THE Lake District is gradually becoming busier as visitors head back following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The new freedoms being enjoyed as part of the latest step in the prime minister’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown include drinking in pub gardens and browsing in 'non-essential' shops.

Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director at Windermere Lake Cruises, said passenger numbers had been steadily increasing since the new rules came into force on Monday - although the company is still only running at around seven per cent capacity.

“We’re still carrying a lot less than we would do, and that’s because it’s only self-catering and daytrippers, and there’s a lot of indoor attractions and indoor dining that are still closed,” she said.

“We’re being really reactive in terms of forward planning.

“We’re just assessing it day by day. It’s by far not a normal year, none of us knows what to expect, none of us knows how busy it will be.”

Tourist towns such as Bowness and Ambleside had people out on the streets once again.

Vincent Gregg, co-owner of The Crafty Baa in Windermere’s Victoria Road, said he had been ‘pleasantly surprised’ by how busy the town was.

“I think people have just missed that freedom, that enjoyment,” he said.

“What I have noticed is that a lot of people seem to be very much engaging, very happy, a smile on their faces.

"With the bars open and the shops, there’s definitely a nice spring in people’s steps.”

He also described his happiness at having the business trading again after more than three months away.

“It’s not just the relief financially, it’s also a relief for our staff," he said.

“They’re just relieved to get back to work and get some structure in their lives.”

Elliot Higgins, general manager at outdoor clothing store The Epicentre in Ambleside, said: "There's a nice atmosphere in town.

"It's not too busy, not overly busy yet, but people seem to be really happy to be back, and just out and about in general.

TRADING AGAIN: Elliot Higgins, general manager of The Epicentre in Ambleside

TRADING AGAIN: Elliot Higgins, general manager of The Epicentre in Ambleside

"We've had a couple of really good business days since we reopened. The focus on outdoor products has been huge, because I think a lot of people are keen to get out into the Lakes, onto the fells."