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The unique landscape that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter today nurtures a new generation of writers, artists and musicians. Sculpture trails, poetry programmes, street art and theatre add up to a thriving cultural scene. The area has a fascinating heritage, too. In stone circles and Roman forts, in historic houses and museums, the past still echoes.

Food and drink

From microbreweries and Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafés and farmers markets, Cumbria and the Lake District is fast becoming a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s the simplest loaf or the most sumptuous delicacy, you’ll find food and drink produced and prepared by people who are passionate about quality.

Shopping

There’s plenty of scope for retail therapy. Carlisle is a cosmopolitan city centre with big high-street stores and small boutiques, and market towns like Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale are made for browsing, full of tempting, independent shops. Craft fairs, workshops, studios and galleries all over Cumbria offer everything from designer jewellery to custom-made furniture.

Sport

Head to the hills for classic fell walks, scrambling or rock-climbing. This is one big adventure playground and it’s up to you how you get your kicks!  There’s also watersports galore (from kayaking to kite-surfing), challenging long-distance cycle routes, and pulse-raising mountain bike trails and golf, fishing (freshwater and sea) and horse-riding too.

Music and nightlife

You’ll find live music playing in pubs and venues across the area and throughout the year there are great festivals, from classical and rock music to folk, blues and jazz. Go to the theatre, dine out or simply sit back, sip cocktails on a lake cruise and watch the sun set.

Must see and do

• Be inspired with a walk through the stunning scenery
• Relax on a lake cruise with Ullswater Steamers
• Check out the World of Beatrix Potter or Wordsworth’s home, Dove Cottage
• Discover the fascinating history of Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall Country
• Follow the sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest
• Check out the weekly jazz session at Zeffirelli’s Jazz Bar in Ambleside
• Dine in style at the Michelin-starred Sharrow Bay Hotel on Ullswater
• See a show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick
• Watch the sun go down on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises