The Diverse Attractions of the Lake District and Cumbria
Cumbria and the Lake District enchant with craggy mountains, shimmering lakes, and picturesque valleys. Their vast coastline has drawn artists and writers for ages. Here, visitors seek relaxation and adventure. They delve into history and savour fine dining that rivals London’s finest. The area invites hill walking, lake boating, cycling, and festival attendance. Adventures also reach the treetops and underground, ensuring diverse experiences for all. Cumbria offers diverse attractions, ensuring Lake District holidays cater to every interest.
Exploring the Lake District
The Lake District, England’s largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site covers much of the county of Cumbria. The Lakes stretch right out to the cliffs and beaches of the Irish Sea. This is a place of superlatives – it’s home to England’s highest mountain, the 978-metre Scafell Pike; its longest natural lake, Windermere; and its deepest lake, Wastwater. Glaciers sculpted these famous natural features millennia ago. Rich cultural heritage followed, giving rise to pretty villages, white-washed farmhouses, and dry-stone walls winding across the fells. Over 16,500 archaeological sites and historical monuments complement the landscape’s natural beauty.
Beyond the Lake District Holidays
But Cumbria isn’t just the Lake District… The eastern side of the county contains a big chunk of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visitors can also see the Roman remains that make up part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. Furthermore they can explore no fewer than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Arnside and Silverdale; the North Pennines; and the Solway Coast. Generations have cherished and nurtured this landscape, which now enjoys some of the highest levels of protection in the land.
Accessibility and Connections
The county, one of England’s largest, is tucked away in the far north-west, right up against the border with Scotland. There are good road and rail links with the rest of the UK. It’s less than three hours by train from London Euston to Oxenholme near Kendal, and little more than an hour from either Glasgow or Edinburgh to Carlisle. Furthermore, the Carlisle Lake District Airport offers flights to major destinations, including London Southend, Dublin, and Belfast City, thereby enhancing Cumbria’s accessibility.
Accommodation and Dining
Since the publication of the first Lake District guidebook about 250 years ago, tourists have consistently flocked to the region. Unsurprisingly, Cumbrians have become adept at extending warm welcomes to visitors over the years. Holiday-makers can choose from a broad range of accommodation options – anything from luxury boutique hotels and well-appointed guesthouses to campsites and self-catering cottages. Just about every town and village – from Cartmel to Carlisle, from Keswick to Kendal, from Windermere to Whitehaven – has a wide choice of dining options. You’ll find hearty pub grub, Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, vegan options, afternoon tea, high-quality local produce, Indian, Thai, Jamaican, Mexican, Japanese, Malaysian, Greek, Italian… You name it, there’s a good chance Cumbria’s got it!
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