Explore by Bus & Boat

The region boasts the finest mountain views from the deck of a boat. For a perfectly relaxing journey, you can board one of the many steamers or launches on four of the area’s most outstanding Lakes.

Stagecoach has combined bus & boat tickets which are available for Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere. Tickets are great value with a day’s unlimited bus travel plus a boat ride.

Get your tickets: on the app on the bus contactless payment brought to you by novice or a professional, you will be given a tailored experience with Michael Coates, who offers activities in Kendal and Windermere.

After all that hard work you might be in the mood for something more sedate. Alpacaly Ever After in Keswick is just the ticket, where you can walk through idyllic country estates and go on treks with a furry alpaca friend in tow.

Cumbria and the Lake District’s cultural roots extend back thousands of years. From Neolithic stone circles to museums honouring Victorian poets, the area’s rich heritage takes pride of place for all to see.

Long Meg And Her Daughters

There are around 50 stone circles in Cumbria, from the diminutive to the downright imposing. With links to witchcraft, Long Meg and Her Daughters is a must-see. Long Meg is easy enough to spot – at 12 foot she’s the tallest of the 69 stones and is decorated with mysterious symbols. Legend has it the stones can never be correctly counted – perhaps you can break the spell?

Castlerigg stone circle is awash with atmosphere, with breathtaking views across to Helvellyn and Skiddaw mountains. Visit at sunset, when the crowds are gone and the changing light lends the site a mystical quality. Close to Castlerigg but less well-known, Elva Plain stone circle is ideal for history-seekers keen to step off the beaten bath.

The famed Roman fortification of Hadrian’s Wall has long been associated with North East England. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site extends into Cumbria too. The remains are best admired from Birdoswald Roman Fort, where the longest continuous stretch of wall exists today. Look out for more Roman Empire relics at Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport.

Carlisle Castle remains a fine example of a medieval fortress, despite enduring many sieges across its 900-year history. Walk the castle walls, visit the dungeon’s gruesome ‘licking stones’ and discover the site’s turbulent history through interactive exhibits.

Inside the castle grounds, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life also makes for a fascinating visit. Score a historic hat-trick by teaming your trip with an excursion to Carlisle Cathedral, just around the corner.

Dating back to the Victorian era, Wray Castle is a mock-Gothic castle on the shores of Lake Windermere. The grounds extend down to the water’s edge – perfect for a leisurely stroll.

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