Cumbria - England’s Lake District

The Lake District National Park makes up about one quarter of the county of Cumbria. It is also a World Heritage Site - the second in Cumbria, alongside Hadrian’s Wall. There is much to see in the county but most visitors flock to the Lake District for its stunning mountain and lake scenery, unlike anything else in England.

The towns and villages of Cumbria seem to grow out of the ground - every house reflects the underlying geology, ensuring a unity between man-made and natural landscapes.

Alongside boat trips and walks, Cumbria has a wealth of stately homes and gardens to visit - possibly more per area than any other county. Many gardens are at their best in May so if you are interested in a garden tour, let me know early in the year (or preferably the year before!)

Quirky museums, interesting churches and farm visits to see how sheepdogs work the flock are the icing on the cake of what is truly the jewel in the crown of English counties.

To enjoy a tour which is personalised to you, please contact me

Places to visit in the Lake District and Cumbria

There are hundreds of places to visit throughout Cumbria, including the World Heritage Sites of the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. Many people visit just for the outstanding scenery alone and enjoying it from the water is a unique experience in England. I have listed just a few of my very favourite places, mostly in the Lake District but also in the wider county of Cumbria. Any tour could include a selection of these places but if you tell me what YOU are interested in, I can put together a tour which reflects your interests, not mine!

Homes and Gardens

Dalemain House - go in June for the roses or April for the quirky Marmalade Festival.

Hutton in the Forest - a wonderful collection of Arts and Crafts metalwork pieces and original William Morris wallpapers.

Lowther Castle - a spectacular ruin being reimagined as a romantic home for a burgeoning garden.

Wordsworth House - the Cockermouth birthplace of Poet Laureate William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy.

Sizergh Castle - Edwardian rock garden, kitchen garden and a Medieval Manor House

Levens Hall - world famous topiary garden but also spectacular herbaceous borders, rose garden and vegetable beds. Leather wall coverings in the house.

Holker Hall - Cumbria’s ‘grandest’ stately home with extensive gardens.

Muncaster Castle - family-owned and run medieval castle with huge grounds. World Owl Centre. Go in May for spectacular rhododendrons.

Rydal Mount - final home of William Wordsworth and his family and where he lived for 37 years. Lovely garden, especially in May

Dove Cottage (part of Wordsworth Grasmere site) - atmospheric home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth where many of his best poems were penned.

Blackwell - the Arts and Crafts house. Am I allowed to have a favourite? This is it…. Not much garden, it’s all about design and furniture.

Brantwood - home of one of my favourite people, John Ruskin. Come to be inspired - or just for the views of the Coniston fells.

Hill Top - first house and ‘office’ of author, illustrator and mycologist, Beatrix Potter. Step into her imaginative world. Cottage garden.

Acorn Bank - walled garden, orchard and woodland walk in the Eden Valley.

Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston - 17th century birthplace of the Quaker movement. One of my favourite houses.

Mirehouse - literary connections on the shore of Bassenthwaite. Also walk to the delightful St Bega’s church in the grounds.

Favourite Churches

Jesus Church, Troutbeck - one of my absolute favourite William Morris windows.

St Mary’s, Staveley - my second favourite William Morris window.

Carlisle Cathedral - the only cathedral in Cumbria with much to see.

St Oswald’s, Grasmere - where the Wordsworths worshipped and are buried.

St Michael and All Angels, Hawkshead - perched on a hill overlooking the village with wonderful views.

St Anthony’s, Cartmel Fell - rare 17th century interior.

Cartmel Priory - 800 year old church with medieval misericords and several statues by Josefina de Vasconcellos.

Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House - one of the oldest in the country.

Holy Trinity, Casterton - wall paintings and stained glass by James Clark and Henry Holliday.

St Bee’s Priory - impressive Norman door, medieval stones and ‘St Bees Man’.

Other Places I Love

Windermere Jetty - a museum of boats. A private tour on a steam yacht on Windermere is an added bonus.

Gondola, Coniston - a restored 19th century steam yacht on Coniston Water. Great commentary on the sights and history of the lake and its people.

Hawkshead Grammar School - hear what school was like in ‘the old days’, including when William Wordsworth was a pupil here.

Castlerigg stone circle - could there be a more dramatic setting for an ancient site?

Long Meg and her sisters - a huge and enigmatic stone circle in the Eden Valley.

The Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm - get up close and personal with these icons of the Lake District, the Herdwick sheep.

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Carlisle - the story of the area plus an excellent Arts & Crafts collection.

Quaker Tapestry Museum, Kendal - tells the story of the Quakers in 77 embroidered panels. 40 on display.

Museum of Lakeland Life, Kendal - the social history of the area through a cornucopia of artefacts.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill - a glimpse into the past of a once thriving industry.