Other counties of the North West are defined by the work of man (the mills of Lancashire, the docks of Merseyside, or the salt mines of Cheshire).
Cumbria is defined by the work of nature. It is a county of superlatives. It contains the highest mountain in England, the deepest lake, and a landscape so beautiful it has inspired everyone from William Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter.
In 2026, Cumbria remains the crown jewel of northern tourism. However, the secret to a successful Cumbrian day trip this year is knowing how to navigate beyond the traditional honeypots.
While the crowds flock to Bowness, the savvy traveller heads for the silent fells and the rugged coastline. Here is how to experience the best of the ‘Roof of the North’.
Cumbria At A Glance
| Category | Top Pick | Why Visit? |
| Mountain Icon | Sca Fell Pike | The highest point in England and a true hiker’s challenge. |
| Lake Splendour | Ullswater | Dramatic scenery and the historic Ullswater ‘Steamers’. |
| Historic Hub | Carlisle | A red sandstone city with a castle that defined the border. |
| Family Rail | Ravenglass & Eskdale | A charming steam journey from the coast to the fells. |
| Foodie Village | Cartmel | Home to Michelin stars and the world’s best sticky toffee. |
| Literary Retreat | Sedbergh | England’s book town, set against the stunning Howgill Fells. |
| Ancient Frontier | Hadrian’s Wall | Walk the line of the Roman Empire’s northern boundary. |
The Lake District: A World Heritage Wonder
The Lake District National Park is the undisputed star of the show. Since gaining UNESCO World Heritage status, the focus has shifted toward sustainable travel and preserving the delicate balance between farming and tourism.
Windermere is the gateway, and while it can be busy, the view from Orrest Head remains one of the best ‘effort-to-reward’ ratios in the country.
A short, twenty-minute walk from the station rewards you with a panoramic view that takes in the full length of the lake and the jagged skyline of the Langdale Pikes.
For a deeper immersion, head to Ullswater. Many consider this to be the most beautiful of all the lakes.
The Ullswater ‘Steamers’ offer a graceful way to travel, and the walk from Howtown to Glenridding is arguably the finest lakeside path in England.
In 2026, the new ‘Quiet Trails’ initiative has improved signage in this area, encouraging visitors to explore the lesser-known ridges that flank the water.
The Langdale Valley: The Heart of the Fells
If you want to feel the true scale of the Cumbrian mountains, you must visit Great Langdale. It is a valley that feels carved by giants. The Langdale Pikes: Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle, and Loft Crag, form one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the UK.
For hikers, the ascent of Sca Fell Pike via the corridor route is a long, demanding day out that requires proper preparation and respect for the mountain. If you prefer something more manageable, the walk to Stickle Tarn sits in the shadow of Pavey Ark’s massive cliff face. It provides a dramatic, high-altitude atmosphere without the need for a ten-hour expedition.
The valley is also home to some of the most iconic climbers’ pubs in the world. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is a legendary spot where the boots are heavy, the ale is local, and the walls are covered in mountaineering history.
It is a place where the 2026 visitor can still feel the spirit of the early pioneers of British climbing.
The Border City: Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall
To the north lies Carlisle, a city that has spent much of its history being fought over by the English and the Scots.
Built from local red sandstone, the city has a warm, sturdy character. Carlisle Castle is an essential stop; it was a working fortress for over nine centuries and famously held Mary, Queen of Scots, prisoner.
Just outside the city, the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall stretch across the neck of England.
In 2026, the ‘Wall 2000’ project has completed its latest phase of conservation, making the forts at Birdoswald and Vindolanda even more accessible.
Walking a section of the wall is a humbling experience, as you realise you are following a frontier that was established nearly two millennia ago.
The Western Frontier: The Solway and the Coast
Cumbria’s coastline is often overlooked, which is a tragedy for anyone who loves big skies and solitude.
The Solway Coast AONB is a landscape of salt marshes and dunes that is a haven for migratory birds.
In late February 2026, the sight of thousands of barnacle geese taking flight against a Cumbrian sunset is a spectacle that rivals anything you will see in the high fells.
Further south, the town of Ravenglass is the only coastal village in the National Park. It is the starting point for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the ‘La’al Ratty’.
This narrow-gauge steam train takes you from the coast into the heart of the Eskdale valley.
It is a slow, nostalgic journey that feels like a trip back in time, culminating at the foot of the highest mountains in England.
Culinary Cumbria: Stars and Sticky Toffee
The food scene in Cumbria has undergone a revolution. The county now boasts a staggering number of Michelin stars, led by Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in the medieval village of Cartmel.
Cartmel itself is a delight, known as much for its 12th-century Priory as it is for its famous sticky toffee pudding.
For a more casual bite, the market town of Keswick is the place to be.
It is the outdoor capital of the North, and its Saturday market is a fantastic place to pick up local Herdwick lamb, Cumbrian ham, and artisan breads.
If you find yourself in the Lyth Valley, keep an eye out for the local damsons, which find their way into everything from gin to sourdough jam.
Hidden Gems: Eden Valley and Sedbergh
If the Lake District feels too crowded, the Eden Valley offers a peaceful alternative. Tucked between the Lakes and the North Pennines, it is a landscape of lush green fields and red sandstone villages.
Appleby-in-Westmorland is the jewel of the valley, famous for its annual horse fair and its beautiful riverside walks.
On the south-eastern edge of the county lies Sedbergh, England’s official ‘Book Town’.
It is nestled at the foot of the Howgill Fells, hills that Alfred Wainwright described as looking like ‘sleeping elephants’.
With its narrow streets filled with independent bookshops and historic schools, it is a haven for those who want to combine a brisk hill walk with a quiet afternoon of browsing.
Conclusion
Cumbria is a county that demands respect and rewards curiosity.
It is a county that manages to be both a playground for adventurers and a sanctuary for thinkers.
In 2026, it remains the ultimate destination for anyone seeking the raw, natural beauty of the North West.
