Cumbria is situated in-between the southern border of Scotland and the North edge of Lancashire and East of Durham and Northumberland. Within a relatively short distance there are many sights to visit and activities to get involved in.
Carlisle
Firstly, there is the city of Carlisle which is the administrative centre of Cumbria and has links to England’s early history. The legendary King Arthur was supposed to have had a famous HQ, which we know as Camelot, in Carlisle. His sword, Excalibur, it is suggested rests in Bassenthwaite Lake. Carlisle was once a settlement called Luguvalium which would have served forts along Hadrian’s Wall in Roman Britain. Carlisle Castle and the city itself became a military centre in the Middle Ages due to its proximity to Scotland. Carlisle castle had a famous prisoner in 1568, Mary Queen of Scots, and now has, as its residents, the Duke of Lancasters Regiment.
In the 19th century Carlisle became a highly populated mill town due to the Industrial Revolution, and thus began a socioeconomic transformation, thanks to textile manufacture. It would still be a city worth visiting today, perhaps on a day not appropriate for other activities, with The Lanes Shopping Centre accessible to all, including Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter users.
Activities to do in Cumbria
As you enter Cumbria you will be met by stunning views, while further along there are lovely beaches and glinting lakes to appreciate, with summer being an ideal time to visit.
It is sometimes called England’s adventure playground with pursuits for all ages and abilities. Zipwires for the fearless through engaging forests or paddling on Lake Windermere on your choice of craft. Slow things down with a leisurely game of golf with a beautiful mountain backdrop or climb into your waders and attempt to catch a fish or two in the fast-flowing rivers coursing through the county.
For the stamina sapping fraternity you can try the large number of fells to hike and clamber up. The Lake District was the birthplace of fell walking, fell running and rock climbing.
The cultural backdrop is no less impressive with the list of artists, writers and poets, who found inspiration here, an imposing one. William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and JMW Turner are to name but three. You can visit their homesteads, follow in their footsteps and seek out the places and spaces that gave them their imaginative impetus. The list of museums and heritage centres is extensive throughout the region, and while the exhibitions and galleries are numerous you can possibly witness a live performance or hang out at a festival.
Other diverse activities include taking a hawk for a walk or spending the day carrying out the duties of a farmer. Probably not spectacular but fulfilling, nonetheless. There is basic bushcraft to discover or alternatively, try your hand at dog sledding.
The landscape itself is steeped in cultural heritage with castles and ancient ruins, burial sites and stone circles, all hinting at old tales of mythical characters such as outlaws, witches and knights. You will not be short of something to inspire the conversation or file away in the memory bank.