10 Lesser Known Facts about Cumbria

With stunning natural landscapes, a rich history and heritage, fantastic independent businesses, and an abundance of local food and drink, we already know that Cumbria is a great place to visit. However, there may be a few things you didn’t know about our beautiful region too! Read on to discover these lesser known facts about Cumbria.

It’s home to two UNESCO world heritage sites…

That’s right: Cumbria is home to not one, but two UNESCO world heritage sites!

Built in AD122 to protect the Roman empire, Hadrian’s Wall stretches for 73 miles from the west to east coast of England, passing through Cumbria and Northumbria.

The English Lake District became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, recognised for its stunning natural beauty and artistic importance: our beautiful landscapes have inspired artists and writers such as Ruskin, Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

…and three National Landscapes

We’ve also got three National Landscapes, dotted across the region. The Arnside and Silverdale National Landscapes boasts a magnificent coastline; the shorelines of the Solway Coast National Landscape are equally as impressive, with both playing host to an abundance of wildlife. Meanwhile, in the east, the North Pennines National Landscape spills over from Northumberland into Cumbria: visit for woodlands, moors, rivers, and wildlife.

There’s only one lake

Did you know? Despite being home to The Lake District, Cumbria has just one official lake: Bassenthwaite Lake! Our other bodies of water are actually Tarns, Meres and Waters. But don’t worry: we still refer to many of them as lakes – including Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England.

The Cumberland Sausage is a protected food

Cumbria is home to numerous amazing places to eat and drink, and one of our local specialties even has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. We’re talking about the Cumberland Sausage, which originated in the ancient city of Cumberland and is known for its distinctly peppery flavour. The status means that the iconic Cumbrian sausage can only be made in Cumbria; and it joins other delicacies such as champagne, Parma ham, and Cypriot halloumi on the list.

There’s also only one city

The Lake District may be best known for its rugged natural landscapes and charming countryside walks, but did you know we’ve also got plenty of vibrant towns and villages – and Cumbria is even home to its very own city! In the north of the region, Carlisle welcomes visitors to discover its rich culture, historic architecture, fantastic shopping, delicious dining, and plenty more.

We’ve got our own dialect

As well as our own distinct accent, Cumbria also has its very own dialect! Influenced by the Celtic and Norse languages, we’ve got several slang words you may not recognise if you aren’t from the area. Marra means friend; nowt means nothing; and if you really want to impress, count to three in Cumbrian - yan, tan, tethera.

You can climb England’s tallest mountain

The Lake District, Cumbria is a hiker’s dream, with a mixture of towering mountains and low level walks aplenty. If you’re looking to tick off England’s tallest mountain, you’ve come to the right place: Scafell Pike stands at 978m high, taller than any other in the country.

We’re home to the world’s largest colouring pencil

Keswick is the home of the first pencil, and The Keswick Pencil Museum is dedicated to the rich history of this essential item. As well as exhibits and a replica graphite mine, the museum also houses the world’s largest colouring pencil! Completed in 2001, the yellow colouring pencil stands at a whopping 7.91m long and weights 446.36kg.

We’ve even got a little piece of Yorkshire…

We are lucky enough to be able to lay claim to a small patch of The Yorkshire Dales, with the national park spilling over into Cumbria, from Kirkby Lonsdale in the south towards Appleby-in-Westmorland in the north. Discover beautiful mountain walks, or wander the streets of Sedbergh (England’s official book town), as you explore a little piece of Yorkshire in Cumbria.

…as well as an underwater village!

Much like something straight out of a movie, The Lake District, Cumbria is home to its very own lost village. Mardale Green was evacuated and flooded in the 1930s, making way for Haweswater Reservoir – which supplies water to Manchester. In dry weather, when the waters recede, the village re-emerges and is truly a sight to behold.

Even without the sight of the lost village, the surrounding area is simply stunning: climb to the peak of nearby mountain, High Street, for views across the reservoir.