The Best of Cumbria | Recommended Places to Stay & Visit

The Best Cumbria Hotels

The county of Cumbria, including the Lake District and part of the Pennine Hills, offers a wide choice of hotels. Our hand-picked collections cover four and five star luxury hotels, more modest budget hotels, grand country houses and romantic boutique hotels. Locations vary from bustling town centres to remote scenic settings.

The Best Cumbria Bed & Breakfasts

Cumbria enjoys a wide selection of bed and breakfast or guest house accommodation, with a multitude of hosts offering a warm welcome and more personal experience. Whether you want the most luxurious accommodation, the most scenic location or just excellent value for money, one of our special B&B collections will have you covered.

The Best Cumbria Pub Accommodation

There are many traditional inns and local pubs with rooms throughout Cumbria. Our editors' special collections include cosy village pubs, luxury gastropubs and historic coaching inns, all offering a warm welcome and the opportunity to drink, eat and sleep all in one place.

The Lake District

The Lake District is a mountainous region in northwest England, famous for its stunning natural beauty, including lakes, forests, and mountains. It's a popular tourist destination for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities, and has inspired many artists and writers over the years.

Alston

Alston is a charming market town, known for its picturesque setting within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It stands as one of the highest market towns in the country and offers visitors a glimpse into a rich mining history. The cobbled streets, local shops, and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Ambleside

Ambleside is a busy town at the heart of the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by stunning lakes and fells, it's a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, water sports, and scenic walks. The town itself boasts charming streets filled with shops, eateries, and historic buildings, making it a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is a vibrant town located on the shores of Lake Windermere. It's a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and water activities. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the lake, explore charming streets with shops and restaurants, and visit attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter. Bowness offers a wide choice of hotels and other accommodation.

Carlisle

Carlisle is an historic English city near the Scottish border. Its rich history is evident in its medieval castle, cathedral, and well-preserved city walls. The city is a gateway to the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall, making it a popular tourist destination. Carlisle offers a blend of heritage, culture, and access to stunning natural landscapes, making it a versatile destination for travelers.

Cockermouth

Cockermouth is a charming market town known for its scenic location at the confluence of the River Cocker and River Derwent. It is famed as the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth and offers a mix of historic architecture, independent shops, and cultural attractions. The nearby Lake District National Park adds to the town's allure, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Coniston

Coniston is a village in the Lake District National Park, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It is most famous for Coniston Water, a stunning lake offering water sports and scenic cruises. The village itself exudes charm with its stone-built cottages, traditional pubs, and proximity to the rugged fells. Coniston also has historical significance, linked to John Ruskin and Donald Campbell's speed record attempts.

Grasmere

Grasmere is a picturesque village in the Lake District, renowned for its tranquil beauty and literary connections. It was the home of poet William Wordsworth, and his former residence, Dove Cottage, is now a museum. Grasmere lies beside beside a pristine lake and is surrounded by rolling hills, offering visitors a serene escape into nature, with charming tea shops and the famous Grasmere gingerbread to enjoy.

Kendal

Kendal, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Lake District," is a historic market town in Cumbria. Known for its scenic location along the River Kent and the Kendal Castle ruins, it offers a blend of history and outdoor attractions. The town is famous for its Kendal Mint Cake and hosts cultural events, making it a delightful stop for tourists exploring the Lake District.

Keswick

Keswick is a charming market town in the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by majestic mountains, including Skiddaw and Catbells, it is a hub for hiking, cycling, and water sports. The town itself features pleasant streets lined with shops, cafes, and cultural attractions like the Theatre by the Lake. Keswick is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty of the Lake District, with a good choice of hotels and other accommodation.

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Stretching over 10 miles, it offers stunning vistas, water activities, and scenic boat cruises. Surrounded by charming towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, it's a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures, wildlife watching, and the beauty of the Lake District's landscapes.

Penrith

Penrith, a historic market town, lies on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park. It boasts a rich heritage, with Penrith Castle and ancient stone circles like Long Meg and her Daughters nearby. The town serves as a gateway to the Lake District, offering visitors a blend of cultural attractions, traditional markets, and access to the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Morecambe Bay

Morecambe Bay is a vast estuary spannning Lancashire and Cumbria's coastline. Renowned for its diverse wildlife and significant bird populations, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts. The bay's treacherous tides and quicksand have shaped local folklore and rescue operations. It's also famous for the Morecambe Bay cockles, contributing to the area's seafood industry. Scenic views make it a photographer's delight.