Cumbrian High Streets

Supported by

From picture perfect villages to vibrant market towns, and even an historic city, a warm welcome awaits on the high streets of Cumbria.

The beauty of Cumbria’s natural landscapes is well known, but the sheer diversity and volume of the region’s many high streets is something of a hidden gem. Step into one of the county's friendly towns or villages, and you’ll discover the beating heart of our local communities, with festivals, shopping, food & drink, and entertainment aplenty.

Enjoy strolling round street and farmer’s markets, teaming with local produce, in traditional market towns like Kendal. Browse your favourite high street stores and discover independent boutiques in Carlisle and Barrow. 

For an entirely different shopping experience why not combine your visit with a tour of an attraction such as The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven. There you will find unique gifts produced by local artisans in the museum shop.

Now is the perfect time to support local: join us as we take a whistle-stop tour of Cumbria’s high streets. 

We start our virtual journey in Carlisle: Cumbria’s only city, and one packed with history and culture. Dating back over 2000 years, architectural gems share space with local eateries, bustling bars, and fantastic entertainment venues.  The beautiful city centre offers a vibrant blend of well-known brands and independent retailers, with over 70 stores located in the Lanes Shopping Centre alone.

Stay over and enjoy all the history and culture the city has to offer before venturing out to the nearby market town of Brampton, to unearth hidden treasures in its quirky antique shops.

Next we visit South Lakeland, bustling market towns and charming cobblestone villages await. Foodies will find themselves in heaven, with local food producers offering a true taste of Cumbria; while literary buffs can visit England’s official book town of Sedbergh. Visit: Ambleside, Arnside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston, Grange-Over-Sands, Hawkshead, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh and Ulverston.

Turning west we travel to Copeland. This stunning Western Lake District & Coast region runs from the Lake District’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, to the sea. As well as two World Heritage Sites, the area is also home to beautiful towns and villages, each with its own unique feel. Visit: Cleator Moor, Egremont, Gosforth, Millom, Ravenglass and Whitehaven.  

Set on the coast with a backdrop of Lake District mountains, Barrow-in-Furness is our next port of call. A fantastic indoor market, as visited by the Hairy Bikers, houses over 50 independent stallholders offering everything from fine Cumbrian produce to international cuisine; while the town centre boasts a wide variety of local retailers alongside high street names. All provide exceptional value, variety, and – in true Cumbrian style – service with a smile! Visit: Dalton-in-Furness and Barrow-in-Furness.

Please follow HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. Local councils and businesses have worked hard to ensure our high streets are safe to enjoy. Covid-19 safety measures are in place meaning we can confidently return to make the most of all our towns and villages have to offer. Please don’t forget, the best way you can continue to support local shops, is by being mindful of social distancing and wearing a mask. Wash your hands often using soap and water and dry them thoroughly, and where available, use hand-sanitiser as you enter and leave shops. Above all stay safe and enjoy your visit.

The Welcome Back project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Cumbria Tourism is delivering the Welcome Back to High Streets in Cumbria in partnership with Barrow Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council.