2026 Cumbria Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#uktrip Hill Top is a 17th-century house in Near Sawrey near Hawkshead, in the English county of Cumbria. It is an example of Lakeland vernacular architecture with random stone walls and slate roof. The house was once the home of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter who left it to the National Trust. It is a Grade II* listed building. It is open to the public as a writer's house museum, shown as Beatrix Potter herself would have known it. Very well appointed with excellent facilities for our group. Superb bathrooms. Lots of thoughtful extras with fluffy towels warm rooms and welcome pack. We cooked on site and all facilities in excellent condition.

#uktrip Bridge House stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside, Cumbria, England as a quirky reminder of the town's past. It has become an icon for Ambleside and the Lakes as a whole, and thousands of visitors come every year to see it. Dating back to the 17th century, the influential Braithwaite family built Bridge House to access their lands on the other side of Stock Beck and also to store apples from their orchards, which surrounded Bridge House. Over the decades, the house has had many practical uses, including being used as a counting house for the mills of Rattle Ghyll, a tea-room, a weaving shop, a cobbler's, a chair maker's and, at one time, a home to a family of eight!

#mytraveldiary Wendsell Pike in Cumbria is a rewarding climb that captures the quiet charm of the Lake District. The trail is steady and inviting, winding its way through open slopes that gradually reveal bigger and better views the higher you go. As you make your way up, the landscape shifts from soft green pastures to rocky paths that give the walk a bit more character. At the summit, the panorama stretches far and wide, with rolling hills, distant peaks, and valleys spread out below. It is the kind of spot where you can sit for a while and simply take in the silence, broken only by the wind. Wendsell Pike may not be the highest in Cumbria, but it offers a hike full of beauty and peace.

#mytraveldiary Catbells in the Lake District, Cumbria, is one of those classic walks that captures the charm of the English countryside. The climb is manageable for most walkers, yet it rewards you with some of the most stunning views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The path weaves through grassy slopes and rocky steps, making it both enjoyable and slightly adventurous without being too difficult. At the summit, the panorama is simply breathtaking, with lakes, valleys, and mountains stretching into the distance. Many families and casual hikers take on Catbells, and it feels both welcoming and peaceful. It is the kind of place where you can sit, enjoy a picnic, and feel completely at ease in nature. A truly memorable Lake District experience.

#jacksrake #lake district

#celebrateit Honeymoon Roadtrip in Cumbria #beachlife #naturalwonders #myitinerary

Helvellyn is one of the most famous mountains in England, standing at 950 metres (3,000 ft), making it the third highest peak in the country. Located in the Lake District of Cumbria, Helvellyn is a popular destination for climbers and nature lovers. One of the most popular routes up the mountain is via Striding Edge, a challenging narrow path that offers dramatic views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. From the summit, climbers can enjoy stunning views over the surrounding lakes, such as Ullswater and Thirlmere. Helvellyn has long been a favorite of explorers and artists. In 1926, pilot Bert Hinkler landed his plane on the summit of Helvellyn, one of the first aircraft landings on a British mountain. Helvellyn is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey and other mountain animals. The trails up Helvellyn offer a variety of challenges, from fairly easy trails to more technical ones such as Striding Edge.

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, standing at 978 metres (3,209 ft). Situated in the Lake District of Cumbria, Scafell Pike is part of a dramatic landscape and is popular with climbers and holidaymakers seeking a challenge in the outdoors. Scafell Pike is often part of the "Three Peaks" challenge, where climbers attempt to summit the highest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis), and Wales (Snowdon) within 24 hours. From the summit, climbers can enjoy spectacular views of the Lake District, including Wastwater Lake, known as the deepest lake in England. On clear days, views can extend as far as the Isle of Man and Scotland. The most popular route up Scafell Pike is from Wasdale Head, which is the quickest and most direct route to the summit. There are also longer routes from Eskdale and Borrowdale, but they offer different views. The summit of Scafell Pike was gifted as a national war monument to the British people after World War I by Lord Leconfield, in honour of the fallen soldiers. The weather on Scafell Pike can change rapidly, even in summer. Heavy fog and rain are common, so climbers need to be well prepared, both in terms of clothing and navigation equipment. Scafell Pike is a mountain that offers both physical and technical challenges for climbers, but also offers a profound experience of its natural beauty.