Cumbria is one of the most beautiful counties to visit in the north of England. It’s one of two counties, along with Northumberland, that borders Scotland. Many people who plan a trip to Cumbria enjoy spending their time in the Lake District which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. However, there are many other things to do in Cumbria besides visiting the Lakes, and it’s an area that’s not short of history either.
Cumbria was officially declared a county in 1974, when Cumberland and Westmorland were brought together. It’s now the second largest county in England and one of the most visited places in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, you enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, or you’re interested in the many historic landmarks in Cumbria, this county has something for everyone.
No trip to Cumbria is complete without spending some time in the Lake District. If you’ve already been to the Lakes though, it’s never a bad idea to explore further afield and see what you come across. You’ll find a lot of unique things to do in Cumbria outside of the usual tourist areas, and plenty of fantastic locally run restaurants to dine at along the way. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Cumbria.
Best things to do in Cumbria
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Anyone interested in English castles needs to stop by Lowther Castle & Gardens. It was constructed in the early 19th century and during its 130 years of use it became a popular castle for people who enjoyed grandeur and art collections. Following the two World Wars, Lowther Castle went through a period of decline and part of it was demolished.
Today visitors can enjoy walking around the ruins of the castle as well as the beautiful gardens which have all been carefully restored. There’s an entry fee to wander around the interior of the castle and its gardens, but you can explore the perimeter of the castle for free and even catch a glimpse of its interior through the windows. Visiting Lowther Castle & Gardens is one of the top things to do in Cumbria for history enthusiasts.
Brough Castle
There are a lot of castle ruins around Cumbria to explore. One of the oldest castles in Cumbria is Brough Castle. This castle sits on the site of a former Roman fort that dates back to the 1st century AD. Brough Castle wasn’t built until the late 11th century in order to protect an important route through the Pennine Mountains. In the 12th century it was attacked by the Scots but it was later rebuilt and a square keep was added to it.
After a long period of decline, visitors can now fully enjoy the ruins of Brough Castle at their leisure. It’s one of the many free castles in England to visit as well which is great if you’re travelling on a budget.
Lake District
Although I would recommend exploring areas outside of the Lake District if you can, it’s always a nice part of Cumbria to visit throughout the year. The Lake District contains two world heritage sites and is the largest national park in England.
Both Windermere and Kendal are two popular towns in the Lake District to visit or have a base from, but they’re increasingly overcrowded in the summer months. I would recommend visiting a few smaller towns around the Lake District or walking along one of the many hiking trails so you can fully appreciate the landscape here. Visiting the Lake District is easily one of the best things to do in Cumbria for all interest types.
Sizergh Castle
Just a short drive from Kendal is the beautiful Sizergh Castle. This impressive stately home was built around 1350 as a defensive stronghold along the border. By the 16th century it was transformed into a medieval Elizabethan residence with some of the finest carved decorations in the entire country. We didn’t have time to go inside the castle, but the outside is very impressive and the gardens are nice to walk around. If you’re visiting Kendal then stopping at Sizergh Castle is one of the best things to do in Cumbria if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
One of the most unique things to do in Cumbria is to drive or hike up to Castlerigg Stone Circle. It’s considered to be one of the oldest stone circles of its kind and can be dated back as far as 3000 BC. Similar stone circles around England show evidence of Bronze Age burials but there’s no such evidence found at this site. It’s difficult for archaeologists to determine what the site would have been used for, but some suggest either ceremonial purposes or as a place of trade during the solstice celebrations.
Brougham Castle
Another example of an impressive medieval castle in Cumbria is Brougham Castle. It was founded in the 13th century and sits next to the River Eamont, making it quite a picturesque setting for photographers. The castle was designed to be a barrier against the Scots and much of the large keep has remained intact. There are other unique features of the castle that make it attractive for history lovers as well.
If you don’t have time to visit the inside of the castle, you can get a great photo of it from the main gate, but parking can be extremely difficult along the narrow lane so try to arrive at opening time in peak season.
Unique places to eat in Cumbria
The Music Room
Have you ever dined in a castle? Augill Castle is a very popular luxury hotel in Cumbria that also features an equally well known restaurant. The menu at The Music Room is based around the best local produce and draws on inspiration from around the world. They offer small plates that are perfect for sharing, and you’ll find that the menu changes seasonally too.l
We ordered a few vegetarian dishes to share and were thoroughly impressed with the flavour profile of each one. The restaurant gets booked up in the summer months, so even if you’re not staying at Augill Castle it’s worth driving to if you’re looking for places to eat in Cumbria.
Sapore
Those of you who are based in or around Kendal need to try Sapore. This locally run Italian restaurant in Kendal offers diners an intimate and authentic Italian dining experience. On their menu you’ll find plenty of dishes from the various regions of Italy so you can eat your way around the country through the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean.
Whether you choose a fresh pasta dish or one of their famous Neapolitan homemade pizzas, you won’t be leaving hungry. I’d also recommend sharing one of their incredible starters and kicking things off with a tasty cocktail.
The Black Swan
If historic dining experiences are up your street, then you’re going to love The Black Swan in Ravenstonedale. This award-winning restaurant also doubles as a Victorian Inn and bar, and it’s locally run. The Black Swan ranks highly in the UK’s top 100 gastropubs list and is extremely popular so it’s advised to book your table in advance.
We visited for dinner during our trip to Cumbria and loved everything about our dining experience, from the food presentation to the quality of the ingredients used in the dishes. Their menu changes on a regular basis depending on what produce is locally available, so you’re always in for a surprise when you visit.
Where to stay in Cumbria
Augill Castle
One of the best things to do in Cumbria is to stay in a castle hotel in the countryside. Augill Castle is a 19th century castle located between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The castle has been run by the same family for over two decades and as soon as you enter its large wooden doors you immediately feel at home despite its grandeur.
Augill Castle is very easy to locate by car, and there are plenty of parking spaces available for all of the guests. In the warmer months guests can enjoy relaxing in the beautiful garden that sits in front of the castle, or go for a leisurely walk around the countryside. The castle hotel is located close to Brough Castle, with easy access along the motorway to various towns in Cumbria too.
There are a lot of stunning common areas on the main floor of the castle to enjoy. When you walk through the main entrance you’ll find a dark wood panelled hall with two cozy seating areas. You’ll also find a more spacious seating area further inside which is nice to sit in with a book and a glass of wine or one of their freshly made cocktails. On the far side of the dining room there’s an intimate library space as well as a modern bar where guests can grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy a quiet but luxurious evening inside the castle.
Each of the 13 rooms at Augill Castle are unique and guests now have the option of staying in a separate Coach House which can sleep several people. We stayed in one of the Twin Rooms which can also be turned into a Master Super King. The beautiful arched gothic windows along with the large wooden wardrobe and original fireplace really add to the charm of the room and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Appleby room also features a cozy seating area in front of the fireplace, a TV next to the window, and plenty of reading material about the castle’s history and things to do in Cumbria. In the evening the room feels very warm and comfortable, and you can treat yourself to a little drink to warm you up if needed, courtesy of the owners.
The bathroom is accessed by a small set of stairs but there are more accessible options available on the ground floor. In terms of size, the bathroom is almost as big as the bedroom, so you have a lot of room to maneuver. You’ll find a large bathtub, a bench area, and a double sink in the bathroom as well as fresh towels. Being able to have a hot bath or shower is very nice after exploring all of the things to do in Cumbria throughout the day.
When you book with Augill Castle you’ll have breakfast included in the price. The breakfast includes several continental food options as well as a hot food menu where you can pick one dish to be made for you. I chose the vegetarian breakfast which was delicious and featured some tasty fresh produce. If you have any dietary requirements the owners are more than happy to accommodate you as well.
Augill Castle really is the best place to stay in Cumbria if you want a country retreat that’s within a short driving distance from a few towns and points of interest. We stayed here for two nights and wished we had more time in our schedule to stay longer. You won’t find a more unique hotel in Cumbria than Augill Castle, especially if you enjoy staying in historic buildings.
>> See what rooms are currently available at Augill Castle <<
Places to visit near Cumbria
The Forbidden Corner
While there are a lot of things to do in Cumbria, there are also plenty of great day trip options just across the county border too. The Forbidden Corner is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is considered to be one of the most unique things to do in England. This folly garden offers visitors an unusual day out where they can get lost in labyrinths of tunnels and chambers while finding surprises along the way. It’s incredibly popular so guests are required to pre-book their tickets through the website. The gardens are a lot of fun to explore, regardless of your age.
Ribblehead Viaduct
If you’re interested in hiking trails beyond Cumbria, one of the easiest routes involves the Ribblehead Viaduct. The viaduct was built by the Midland Railway during the Victorian Era in hopes that they would gain advantage over the route leading between England and Scotland. If you want to see the viaduct up close, there’s an easy trail leading from the main road to the base of it, and the trail continues further into the countryside.
Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle is one of the most impressive medieval castles in Yorkshire. It was built in the 14th century and is known for being where Mary Queen of Scots was held for six months. There’s a small entry fee to enter the castle, but you can also use the adjacent parking lot and take a few photos of it from the outside if you don’t have much time in your schedule. We came across Bolton Castle as we were making our way back to Cumbria and it turned out to be a nice stop.
Yorkshire Dales
One of the best things to do in the north of England is to drive around the Yorkshire Dales. There are numerous hiking and walking routes to explore as well, but nothing quite beats driving through the Dales and seeing as much of its breathtaking landscape as possible in a day. Some of the driving routes are busier than others, so it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand and see what part of the Dales you’d like to explore. You’ll no doubt come across some quaint historic villages that are worth stopping at as well.
Why you need to visit Cumbria
Cumbria is a beautiful county in the northwest of England with a lot to discover. While the Lake District is a big attraction for many, you’ll find a lot of incredible things to do in Cumbria outside of this area too. From scenic landscapes to medieval castles, this is one county that you’ll want to add to your list. And if you don’t mind driving a little further afield, Cumbria is ideally located to explore other nearby areas as well, such as the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire.
Have you ever planned a trip to Cumbria? Or do you have any questions about things to do in Cumbria or where to stay and eat? Let me know in the comment section below or feel free to reach out via email. You can also follow along with my travels on Instagram where I’m always sharing new ideas about where you can visit next.
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