District can be patchy for mobile phone coverage.
The area was rightly praised for its scenery and birdwatching giving it what was called a “peace score” of 86 out of 100.
But bizarrely, it suggested that Bassenthwaite had the highest crime rate of all nine places below it in the top 10.
The village, which has just one pub, no shops and a population of less than 500, came out tops because a number of other factors also went in its favour.
