You can reach Cumbria by train, plane, car or even ferry! Fly to either Manchester (mainly served by domestic and European flights) or London and catch the train up to Oxenholme. The fast, direct train from London takes under 3 hours; and around an hour from Manchester. From Oxenholme there are various train or bus routes you can take which link up the more well-known quaint towns within the area. I would highly recommend hiring a car when you get to Cumbria so you can make the most of exploring the amazing national parks. You can also choose to drive all the way from London in around 5 hours via the M6. From Belfast there are even ferries to Heysham in Lancashire, a short drive from Cumbria.
There are many charming B&Bs to stay in dotted around Cumbria and I doubt you can go far wrong with any of them! For the ultimate home away from home stay at The Malabar in Sedburgh (on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales). Inspired by the owner’s upbringing there are touches of India in each of the six wonderfully-decorated rooms. For a gourmet stay in the Lake District there’s no place better than The Forest Side in Grasmere, or to stay beside the most famous the The Lakes opt for Holbeck Ghyll in Windermere.
You will stumble across many cosy gastropubs whilst exploring Cumbria, all serving hearty British food. For a touch of refined dining head to the Forest Side to experience Kevin Tickle’s locally sourced menu of 10 divine courses. The legendary L’Enclume is also situated within Cumbria, and worth a visit for a splurge.
There are several distilleries and microbreweries in Cumbria, some of which you can arrange a tour and tasting at to sample their wares. There are also numerous good pubs around although there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than sipping bubbly by the fireplace; apart from maybe moving on to enjoy a second glass in the tub!
With all the beautiful scenery of Cumbria to explore you have to get outside! Wander through quaint country towns and discover hidden viewpoints at the top of hilly hikes; there’s a wealth of lakes, tarns, waterfalls, fells and forests to explore spread across several national parks. As many literary greats have taken inspiration from the rolling hills of Cumbria, you can arrange to visit the home of poet William Wordsworth or explore the World of Beatrix Potter.
Lake District Travel Guide
The most picturesque place in the UK, the Lake District is perfect for a weekend getaway. Read my ultimate guide detailing how to get here, the best places to stay, eat, drink and the best things to see and do.
Holbeck Ghyll
For views of the Lake District, Holbeck Ghyll is the only place to stay! Spend your days wandering around Lake Windermere or relaxing in the hot tub finished off with a delicious meal in Holbeck’s restaurant.
The Three Hares
Located in a sleepy town in the Yorkshire Dales, The Three Hares Sedbergh is one of those hidden gems you’ll want to visit time and time again. Using locally sourced produce James and Nina have created a menu of modern British dishes with a Japanese twist.
The Malabar
Visit The Malabar, a boutique country escape in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria. Indulge in Cumbrian food, relax in roll top bubble baths and explore the surrounding fells.
The Forest Side
Visit the Forest Side Hotel and Restaurant for a true gastronomic adventure in the picturesque surroundings of the Lake District. Aside from the restaurant you can happily spend your days relaxing in the plush lounge beside the log fire or wandering into quaint Grasmere.
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