Places to visit while staying at a holiday cottage in Cumbria
Cumbria originated from the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and part of North Lancashire. Cumbria consists of some of England's largest lakes and the Lake District National Park, an area some 30 miles across. It is also home to England's highest mountains (four over 3000 feet).
Great transport links ensure the ability to reach Cumbria by road and rail, and as Cumbria is so vast, there are endless things to see and do.
Cockermouth is a market town of around 7000 people, which is located at the North West corner of the English Lake District. Dating back to Norman times, it originally developed at the confluence of the River Derwert and the River Cocker. A lot of the medieval street plan still remains, and so the town is packed with historical interest. This led to its inclusion in the 1965 list of 'gem towns', recommending preservation by the state as a part of the national heritage.
Stroll around the Printing Museum where you will find a fascinating range or printing presses from all over Britain. For those animal lovers, visit the Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre where you will find yourself face to face with 19 different breeds of sheep in an indoor presentation! Witness sheep shearing experts and highly trained sheepdogs handle the flock.
The community arts facility is based in a converted Victorian primary school, and since 1995 it has been run by volunteers to offer a range of events such as films, drama, dance and music to both the tourists and the locals.
The The Wordsworth Memorial and House are also open to be visited. Here you will find a town dedicated to preserving their history, and you will see where the drinking fountain with a bronze figure was erected in 1896 in Harris Park in memory or William and Dorothy Wordsworth.
Keswick is another market town with slightly more residents, situated in a fantastic setting between Derwentwater, Blencathra and Skiddaw. If you enjoy walking, hiking and climbing this is the place for you.
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery in the Fitz Park was built at the turn of the century; Victorian in style, it contains, local collections dating back to Roman times including the famous 500 year old cat, a penny farthing cycle and a man trap!
The Mining Museum is an amazing piece of history, with records proving mining dating back to 1564 in this area. This was when the German's mining experts arrived to look for copper and lead. When pencil making arrived, graphite was sought after, and with the arrival of the railways a whole new group of minerals became valuable.
The Theatre by the Lake is a great family adventure. It is home to Cumbria's leading professional theatre company who produces traditional summer seasons of drama. You can also watch films, music, dance and festivals.
Central Cumbria consists of several small places, which are beautifully situated in the Rothay Valley. Ambleside is one of the major centers for climbing and walking; as it has routes to most parts of the Lake District.
You must not miss the opportunity to visit the Bridge House, as it is possibly the most photographed building in the Lake District. It is a tiny building, which was originally an apple store that was built over Stock Beck to escape land tax.
Western Lakeland has vivid and exciting contrasts, lying between the mountains and the sea. The coastal towns are within minutes of peace and tranquility. There are four main valleys leading from the coast to the heart of the Lake District: Ennerdale, Eskdale, Wasdale and Dunnerdale. Wesdale is home to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike standing at 3206 feet and Wastwater, the deepest lake in England.
Visit the Roman bath houses which are the only remains of Ravenglass, an important navel base for the Romans in the 2nd century. Known as Walls Castle, it is one of the largest surviving Roman structures and although only the bath house is left to see it contains everything from the hot saunas to the cold baths!
Muncaster Castle and Gardens is absolutely stunning. The Pele Tower stands on Roman foundations and has been extended through the ages to the caste it is today. Don't miss the Owl Centre located on the grounds to experience the first 'Noah's Arch for Owls' which strives to conserve owls worldwide with breeding programs, lifestyle research and behavior work being carried out there.
The Grey Croft Stone Circle appeared just north of Seascale, and a short distance from the sea. Thirty meters in diameter with 10 stones, some reaching 2 meters high, the circle was born. All the rocks are of volcanic material, bar one which is sandstone!
Carlisle in the north is a busy industrial and market town with a population of about 70000. It is the capital city with many sites and attractions. It has a long history, which can be followed in the Tullie House Museum. You will probably be surprised to know that Carlisle is also home to Cumbria's only cathedral! It is also a major railway junction, so access here from other regions, such as London, Scotland and Newcastle is very reliable.
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