In July of 2020 we completed the Lake Head Visitor facilities in one of the most sensitive sites in the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lake District National Park.
Lake Head is the entrance to one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK, accessing England’s highest mountains from a unique destination enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many people come to walk to the top of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, to explore the wider mountainous landscape, enjoy walking along Wastwater lake shore, or simply to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this remote valley.
Our client, The National Trust, is committed to looking after the nation’s special places for ever, for everyone.
Since the early 2000’s The National Trust have been working towards the introduction of new visitor toilet facility at Lake Head adjacent to the car park in order to improve the experience for visitors and reduce the inconvenience for residents and businesses in the valley. By sensitively making a number of separate, but related change and improvement projects, we believe we can improve Wasdale for the better, solve or reduce some of the problems that have hindered the valley for decades so that Wasdale can be enjoyed by everyone, for ever. The project at Lakehead was the first of those improvements.
The new facilities have been designed with a keen awareness and understanding of the landscape and environmental sensitivity of Lake Head site adjacent to the Wastwater SSSI, the current and projected visitor numbers and the purpose and nature of those visits. In no way does the development intend to accommodate or attract an increased number of visitors to the Valley.
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was with great thanks to the team at John Carr Construction Ltd that we could bring this complex project to a complete in both a timely manner and well within the available budget.
“It was therefore such a pleasure to listen to you explaining what you see for the site, and the sorts of designs you have already thought about and come up with. It’s a delight to hear an architect who not only really believes in what he is saying and describing, but then actually puts it into action as well; and it was quite obvious that this belief and desire was coming from you, not just because your client has asked you to do something and you were trying to ‘sell it’. I’m always very appreciative of those who carry through the strength of their convictions, whatever they are – not just in the planning process”
Lake District National Park Authority
We`re proud to share that the Higham Whole Estate Plan received a Commendation at the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category!
The project was developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the @lakedistrictnpa, creating a long-term vision for a rural estate that balances landscape stewardship, biodiversity, heritage and economic resilience.
We had a fantastic evening celebrating planning projects from across the region. One of the highlights was hearing poet Tony Walsh perform a selection of poems inspired by places across the North West, including the Lake District - a fitting reminder of the connections between landscape, heritage and community that underpin so much of the work recognised on the night.
Congratulations to all those recognised on the night🌟
Jun 25
Last week at Holker Hall...
It was great to bring together landowners, estate managers and rural professionals to discuss how Whole Estate Planning can support long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our fellow speakers, panel members and attendees, for sharing valuable insights and contributing to some thought-provoking discussions around Biodiversity Net Gain, estate strategy and the evolving opportunities facing rural estates.
Thank you to @holkerhall for hosting us in such a beautiful setting.
Jun 9
We’re delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category for the Higham Whole Estate Plan!
Developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the Lake District National Park Authority, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a 1,170-acre rural estate. Bringing together landscape, heritage, biodiversity and rural enterprise, the WEP demonstrates how strategic planning can support resilient rural communities while safeguarding landscapes and enhancing what makes them special.
The project demonstrates the value of collaborative, landscape-scale planning in helping to shape rural places - identifying opportunities for sustainable change and lasting community benefit.
We’re proud to see this work recognised and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project.
Jun 4
At Tarn Hows, a picturesque site within the Lake District National Park, Crosby Granger Architects is involved in conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the area's natural beauty and historical significance. Our projects focus on maintaining traditional pathways, restoring historic stone structures, and implementing sustainable practices to protect this cherished landscape for future generations.
Designed for the National Trust, our contemporary education shelter at Windermere blends sustainable materials with the woodland landscape. This thoughtfully crafted structure serves as a learning space, encouraging environmental awareness. The project exemplifies our commitment to designing with nature and creating architecture that complements its surroundings.
