Summary
A picturesque region characterized by majestic lakes, valleys, and hills, Cumbria is home to England’s only genuine mountain range. Most of this wilderness is encapsulated within the Lake District National Park, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures, be it on land or water. The grandest lakes and the tallest mountain in the country await your exploration, or you may simply enjoy the scenic views while aboard one of the renowned steam boats.
Interwoven within these stunning landscapes are inviting stone-built communities that once nurtured cultural luminaries such as William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and John Ruskin. Hadrian’s Wall, marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, traverses the region and inspires imagination like few man-made structures on the planet.
Let’s delve into the premier destinations to explore in Cumbria:
1. Lake District
Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, graces the western part of the Lake District where numerous hills, referred to as ‘fells’, challenge hikers to test their limits.
The lakes themselves are impressive, resembling elongated sheets of reflective water.
The largest, Windermere and Ullswater, are traversed by leisure boats and ferries, providing thriving opportunities for watersports.
As evening falls, you can unwind in charming villages and towns such as Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere, which have catered to the desires of visitors for centuries.
Few regions in the world are as intrinsically intertwined with an individual as the Lake District is with the poet William Wordsworth.
He resided here throughout his life and has immortalized the lakes and fells in the minds of his readers for over two centuries.
2. Keswick
If you’re fatigued after a day of hiking in the fells, you couldn’t find a better refuge than the historic market town of Keswick.
The town boasts a wide selection of pubs and restaurants offering hearty meals in the evenings, along with charming streets lined with delightful shops to welcome you back to civilization.
Keswick serves as a base for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, situated near the northern end of Derwent Water and in the proximity of Cat Bells, one of the Lake District’s most cherished walking locations.
Honister Slate Mine has been extracting slate for nearly 300 years, allowing visitors to explore its nave-like tunnels and traverse a via ferrata.
3. Ambleside
Situated on the northern shore of the magnificent Windermere, Ambleside is a Lake District town that captivates visitors at first glance.
Many Victorian stone-built homes serve as accommodations for outdoor adventurers or individuals looking to recharge while floating on Windermere, be it via steamer or by personal means.
For hikers, this is an ideal destination, as you can ascend the breathtaking Loughrigg Fell on a circular trail that begins right at Ambleside’s edge.
A plethora of historical figures have lived or worked in this town, and the Armitt Museum showcases exhibits related to Ambleside’s connections to William Wordsworth and children’s author Beatrix Potter.
4. Carlisle
The sole city in the county is located just miles from the Scottish border and is rich in history and culture.
Tullie House Museum is essential for its pre-Raphaelite artwork, Roman artifacts, and natural history displays, all housed within a stunning old mansion.
The city’s cathedral is the second smallest in the country, yet it remains worthy of your attention.
This cathedral was adapted from a monastic church and features a breathtaking Gothic east window along with choir stalls that were crafted in the 1400s.
Carlisle was originally the largest settlement along Hadrian’s Wall, making it an excellent starting point for tracing the remnants of this formidable frontier.
5. Coniston
If you’re prepared to tackle the fells, Coniston is an exceptional option.
The imposing Old Man of Coniston towers over the quaint town, guiding you to its summit which rises 400 meters via well-marked trails.
Coniston Water is, of course, stunning, and adventure sports companies offer canoeing and sailing experiences.
One of Victorian Britain’s most influential thinkers, John Ruskin, spent his final years in Coniston.
His elegant manor house, Brantwood, attracts visitors with sweeping views of Coniston Water, while a small yet insightful museum dedicated to him can be found in the town.
Be sure to visit Tarn Hows, a charming little lake nestled at the base of steep wooded hills.
6. Penrith
Penrith’s strategic location near the Scottish border has afforded it significant importance for nearly 2,000 years.
The Roman fort of Voreda lies just north of the town, while Penrith Castle, constructed in the 15th century, was built for defense against Scottish incursions.
However, there’s also a less confrontational history to be uncovered at the romantic towers of Lowther Castle and the meticulously tended Dalemain Estate, which features an award-winning garden.
You can venture back in time at Long Meg and Her Daughters, a stone circle established 5,000 years ago.
Alternatively, experience the beauty of nature at Aira Force waterfall, which cascades down 20 meters and was praised by Wordsworth.
7. Kendal
A southern gateway to the Lake District, Kendal presents itself as a neat destination in its own right.
On the streets, you will observe that nearly everything is constructed of grey limestone, locally quarried, which gives Kendal a distinguished appearance.
If you’re interested in sightseeing and exploring historic sites, this town offers remarkable attractions such as the impressive Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall, and the majestic ruins of Kendal Castle perched high above the River Kent on the east bank.
Kendal Museum provides deeper insights into the history of Kendal Castle and its destruction, while the road towards Windermere leads to the Hawkshead Brewery, a friendly craft brewery specializing in real ale that also offers tours.
8. Hawkshead
Despite being a compact village situated within the National Park, Hawkshead offers a wealth of opportunities.
Esthwaite Water, a smaller lake positioned between Windermere and Coniston Water, is an excellent locale for autumn fishing for trout and pike, located just south of Hawkshead.
Beatrix Potter resided on the eastern shore of this lake, and her delightful home, Hill Top, is preserved by the National Trust and is a must-visit for fans and families alike.
Grizedale Forest, spanning nearly 25 square kilometers of predominantly coniferous woodland, is also family-friendly.
This forest features a Go Ape center equipped with Tarzan swings, zip lines, and rope bridges.
9. Brampton
Carlisle may have attracted your attention due to Hadrian’s Wall, and just moments away from Brampton, you will find remarkable remnants of this ancient barrier.
Birdoswald Fort stands out as the only stronghold along the wall that remained occupied through the Dark Ages.
Meanwhile, the section of the defense known as Willowford Wall once included a fortified bridge spanning the River Irthing, featuring some of the most intact portions of the wall available for exploration.
Within the town, you should seek out St Martin’s Church, designed by early Arts and Crafts architect Philip Webb, adorned with stunning stained glass windows.
Consider visiting the ruins of Lanercost Priory and spend a leisurely summer afternoon at New Mills Trout Fishing Park.
10. Cockermouth
As previously mentioned, William Wordsworth has considerable historical significance, and at Cockermouth, you can visit the site of his birth.
The poet’s childhood residence is an elegant Georgian townhouse that transports visitors back to the 1770s.
Children will also find delight here, as they can engage with 18th-century toys and don replica costumes, all while the exquisite kitchen garden outside mirrors the environment in which Wordsworth cultivated his artistry.
You may also explore behind the scenes at Jennings Brewery in Lorton, which has been producing ale for the Lake District for two centuries, while Banks Ironmongers stands as a hardware shop operating since 1836, showcasing numerous historical curiosities.
11. Grange-over-Sands
When you gaze upon the vistas of Morecambe Bay from the charming old resort of Grange-over-Sands, it becomes clear why textile magnates chose this locale for their grand summer residences in the 19th century.
The resort embodies the timeless charm of a Lake District village combined with a refreshing sea breeze.
You’ll find quaint local shops to explore, and the dignified Holker Hall enhances the town’s aristocratic aura.
Along the promenade, you can marvel at the expansive skies over the Irish Sea, or venture to the nearby village of Cartmel, which boasts a 12th-century priory.
12. Sedbergh
Located in the southeast of the county, the elegant town of Sedbergh is nestled within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Main Street is sure to capture your heart, where a harmonious blend of antique shops, pubs, and a variety of specialty stores adorn this narrow cobbled lane.
Peeking through the gaps in the terraced streets are the majestic Howgills Fells, which might inspire you to lace up your hiking shoes once more if you’re not already exhausted.
Farfield Mill presents an engaging attraction that fuses Victorian textile heritage with arts and crafts workshops.
Additionally, you can explore Sedbergh’s Quaker history at the Bridflatts Meeting House, built in 1675 and recognized as the second oldest Quaker Friends House in Britain.
13. Barrow-in-Furness
The coastal town of Barrow-in-Furness harmoniously blends industrial and medieval history.
This shipbuilding area has launched vessels for centuries and is currently involved in the construction of Britain’s high-tech Dreadnought-class submarines.
To learn more about its decorated shipbuilding heritage, the Dock Museum is an essential destination, situated directly atop a Victorian graving dock.
Furness Abbey ranks among Britain’s most romantic monastery ruins, featuring red sandstone walls and columns nestled in a beautiful green valley.
14. Grasmere
Grasmere is centrally located within the Lake District and welcomes tourists with its accessibility to all the picturesque lakes and fells.
Unsurprisingly, Grasmere derives its name from its stunning lake.
Lake Grasmere is as beautiful as any within the national park, and a well-maintained path encircling its shores is perfect for those hesitant to tackle the region’s higher fells.
Just steps from the lake, Dove Cottage awaits, where Wordsworth resided during the initial years of the 19th century.
Following his marriage, he moved to the more splendid Allan Bank, providing breathtaking views of the waters.
If you’re a more determined hiker, the mesmerizing glacial lake Easdale Tarn presents a challenging trek west of the village.
15. Ulverston
A well-maintained waystop as you enter the Lake District from the south, Ulverston was the birthplace of the legendary comedian Stan Laurel from the duo Laurel and Hardy.
The town houses the only museum dedicated to this iconic partnership, established by a passionate collector who amassed an extensive array of photographs, furniture, props, letters, and memorabilia.
Additionally, a rare remnant of Cumbria’s Victorian industry has been preserved at Stott Park Bobbin Mill, featuring a functioning horizontal steam engine and gears.
In former times, many similar facilities dotted the Lake District, manufacturing bobbins for the extensive textile mills in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
