Cumbria County is a non-urban county in the North West and England’s third largest county. It is mainly rural and is the seat of the Lake District and the Lake District National Park, England’s largest national park. The Park has served as a huge inspiration for musicians, writers and artists because of its outstanding natural beauty. It is a popular destination for tourists both local and international because of it’s important literary association; its craggy fell mountains and its ribbon of glacial lakes. A large section of the south-east side of Cumbria is inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park.On the other hand, the eastern side of Cumbria is in the outskirt of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).Cumbria is a mountainous region with rural, coastal and upland areas.
Cumbria’s history is defined by settlements, migration and invasions along with clashes and conflicts between the Scots and the English. Sites in Cumbria with historical importance are the Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, Hardknott Roman Fort, Carlisle Castle, Brough Castle and Furness Abbey, among others.
Food and shopping
There are numerous restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Cumbria, and looking for that perfect place to eat after a long enjoyable day of exploring the county could be a bit challenging. Although the Lake District is considered Cumbria’s foodie’s heaven, there are also a few exceptional fine dining restaurants in the heart of Cumbria’s countryside serving exquisitely prepared and expertly cooked organically grown local produce. Cumbria’s award-winning restaurants, cafes and pubs offer the best food and drink in the region with the Lakeland beers, the well-known Lakeland beef and lamb and a wealth of the finest local produce combined to prepare international cuisine or traditional favourites. Cumbria also boasts of its choice cheeses and meat, and its famous relishes and jams, and of course the celebrated Cumberland sausage.
Despite the fact that Cumbria has made its reputation as one of the outstandingly beautiful places on earth and a haven for bikers and walkers, the county is also known for its lovely villages and towns. There are charming boutiques, well-known national retailers, and interesting independent shops lining the streets of the towns and villages that will make shopping a delight. There are factory outlets, large retail centres and branded department stores in the larger towns as well as shops offering local produce and craft almost everywhere in Cumbria.The market town of Cockermouth, Keswick and Kendal offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for city blokes
Where to stay
There is a fantastic selection of both traditional and alternative places to stay in Cumbria and the Lake District. There are romantic places, dog-friendly places, cycle friendly places as well as luxurious, rustic, remote by the lake, in the woods or the fells. Of course, there are also hostels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, guest houses, holiday parks, hostels, farmhouses, campsites, caravan parks, tipis and yurts eco pods and lodges, and glamping.
Things to do
There is so much to see and do in Cumbria since the county is packed with outstanding attractions and a tour on a self-drive rental van is the best way to explore Cumbria’s numerous attractions. It has over 3,100 kilometres of pathways along the countryside to ride, cycle or walk. There are also miles of coastline and beautiful lakes for water sports activities. Another thing that visitors look forward to in Cumbria is discovering the life and works of some of the many well-known poets that used to live in the county. For a taste and feel of Cumbria’s art and culture scene, view the artworks in the forests and mountains, or visit artists’ studios and galleries. There is also an abundance of festivals and performances in outdoor stages in spectacular settings as well as in intimate venues that make the cultural scene in Cumbria something quite extraordinary.
