Cumbria Tourist Information

The County of Cumbria includes the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and part of North Lancashire. Cumbria is England's second largest county, which encompasses the Lake District National Park, England's largest lake, steepest road and tallest mountain.

This unique County has something to suit everybody's taste - great outdoor pursuits including waters sports, climbing, horse riding, walking, heritage sites, attractions, gardens and stunning coastal scenery. Cumbria Tourist Information centres can be found throughout the County, to help you plan your visit.

Carlisle and Hadrian's Wall Country

Cumbria Tourist Information can be found in Green Market Carlisle, a modern vibrant city with a unique and colourful heritage. Carlisle Cathedral is well worth a visit, also Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery with interactive exhibits to interest all the family. Carlisle is the Gateway City to the western stretch of the 80 mile long Hadrian's Wall, World Heritage Site - learn about its history at Birdoswald Roman Fort.

Keswick and Western Lake District

Nestling on the shores of Derwentwater is the market town of Keswick, an ideal centre for exploring the unspoiled surrounding countryside, Cumbria Tourist Information is in the Moot Hall, Market Square. Cockermouth, the birthplace of William Wordsworth, has several interesting attractions and you will find Cumbria Tourist Information in the Town Hall. In the area are Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Thirlmere lakes set amongst the three highest mountain ranges in England, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. The beautiful Borrowdale Valley leads to the famous Lodore Falls and the stunning views from Honister Pass.

The Cumbria Coastline

This is a dramatic coastline, with spectacular scenery, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. The coast around Silloth-on-Solway is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will discover charming seaside ports and market towns, such as Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven each have Cumbria Tourist Information centres also one at Sellafield Visitor Centre. St Bees and Hodbarrow are home to RSPB reserves. One of the outposts of the Roman Empire, the Milefortlet (21) at Crosscannonby is part of the Hadrian's Wall Heritage Site, open to the public.

Ullswater and the Eden Valley

Located on the eastern side of Cumbria, the area surrounding Ullswater provides gentle walks and relaxation, or be adventurous and take on the challenge of Helvellyn. Nestled between the North Pennines and the Lakeland peaks lies the Eden Valley, with undulating meadows, picturesque villages and lively market towns. Historic Appleby-in-Westmorland, Kirkby Stephen and Penrith all have Cumbria Tourist Information centres. The area's varied history has left a wealth of enchanting castles, historic homes, impressive henges and stone circles to discover.

Alston and the North Pennines

The North Pennines is a landscape of high, wild moorland, cut through by green, settled dales and impressive natural features. This is the perfect country for walking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching. Nestled among the majestic North Pennine fells is Alston, England's highest market town, where old stone buildings cling to the side of steep cobbled streets and narrow lanes lead to hidden passageways. You can access Cumbria Tourist Information at Alston Railway Station.

Coniston and the Lake District Peninsulas

Coniston Water on a still day mirrors the beautiful Lakeland fells and inland countryside surrounding it. The Lake District Peninsulas offer a combination of countryside and coast, with beautiful scenery, wildlife sites and nature reserves. The Duddon Valley, immortalised in the writings of William Wordsworth is a hidden gem in the Lake District National Park. Cumbria Tourist Information can be found in Barrow-in-Furness, home of one of England's most impressive monastic ruins, also at Ulverston, south Lakeland's festival town and the Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands

Majestic fells and sparkling lakes form the very essence of the south Lakeland landscape, a spectacular area of the County and a favourite holiday destination. Cumbria Tourist Information can be found in the Town Hall at the lively market town of Kendal, which offers an eclectic mix of arts and culture. Bustling Lakeland villages such as Hawkshead, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere each have their particular character, attractions for all the family and Cumbria Tourist Information centres.

Sedbergh and the Yorkshire Dales

This area encompassing part of Yorkshire Dales National Park has a character all of its own, with flower rich meadows and dry stonewalls climbing up the rounded domes of the Howgill Fells. You will find Cumbria Tourist Information in the attractive old market town of Sedbergh, with its engaging mix of historic buildings and cobbled yards, also at Kirkby Lonsdale tucked away in the beautiful valley of the River Lune, where Ivy clad Georgian buildings and quaint cottages line the narrow alleys and courtyards.