If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, peppered with rustic villages and sites of historic interest, then look no further than Cumbria. Located in the North West of England, you’ll find it bordered by Scotland, Lancashire, North Yorkshire and County Durham. Cumbria is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful counties in the UK, taking in the Lake District, the Eden Valley, the Furness Peninsula, the North Pennines and a part of the Yorkshire Dales, just for good measure.
History in the 21st Century
As you might expect, Cumbria is littered with historic sites, spanning the centuries from some of the earliest stone circles in the UK, through the remains of the Roman Empire to mines and water mills left over from the Industrial Revolution. Birdoswald, in Brampton, is well worth a visit, with a superb visitors’ centre and interactive displays to bring the past well into the 21st Century.
Rabbits and Tigers and Hedgehogs…Oh, my!
Families are well catered for in this county, with a wealth of sights and attractions for those with children. The World of Beatrix Potter Centre, in Windemere, is an enchanting day out for fans of Miss Tiggywinkle and Peter Rabbit. However, if your children prefer their animals a little more exotic, then be sure to pay a visit to Lakeland Zoo, where they can see tigers and a variety of other rare species.
Food for Thought
Being a mainly rural area, Cumbria has attracted plenty of chefs and restaurateurs, looking to serve up superb dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. The Cumbrian culinary scene has really advanced in the last few years and you’ll find fine dining is no longer the monopoly of upmarket hotels. Be sure to check out Holbeck Ghyll, which serves contemporary cuisine, served with a Gallic twist. The Drunken Duck In, in Hawkshead, is also worth a visit and there you can sample classic British cuisine, washed down with ales from the local brewery.