The Cumbria Travel Guide outlines local attractions, entertainment, places of interest and contains useful tourist information for visitors. The county is located in North of England and provides visitors with a great tourist destination offering a mix of natural scenic beauty, wonderful landscapes and the great outdoors. Situated close to the England Scotland border the county is England’s second largest county and happens to be the least populated too, making it a haven for those wanting to wonder around this majestic landscape with an unrivalled sense of freedom.
Overview and Attractions
The best known attraction in the county is the wonderful Lake District National Park and its many attractions. The Lake District area covers approximately 900 square miles and has a number of lakes, valleys and some great villages brimming with their own distinct character. You will find the highest mountains in England here along with the deepest lake. There is history galore too with ancient stone circles and barrows, the Roman forts remains and the legacy of important industries in the past such as coal mining. It adds up to a visitor’s dream, with so many places to go and things to see indeed deciding what to see can be tricky!
Cumbria has a rich heritage and this is shown in the many castles, abbeys and historic houses in the area, add to this steam railways and old mills and you have an area rich in history and culture. In the past 1,000 years the area has been a swamp, desert and sea before emerging in its present state. It is thought that the Ice Age is responsible for creating the Lake District, with its huge valleys and creating lakes such as Windermere and Coniston. These areas now are a haven for sailors, water sports enthusiasts and anglers among others.
An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Lake District is blessed with natural scenery few places come close to. It has some famous lakes such as Lake Windermere located in a landscape of rolling hills and mountains. The area is a hikers dream with many hiking trails and great walks. You can do as much or as little as you please, you can serenely go around the many charming Lakeland towns and villages, explore the areas history at its castles and historical houses, there are a variety of attractions and you could enjoy fun for all the family at one of the numerous events taking place around the year.
The local countryside around Kendal is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, discovering its beauty is best done by walking around and discovering the area. Kendal has the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry. There are the historical villages of Bourbon and Kirkby Lonsdale, with both having a number of historic sites to explore.
The Penrith area has the Lakes’ most popular walk, the walk up Helvellyn peak that is a great favourite for those wanting to explore and walking enthusiasts. Penrith town has Penrith Castle, dating back to the 14th century and was built as a defence against raids from the Scottish, it is surrounded by parklands. See Cumbria Tourism for further details.
Lake Windermere is one of the best known natural attractions in the Lake District and is the largest of the lakes in the area. There are a number of boat trips and Windermere Lake Cruises available to see the lake where visitors can take a closer took at the outstanding natural beauty of both the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The Lake District was designated as a national park back in 1951 and famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey helped to inspire the public to discover the great value of the region. The region’s landscape also inspired writer Beatrix Potter who bought a farm, Hill Top, back in 1905 and later bought Castle Cottage that would be her home for the next 30 years. Hill Top is a 17th century farm house full of character and old world charm located in Ambleside. This is where she wrote many of her famous children’s stories. The house has been maintained and contains many of the famous writer’s personal belongings.
Carlisle Castle is a great medieval castle that has looked over Carlisle for over nine centuries. Visitors to the castle can explore the ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons. It was here where Jacobite prisoners found enough moisture to stay alive, but were executed on Gallows Hill. Explore through the fascinating history through the exhibitions that give more information and greater insight on Mary Queen of Scots, William Rufus and Bonnie Prince Charlie. There are guided tours available and a gift shop to purchase those souvenirs.
Furness Abbey was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. The ruins of red sandstone show the grandeur of this 700 year old site. The abbey is located in a quiet valley, there are now remains left but in its heyday Furness Abbey once housed the community of a wealthy order. There are audio tours and guidebooks available to help you navigate around the site that is made up of a number of buildings. The buildings include Precinct and Outer Court, the Church with its North and South Transept and Tower, the Cloister Court, Chapter House, the dormitory, infirmary and kitchen.
Holker Hall & Gardens has been referred to as two superb attractions within one glorious setting. A day out at Holker can include a visit to the stunning Hall, which is the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish which displays grand architecture and furnishings, rooms to look out for include the renowned library with over 3,500 books and the impressive drawing room with silk coverings on the walls and impressive paintings and furnishings. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk of discovery and inspiration in the national award winning gardens.
The Solway Aviation Museum is located close to Carlisle airport and is open from April to October. Should you be planning a visit here it is wise to check the exact times to avoid disappointment. The museum is run by volunteers from the Solway Aviation Society. The society owns aircraft and visitors can climb in to the cockpit to get a real feel of the aircraft experience. There is indoor exhibition, with a small display on the history of Carlisle airport. There are a range of various aero engines from early piston engines through to the Rolls Royce Merlin. Other associated displays show RAF uniforms, radio and radar equipment.
The Lakeland Miniature Village is located in Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria and is currently the only miniature village in Cumbria. There are over 140 buildings that are made from Coniston slate. There are houses, barns and farms to help recreate the Lakeland landscape. The model village has been growing and is continuing to do so with new additions added. See the miniature buildings depict Cumbrian houses and farms including classics such as Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter. There is a replica of Slater's Bridge with the adjoining Clapper Bridge (Little Langdale) that spans over 50 feet in length.
The Theatre by the Lake is located in Keswick and has a programme that will appeal to culture and art lovers. There are a number of plays to choose from here, there are excellent facilities here with an auditorium, food and drink available in the coffee shop and meeting rooms for conference hire. There are also galleries to see on the premises. There are backstage tours to help gain an insight in to the workings of the theatre.
The Horse and Ferrier Inn is situated in the picturesque village of Threlkeld, a few miles from Keswick. The location makes it ideally located for walking, with many different walking routes starting from the village. The restaurant is renowned locally for the quality of the food on offer. There are also accommodation facilities here and makes for a good place to stay if you wish to explore the surrounding area. This friendly establishment has a friendly local atmosphere where visitors can relax and take a break from touring, walking or cycling and enjoy beverages and quality food.
Jerichos is a friendly, relaxed restaurant located on Birch Street in Windermere village. The menu has been created using fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with a high level of skill and expertise to create lots of tantalising dishes for visitors to try. Jerichos Restaurant has built up a good reputation and a large regular following of food enthusiasts, it has also been highly rated in some major food guides, including Michelin, Hardens, Good Food Guide, and Egon Ronay among others. Diners can enjoy a great dining experience here in a relaxing environment.
The Tea Garden caters especially well for walkers and cyclists who can stop off and enjoy some of the delicious home-baked cakes and drinks made from freshly drawn spring water, whilst they are touring the area. The Tea Garden is approached from a footpath which winds through the Vale or from one of the peaks of the mountains close by. Visitors can sit down, relax and appreciate the wildlife before them as well as indulging themselves in some ice cream and other temping delights. There is a walk on the woodland trail and a woodland display at the farm.
The location of Cumbria close to the England Scotland border means it makes a great place to see Cumbria and Scotland in one trip. The county is synonymous with the Lake District and its many attractions, the county offers plenty for visitors in the surrounding areas that are worth visiting too and there are many charming small villages and towns to explore. Very few places in the UK offer the landscapes in Cumbria and its natural beauty; these ensure the area is extremely popular with tourists.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.