Inspiring Hints & Tips Blog

Planning your summer adventures? Why not head to Cumbria and discover a county rich in charm, with plenty to see and do. From a family holiday to a romantic getaway, this is the perfect place to be.

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Discover the best of Cumbria's beloved Lakeland landscapes and famous Windermere walks alongside a personal guide.

With its dramatic landscapes, the Lake District, Cumbria has been the location for more than a few movies and TV series – from Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix originals. If you’re a film fan, read on to discover some of the locations used for filming across the county.

Join us in the Lake District, Cumbria, to celebrate in style, with plenty taking place across the four-day bank holiday weekend.

May in the Lake District, Cumbria, is a truly magical time. A blanket of seasonal colour envelopes our breath-taking landscapes, and our events calendar heats up with festivals and markets taking place across the region.

Calvert Lakes – part of the Lake District Calvert Trust offer a fun-filled outdoor adventure experience in the Lake District, bringing outdoor adventure to all.

As the weather warms up and the evenings get longer, more and more of us will be heading out to enjoy the water. Read our tips on how to stay safe and enjoy your time.

Spring has sprung, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be. With warmer weather comes a fresh wash of colour, as well as the promise of more time spent outdoors. From family fun to outdoor adventure, here are ten reasons why you should put a trip to the Lake District, Cumbria, on your bucket list this spring.

Fan favourite Downton Abbey returns to the big screen this year, in Downton Abbey: A New Era. If the grand houses and luxurious lifestyle of the Crawley family pique your interest, we’ve rounded up some places where you can live out your Downton dreams in the Lake District, Cumbria.

April has arrived in the Lake District, Cumbria, bringing with it plenty to discover. This is the perfect time to explore, as our landscapes come alive with spring colour and new life.

From sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and family fun, to pebbled shores with a fascinating array of wildlife, take a look at our guide to Barrow’s beautiful coast and its beaches.

If you are seeking a cracking last-minute Easter escape, then Cumbria is a must-visit!

Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) will return to the traditional May slot and kick off the summer festival season in style.

Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle is not only a history buff’s ‘must see’ destination, but also a shopper’s delight and a food lover’s joy.

With over 37 miles of coastline, plus numerous paths and cycle trails, Barrow is a fantastic place for an outdoor adventure. Take a look at our guide to making the most of Barrow’s outdoor activities.

It may be small but Brampton is a town full of surprises.  Known for its proximity to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, it is less well known for its range of independent shops and cafes plus a wealth of outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy. 

As we become more environmentally conscious, the way we choose to travel is changing. Swapping the trusty motor car for more sustainable travel methods makes a huge difference in reducing your carbon footprint AND helps to protect the spectacular landscapes that we are so famous for.

It’s no secret that Beatrix Potter is synonymous with the Lake District, Cumbria, and 2022 marks 120 years since one of her most famous creations - Peter Rabbit - was first officially published in his own story.

On the southern tip of Cumbria, Barrow awaits. This coastal town boasts the stunning backdrop of Lake District mountains to one side, and the sea to the other. As well as its striking location, it’s also packed with great places to shop.

Copeland stretches across the west coast of Cumbria, with its beautiful beaches, castles, mountains and fells, there’s a huge array of things to see and do!

A Windermere Lake Cruises employee says he’s proud and delighted to have been nominated for one of the tourism industry’s top national awards.

I have two words for you - Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ll gush irrepressibly and reach for a heart adorned greeting card, feel offended that I dare mention that overrated celebration, or jump into a giant vat of ice-cream.

Now is the perfect time to reconnect: with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself and Cumbria is the place to do just that. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join us for a stay to remember, filled with natural beauty, wildlife, and so much more.

This February, Cumbria’s Dark Skies Festival returns to highlight the magic of the night sky, with a stellar events programme packed with art, outdoor adventure and plenty more.

It only seems five minutes since Christmas, but the half term holiday is already upon us! If you’re visiting with your kids, we’ve got plenty to entertain you...

With its stunning landscapes, unique places to stay, and fantastic food and drink, the Lake District is a romantic’s dream - and the perfect place to pop the question!

Hello February: the shortest month of the year, packed with plenty to enjoy! This is a month to reconnect and enjoy precious moments spent with loved ones.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. It’s a day that can feel pressured, compulsory, and commercial. However, it can also be a great excuse to spend time as a couple – an opportunity to reflect and express how lucky we may feel.

Whatever the weather the town of Barrow is brimming with attractions and is a great place to visit with all the family. Read our guide.

This month is ‘Veganuary’: a great opportunity to discover our amazing veggie options in the Lake District, Cumbria. Whether you’re vegan or simply want to discover some great new places to eat, drink and stay, check out our guide.

2022 is going to be an exciting year on the Western Lake District coastal region of Copeland. New art installations, attractions and a programme of outdoor events, are on the horizon so now is the perfect time to plan your next visit.

The Lake District, Cumbria, is a dream for dogs (believe us, we’ve checked!). Long walks, beaches to run on, lakes to swim in, and so much more await both you and your four-legged friend when visiting the area.

A new year is upon us, bringing with it the promise of new adventures to be had in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Cosy season is upon us, and there are plenty of places to stay in the Lake District, Cumbria for a romantic winter getaway.

If you’re looking for stunning coastal views, a rich history, cultural exploration, natural beauty, fantastic shopping, and delicious food and drink, look no further! The Furness Peninsula is perfect for a great day out (or more), with plenty to see and do while you’re there.

Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District is popular with visitors and there are many reasons why. From spectacular lake views, fabulous shops and eateries, to the brilliant things to do and attractions to visit.

Our Christmas Shopping Planner 2021 is your go-to planner to help you get organised for a magical Booths Christmas!

December marks the 250th birthday of Dorothy Wordsworth; diarist, letter writer, one of the first women to climb Scafell Pike (England’s tallest mountain) - and of course, sister of Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’ve got plenty to get you into the festive spirit in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Copeland lies on the western side of Cumbria and although famous for its world class Lake District landscape and stunning coastline, Copeland is also brimming with dynamic and exciting shops, offering everything from simple groceries to artisan gifts and food.

Across the autumn and winter months – the Ten Lakes Spectacular is Mountain Goat’s beloved full-day tour for visitors. Allowing you to see 10 of our famous lakes in one day – some from afar and many up close at the water's edge, with plenty of time to stop for pictures and short strolls in between.

It’s November in the Lake District, Cumbria; and the magic of autumn can be seen all around. This is cosy season: walks up Wainwrights followed by warming pub meals, trips to museums and galleries; evenings spent stargazing; and plenty more await.

With stunning natural landscapes, a rich history and heritage, fantastic independent businesses, and an abundance of local food and drink, we already know that Cumbria is a great place to visit. However, there may be a few things you didn’t know about our beautiful region too! Read on to discover these lesser known facts about Cumbria.

As the clocks fall back for autumn the onset of colder weather and longer dark nights can seem a gloomy prospect, but it’s not all bad! When the clocks change on October 31^st, we gain one full extra hour – so why not put it to good use? Learn something, help someone, do something enjoyable…here are our suggestions for getting the most out of your extra hour.

Things go off with a bang in the Lake District, Cumbria in November. Those crisp winter days and dark nights are a perfect time to explore this amazing part of the world. You’ll find live music, theatre, exhibitions and much more.

Cumbria is renowned for having some of the darkest skies in the UK, with thousands of stars visible on a clear night and The Milky Way stretching majestically above – Winter is truly a magical time of year to escape the city lights and take in our incredible star-laden skies.

The Lake District, Cumbria is a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors. We’ve got mountains for hiking, lakes for water sports, forests for exploring, coastal routes for cycling, and plenty more! In short, it’s the perfect place for an adventure – but before you go, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.

There is something magical about giving Christmas gifts that your friends and family love. So, if you are searching for shopping inspiration, we have done the research and compiled a list of shopping ideas to help you find the perfect Christmas gift in South Lakeland.

The Lake District, Cumbria is no stranger to a little rain! Don’t let wet weather dampen your spirits: there’s plenty to do when the heavens open. Explore the area with our list of weatherproof activities across the county.

As autumn gets into full swing, Cumbria is the perfect place to be – and there’s plenty to explore beyond the tourist spots in the Lake District. Get off the beaten path and discover these hidden Cumbrian gems.

We have it on good authority that a holiday in the Lake District ranks highly on a dog’s wish list. And so, we took to the parks and did a bit of sniffing around, chatted to some of our four-legged guests, and asked them what makes a pawsome dog friendly holiday.

2021 sees the 175^th anniversary the Furness and Lakes railway lines. These impressive feats of Victorian engineering allowed visitors to travel with ease into the heart of the Lake District and along the beautiful Cumbrian Coast – and they serve that exact same purpose today. To celebrate this milestone, a special Northern train was named ‘Pride of Cumbria’ at a ceremony at Barrow station.

We are so lucky in the Lake District, Cumbria. By day we have stunning views of the Lakeland fells and by night, because of our lack of light pollution, we have an uninterrupted view of the stars. Find out the best places to go to experience it for yourself.

It only seems five minutes since the school summer holidays and you’ve only just got your breath back from having to entertain them for 6 weeks and we find half-term creeping up on the horizon.

Luckily for you there is loads to entertain families in the Lake District, Cumbria this October half term so we’ve put together this handy list of some of our favourites.

Have you ever seen a ghost walk across the landing in a medieval castle? Can you recognise the faint echo of witches cackling on the wind? Or the sight of a zombie stretching its legs after 500 years in a coffin? It can only be Halloween in the Lake District, Cumbria.

A chill in the air, crisp leaves underfoot, and hues of red, gold and orange painting the landscape: autumn in the Lake District is quite simply breathtaking. From reinvigorating walks to local food fairs, here are our top 10 reasons why you need to plan an autumn trip to the Lake District.

The leaves are beginning to turn, painting the landscape in reds, golds and oranges; and there’s a refreshing chill in the air. Autumn is here, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is looking simply stunning.

World Car Free day on Wednesday 22nd September, is the ideal time to walk in the footsteps of famed fellwalker Alfred Wainwright and go car free. Wainwright travelled mainly by public transport while he was compiling his famous routes to the summits of 214 Lakeland fells.

There is nothing better than a day at the beach. The kids paddling and splashing in the sea, the dogs exploring whilst you relax on a sun lounger taking in the rays. On a sunny day in the Lake District, Cumbria you have your pick of lake shores to enjoy a paddle, a picnic and a stroll, superb coastline and dramatic mountain backdrops.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has captured the hearts of many over the years and brings so much delight to those that travel on this much loved heritage steam railway.

Recently, we caught up with driver Will who very kindly gave us an insight into what it’s like to work at this hugely popular visitor attraction. 

To celebrate and highlight the amazing range of museums, galleries, heritage sites, cinemas, and cultural organisations we have in the Lake District, Cumbria we have pulled a selection of things you can experience this September. #LoveCultureCumbria

Summer holidays may be coming to a close but there’s still so much to see and do in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Picture this - you have just finished climbing the iconic Old Man of Coniston, there is a light dusting of snow on your boots and your cheeks are rosy with the cold. You arrive back to your inn, delighted to feel the warmth of crackling open fires, smell the delicious homecooked food and see the comfiest of chairs waiting for you.

The way we get around is changing. As we become more environmentally conscious and look to reduce our carbon footprint, alternatives to the trusty motor car become the way to travel.

Thankfully in the Lake District, Cumbria you don’t need a car to explore, making it easier to savour every moment of your break and make every journey count.

Ever since it was first announced that The Staycation Express would return for 2021, I was excited about the prospect of taking this journey on the wonderful historic Settle to Carlisle railway. Even more so when I found out the train that would feature this year.

It just happens to be afternoon tea week. Not that we need a special reason to indulge in a selection of sandwiches, scones and homemade cakes.

With so much open space to immerse yourself into, Cumbria is without doubt one of the best-known places in England for some quiet, romantic time away to escape from your usual daily life. Of course, you’re not alone in your thinking – so how can you find somewhere extra peaceful that may slip under the radar of other likeminded people and offer that extra layer of relaxation? To help, here are ten romantic getaway ideas which will take you even further from the beaten track than usual…

Bargain new first-class return tickets on The Staycation Express offer a way to experience an amazing journey on an original and fully refurbished Inter City 125 train along the historic Settle to Carlisle railway line for a limited time only.

Theatre by the Lake, in partnership with English Touring Theatre and Northern Stage, is set to welcome ‘Trailer Story’ to Keswick this very weekend.

The perfect staycation does exist and it's here in the Lake District, Cumbria. The great outdoors is waiting for you so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the summer with fun-filled days.

Does this sound familiar - the summer holidays are here, the kids need entertaining and you have completely run out of ideas? Well panic not, we can help.

The Eden Valley is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and try something new, so we would encourage everyone to visit, get out there and explore the fresh Cumbrian air of the Eden Valley.

Make your summer one to remember with fantastic food, delicious drinks and being surrounded by friends and family.

Summer holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria are only a short time away. So, get ready to rediscover the outdoors, take a deep breath of fresh air and explore the beautiful scenery Cumbria, has to offer.

While we all enjoy a bright, dry and sunny day, waterfalls give us all the perfect reason to embrace the damper days too, thanks to rain dialing-up the thrill factor by ensuring cascades of water make a major entrance from the high ground.

Discover your ‘perfect place to be’ in Cumbria. Looking for the perfect place to reconnect with the family this summer? There’s more to explore in Cumbria than you may realise.

Sitting exactly halfway down the UK’s western coastline, the beautiful Morecambe Bay serves as a perfect destination for those looking for a coastal experience to match the stunning scenery of The Lake District.

Rainy days are a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean they should stop us from getting out of the house! Cumbria is full of great indoor attractions which are fun, exciting, educational – and also make great shelter spots! Here are a few suggestions to turn even the wettest of days into the most fun of days!

Spanning the north eastern corner of the Lake District, the northern tip of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the western side of the Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a visit to Eden is easy by road or rail – and well-worth it. With the town of Penrith serving as Eden’s gateway to access all of these beautiful areas of the district, the area is also served by the West Coast Main Line railway, in addition to key roads including the M6, A6 and the A66. Here are just a few of our inspirational top tips of how to make the most of your time while you’re here:

It’s no surprise that The Lake District, Cumbria, is popular with dog-walkers, with the likes of Scafell Pike and Windermere attracting two-legged and four-legged visitors from far and wide to experience our world class landscape. But with a little preparation, you’ll find there’s an abundance of walks in lesser-known areas which offer stunning scenery and plenty of open space for you and your companion to enjoy.

Despite stretching for more than 100 miles, Cumbria’s west coast often slips below the radar for people planning a visit.

From the border with Scotland in the north, down to Morecambe Bay in the south (which has its very own blog that you can read) this blog focuses on the stretch from the Solway Firth down to Millom.

From family attractions to wide open spaces, here’s our handy guide to enjoying ten exciting places to visit during a trip along Cumbria’s west coast – where the Lake District meets the sea.

City life is perhaps not something you’d usually associate with the edge of the Lake District, but every great county has a great city – and Cumbria is no exception. Despite being a modern city boasting everything you’d expect in the 21^st century, Carlisle has sat very close to England’s border for the last 2,000 years – and if walls could talk, Hadrian’s Wall would have a few tales to tell…

From long walks that take several days to complete, to short tours that last for around an hour, the sheer choice of walks in Cumbria are limitless. Some routes are well-known around the world, while others are local secrets. Here are ten of our ideas to get you started, along with suggestions of convenient places near each route to lay your head.

While part of the Yorkshire Dales falling inside the Cumbria boundary sounds a little confusing, we’re not complaining – and neither will you when you pay this magnificent corner of our county a visit!

Here’s some inspiration to get you started in the Cumbrian corner of The Yorkshire Dales:

It’s a little-known fact that the world-famous Lake District National Park only covers around a third of the total area of Cumbria.

At 2,600 square miles, 1,700 of those are in fact, outside of the Lake District boundary. With a coastline that long, must-see beaches aren’t in short supply. So, from sandcastle-building to rock-pooling, and swimming and sunset walks, here’s our handy guide to enjoying ten beaches along the glorious Cumbrian coast.

Given that it doesn’t serve as a traditional thoroughfare, the south-east stretch of coastline which sits beyond the market town of Ulverston and runs along the Furness Peninsula is undoubtedly one of Cumbria’s most hidden gems. 

The Eden Valley area of Cumbria is shrouded in myth and legend. The dramatic landscape is dotted with castles, ruins and ghostly whispers on the wind.

If these hills could talk, they would have some stories to tell. The biggest mystery of all is why is the Eden Valley home to an extraordinary large number of stone circles?

Kirkby Stephen and its surrounding countryside offers a feeling of pleasant isolation, thanks to its rugged, off the beaten track feel.

Offering a true insight into the rural Cumbrian way of life, get here by car or by travelling to the small town itself on the Settle to Carlisle Railway.

You may be surprised to learn that the market town of Brampton, while surrounded by seemingly endless stretches of lush green fields, is remarkably east to find – thanks to its convenient road links – and even an airport.

Cumbria’s most north westerly quarter is perhaps the most undiscovered part of the county, being tucked between the city of Carlisle to the east, the coastline of the Irish Sea to the west - and across the watery expanse of the Solway Firth, Southern Scotland to the north.

2021 is Cumbria's Year of the Coast. In late summer of 2020 Cornwall based photographer Sam Scales spent 9 days travelling through Copeland as part of a shoot to capture the beauty of the Lake District Coast. His body of photographs, which were commissioned as part of the Deep Time arts programme, provide a stunning showcase of this lesser-known part of the National Park, from its ancient standing stones to the post -industrial landscapes of Whitehaven.

Time to stretch your legs. Ambleside is home to countless walks of varying abilities, allowing everyone to take in the iconic views of The Lake District.

Summer here in the Lake District, Cumbria is a truly spectacular time to visit. Rediscover the destination and explore new things to see and do, reconnect with loved ones and make new memories or recharge in the outdoors with fresh air and wide-open spaces.

For our blog, we thought we would ask one of our four-legged guests to take the lead. Unsurprisingly, he bounced at the opportunity to tell you all about his recent trip to Ullswater. We’ll let him introduce himself.

If you’re a regular user of social media, then your friends and family have probably seen plenty of photographs of your favourite meal or perfect pout… So, let’s show them something different for a change!

The River Eden flows from North Yorkshire to the Solway Firth in the north of Cumbria. The main course of the river is an area known as the Eden Valley – an unspoiled area of rolling green countryside, quant villages and thousands of years of historical myths and legends.

Explore charming towns and villages, majestic lakes, and exciting attractions and activities. The Lake District is full of unique heritage and wonderful events, not to mention plenty of enticing walking routes you could discover during your holiday.

With stories and tales of the largest collection of boats linked to Windermere, a cruise on a beautifully restored boat, great food and the best view of the lake, head to Windermere Jetty Museum for a fantastic day out.

Its National Gardens week from 26th April until 2nd May and this year is also the anniversary of the famous garden designer Thomas Mawson. Read on to find out more about the man and the gardens he designed.

If you are a green-fingered fan, you are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to bloomin’ magnificent gardens in Cumbria. Let's take a wander around some of our favourites, taking in everything from formal gardens to ones where the wildflowers are left to flourish.