Cumbria is a glorious green county which encompasses the Lake District where some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK can be found.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District encompasses many notable places, including Windermere, Ambelside, Grasmere and Keswick which provides a haven for outdoor adventure. Its scenery is varied, from craggy mountains to the sparkling lakes which give it its name, it is enduringly popular with visitors.
The Lake District visitor centre at Brockhole is a good place to start your explorations. It has its own fantastic selection of family-friendly activities and experiences, as well as a café and restaurant.
Walking is understandably a top pursuit here, with trails taking visitors across the fells, alongside lakes and up panoramic tarns. Rest your feet with a boat trip on one of the famous lakes or try a more exhilarating activity such as rafting or canoeing. If you prefer getting around on two wheels, there are numerous cycle trails to follow as well as mountain bike routes for beginners through to those with experience.
To explore the Lake District from a different perspective, try Brave the Cave which is a family-friendly caving experience.
A trip to The Lake District is not complete without a cruise on one of the many lakes or 'meres' and many offer stunning views of the Lake District fells. Windermere Lake Cruises offers scenic cruises throughout the year ranging in length from 45 minutes to over 3 hours and you can board at Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside.
Besides the natural attractions on offer, the Lake District is home to many heritage sites, including Lowther Castle, Muncaster Castle and Rydal Mount (Wordsworth’s family home). Fans of Beatrix Potter will enjoy discovering her connection to different places in the lakes, as well as The Beatrix Potter Gallery and the World of Beatrix Potter.
Cumbria also has plenty of interesting places to visit outside of the Lake District. It encompasses a small part of the Yorkshire Dales, a section of Hadrian’s wall, a portion of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and a diverse coastline with Victorian seaside resorts including St Bees, Silloth and Seascale.
Whether you’re walking, boating, cycling or eating your way around Cumbria and the Lake District, you’ll need a spacious and comfortable base for your group getaway. Our large holiday cottages are the perfect option for special celebrations, family gatherings and holidays with friends.