A world famous actor has left Cumbrian fans guessing during his visit to the Lake District after posting cryptic clues on Twitter.

Sir Anthony Hopkins described the Lake District as "beautiful and inspiring", but the purpose of his visit remains a mystery.

He posted a picture of himself on his Twitter account yesterday overlooking the Lake District and described it as a "Magic Monday".

He returned to social media today to say: "The Lake District has been a huge influence on some of England's best known writers. #INSPIRED", before listing William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, Thomas De Quincey and John Ruskin.

The hugely-successful actor, whose career has spanned more than half a century, has most recently starred in the critically acclaimed TV series Westworld but is most commonly known for his film acting roles.

Although perhaps best known for his portrayal as Hannibal Lecter in Silence Of The Lambs, his other films include The Mask of Zorro, The Bounty, Meet Joe Black, The Elephant Man, Magic, 84 Charing Cross Road, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Legends of the Fall, Thor, The Remains of the Day, Amistad, Nixon, The World's Fastest Indian, Instinct, Fracture, and The Dresser.

He is also known for his painting and has published Dreamscapes Art Book which features hundreds of his full-color images of paintings and drawings.

The purpose of his visit to Cumbria is not yet known although some fans have suggested he could be in the area to paint.

The Mail has contacted Sir Anthony's team through his artwork website to find out why he is in the Lake District.