subject: Things to do in Cumbria [print this page] Things to do in Cumbria Things to do in Cumbria
Visiting Cumbria not only brings you to the amazing natural beauty of the area, but to a richly storied region, where you can explore almost two millennia of recorded history.
Hadrian's Wall, the Roman wall built from 122AD to 128 AD, runs across Cumbria along what was once the England-Scotland border. Though the wall runs from Wallsend in the east to Bowness on Solway in the west, some of the most impressive ruins are located in Cumbria, and there are numerous cycling and walking paths that take you along the wall in the region. Hadrian's wall is one of the most important Roman sites in the UK, and is now a World Heritage Site.There are some amazing bed and breakfasts on Hadrian's Wall.
Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral are both important historic sites in Cumbria that are well worth a visit as well, and the cathedral, an impressive building just outside the town centre, houses numerous priceless artifacts. But it's not all ancient history in this vibrant region. The Sands Centre in Carlisle hosts comedy, stage shows, pop, and classical concerts, as well as ballet.
The Museum of Lakeland Life, in Kendal gives you a great overview of how ancestral Cumbrians have lived and worked over the past two centuries. The Kendal Brewery Arts Centre is an arts complex that presents music, lectures, exhibitions, theatre, and films year-round, as well as many arts and crafts and theatre workshops and classes. There's even a restaurant and bar.A great place to spend an afternoon is in Kirkby Lonsdale, the historic market town 13 miles to the southeast of Kendal on the A65. It's full of specialty shops, many of them located in listed buildings, and there is a weekly market with lots of local produce on offer. You can also enjoy a Norman church and several lovely inns from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the legendary 14th century Devil's Bridge across the River Lune.
For something completely different, visit the Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick, where you'll see the world's longest pencil and see where graphite was first discovered some 350 years ago. There's even a World War II era pencil made to look like something 007 would carry!
These are only a handful of the many things to do in Cumbria, making it the perfect place to visit on holiday, or on a fun one-day outing. You'll want to return more than once! Why stay in some of beautiful self catering holiday cottages in Cumbria or some of the best accommodation on Hadrian's Wall? You're sure to have any amazing time in the county of Cumbria!
