Keswick Moot Hall, is one of three information centres offering free wi-fi. Photo: Kenneth Allen CC-BY-SA-2.0

Visitors to the Lake District can stay connected after the national park authority introduced free wi-fi internet access at three of its information centres.

The service will enable outdoor enthusiasts to access internet services without recourse to expensive mobile phone data charges.

The wi-fi service, an extra bonus in areas with poor mobile phone reception, was officially switched on earlier this month without any advanced promotion and is already proving to be very popular at all three sites: the Moot Hall in Keswick, Glenridding and Bowness Bay.

National park information services project manager Olivia Clarke said she thought most customers would use the service to email family and friends, book holiday accommodation and research places to visit in the Lake District.

She said: “More and more people are using smartphones, laptops and tablets whilst on the move to plan their stay within the national park.

“There is an expectation from people now that free wi-fi will be available at the most popular destinations, and we want to ensure that our information centres are providing a modern, friendly and accessible service.”

The Lake District National Park Authority said users will have to complete a quick and simple registration process before accessing the service.

Ms Clarke added: “We’re delighted with the early success of this new facility at our information centres.

“We have seen a trend of local, national and international visitors using our wi-fi service which means it’s already meeting the needs of the modern visitor.”