Our favourite towns in Cumbria

If you’re keen to explore and looking for a great day out, each of these wonderful towns in Cumbria boasts a variety of terrific attractions to appeal to a range of tastes and interests. So whether you like art and culture, history, animals, outdoor activities or fancy discovering the stunning local countryside, you are going to have a brilliant time in Cumbria.

Carlisle

From museums and art galleries to green spaces, architecture and theatrical productions, Carlisle has a huge amount to offer visitors. Particularly noteworthy examples of Carlisle’s enchanting architecture are Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral.

If you are seeking cultural attractions you should not miss a visit to the excellent Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, while A World In Miniature is a delightful museum offering one of the best collections of miniatures in the world.

Kendal

The market town of Kendal offers a choice of historical attractions, such as Levens Hall with its stunning interiors and superb gardens or the nearby Sizergh Castle. The ruins of Kendal Castle are also worth visiting and from here you can enjoy magnificent views of Kendal and the surrounding countryside.

The Kendal Museum has a host of interesting collections, from wildlife and natural history to minerals and local history, while the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry provides insight into the history of the Lake District. The Abbot Hall Art Gallery is sure to attract art lovers, while visitors who are looking to get active can try the Lakeland Climbing Centre.

Penrith

There is plenty to do and see in Penrith, making this market town a good choice for satisfying a range of visitor interests. Animal lovers may want to swoop by the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, while the beautiful historic house of Hutton-in-the-Forest and the intriguing remains of Penrith Castle are interesting architectural attractions.

Penrith Museum is a good place to discover the history, geology, as well as the archaeology of the region. Penrith is a good destination for shopping and its location close to the Lake District National Park makes it a handy base for exploring both the national park and other parts of Cumbria.

Whitehaven

Whitehaven is a very attractive Georgian town and port on the Cumbrian coast which has been voted one of the top 10 seaside resorts in the UK.

The Beacon Museum contains an interesting range of historical and art displays including information on Whitehaven’s shipping history, while for something a bit different visitors can get a taste for the history of rum by exploring the Rum Story which provides sheltered entertainment in any weather. Cyclists may also be keen to explore the long-distance Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route which starts (or ends) in Whitehaven and stretches for 140 miles to Tynemouth.

Keswick

A whole range of exciting, quirky and fun attractions wait to greet visitors to Keswick. The town is located right by beautiful Derwentwater, a picturesque lake perfect for exploring on a laidback cruise, by canoe or kayak or alternatively on foot by taking a leisurely stroll around the perimeter.

The Keswick Adventure Centre provides a choice of entertaining activities such as mountain biking and abseiling, or for something less active but equally absorbing Theatre by the Lake is not to be missed. The charming visitors at the Lake District Wildlife Park will have animal lovers reluctant to leave, while the Pencil Museum is sure to delight visitors who are seeking unusual museums and the Puzzling Place is brilliant for boggling the mind.

Ambleside

A combination of culture, history and nature makes Ambleside a lovely destination for a trip to Cumbria. The remains of Ambleside Roman Fort are free to explore and sure to intrigue visitors interested in the Romans’ influence in Cumbria.

Fans of William Wordsworth will appreciate a visit to Rydal Mount, the family home in which Wordsworth lived from 1813 until his death in 1850. The nearby Stock Ghyll Force is a beautiful waterfall that can be reached via a short walk from Ambleside. Anyone with an interest in Beatrix Potter should also pay a visit to the Armitt Museum which has a fascinating exhibition on her life.

Bowness-on-Windermere

The bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere is a great base for discovering the exciting watersports that are available to enjoy on Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. The Lake District National Park has an excellent information centre here where you can get advice about activities on offer in the local area.

The World of Beatrix Potter is a great attraction certain to charm anyone who ventures into this appealing and wonderful literary world. A walk up nearby Brant Fell is also well worth the effort for the spectacular views.

Come to Cumbria for a holiday to remember

Maybe you love literature, perhaps you love paddling on the water. You might be happiest when you’re surrounded by excellent museum displays or discovering magnificent historic homes. You can be assured that a trip to any of these towns in Cumbria will leave you highly pleased with this region’s rich cultural and historical heritage and exceptional natural landscapes.