Cumbria & the Lake District tourist guide

Cumbria & the Lake District – The greatest Great Outdoors

Learn everything about Cumbria & the Lake District from its unique historical landmarks to its vibrant attractions. You’ll also find useful travel information such as a map of Cumbria & the Lake District, accommodation booking and information on famous attractions and events such as Lake Windermere, Wordsworth’s home and much more.



Memory of Cumbria
“Cumbria is a perfect package - it’s got the Lakes, the Pennines, the Dales, Hadrian’s Wall
and beautiful coastline. It really is picture postcard.”

Ben Fogle, TV presenter


An inspiration for generations

From 16 sparkling lakes and England’s highest mountains, to sheltered valleys, heather moorlands and salty seascapes, Cumbria and the Lake District have inspired and captivated generations of visitors and famous writers and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. But there’s more to see than just scenery. The area has a rich heritage to discover, a vibrant and contemporary cultural scene, and a growing reputation for fine food and drink. And on top of all this, there is a huge choice of tourist activities in some of the greatest Great Outdoors in the world.

Culture and heritage

The unique landscape that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter today nurtures a new generation of writers, artists and musicians. Sculpture trails, poetry programmes, street art and theatre add up to a thriving cultural scene. The area has a fascinating heritage, too. In stone circles and Roman forts, in historic houses and museums, the past still echoes.

Food and drink

From microbreweries and Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafés and farmers markets, Cumbria and the Lake District is fast becoming a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s the simplest loaf or the most sumptuous delicacy, you’ll find food and drink produced and prepared by people who are passionate about quality.

Shopping

There’s plenty of scope for retail therapy. Carlisle is a cosmopolitan city centre with big high-street stores and small boutiques; and market towns like Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale are made for browsing, full of tempting, independent shops. Craft fairs, workshops, studios and galleries all over Cumbria offer everything from designer jewellery to custom-made furniture.

Sport

This is one big adventure playground and it’s up to you how you get your kicks. There’s watersports galore (from kayaking to kitesurfing), challenging long-distance cycle routes, and pulse-racing mountain bike trails. Or head to the hills for classic fell walks, scrambling or rock-climbing. There’s golf, fishing (freshwater and sea) and horseriding, too.

Music and nightlife

You’ll find live music playing in pubs and venues across the region, and throughout the year there are great festivals, from classical and rock music to folk, blues and jazz. Go to the theatre, dine out or simply sit back, sip cocktails on a lake cruise and watch the sun set.

Buy before you fly

To make your trip to Cumbria and The Lake District easier, why not buy your travel passes and attraction tickets before you even leave home? Don’t go anywhere without the Great British Heritage Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp1), which gives you free entry to nearly 600 of the finest historic buildings, gardens and monuments across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com).

Must see and do


Top daytime must-do's

Top night time must-do's
View from tent at Dale Bottom Farm, Lake District

Features, attractions & events

We list over 15,000 attractions and events in Britain and here we feature a few of the best ones. If you want to find a specific event for when you’re over here, or top attractions near your destination, use our handy attractions and events search.

Conkers on the South Downs

Outdoor Britain

Come to Britain and experience the great outdoors. Whatever your hobby, if you like adventure or relaxation, you’ll find something to do in Britain’s outdoors.

Outdoor Britain
Holker Hall

Cumbria - the Lake District itinerary

Mountains, moorland and valleys are the setting for many famous gardens in Cumbria, in the West corner of England's North Country.

Cumbria - the Lake District itinerary

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