12 Places you Won’t Believe are in Cumbria

There are some simply stunning places in the Lake District, Cumbria - including a few you may not have even known about! Some have connections to places around the world (including a few fantasy lands); others may surprise you with their unique stories and locations. Check out these 12 places you may not believe are right here in Cumbria.
 

Haweswater

The most easterly lake in the Lake District, the reservoir of Haweswater looks akin to somewhere you’d stumble upon in the Swiss alps.

As well as its natural beauty, it is also known for a unique feature: an underwater village. In 1940, Mardale was flooded to increase the reservoir’s size; in dry weather, when the water level drops, the village emerges to be seen once more.

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Seals on Walney Island

Yep, you read that right! A grey seal colony calls Cumbria its home: these adorable animals can be found on the South Walney Nature Reserve. While there is no access to the area of the reserve in which they live to avoid disturbance, they can be seen from the water by boat; or from other points along the reserve.

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Conishead Priory

You may not expect to see a Buddhist centre on the fringes of the south Lakes, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Conishead Priory - home to the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre. There are guided meditation sessions, as well as an on site cafe serving light refreshments.

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Whitehaven

Did you know? Back in the mid-18th century, the Cumbrian town of Whitehaven was used as a template for the expansion of New York! See the town from up high, and learn about its history and heritage, at The Beacon Museum.
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Derwentwater

Nope, not a Galaxy far far away…this is actually in the Lake District, Cumbria! Alongside neighbouring Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater was featured in the 2015 blockbuster, Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. The two waters were combined to form the forested planet of Takodana. You can visit without boarding the Millenium Falcon: it's accessible by foot, car and public transport. Check out Cumbria on film here.

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Silloth

A Victorian seaside town overlooking the Solway Firth, Silloth may look like it belongs on the French coast, but it is in fact located in north west Cumbria! Stroll along the promenade for views of the stunning Solway Firth across to Scotland.

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Wastwater

You’d be forgiven for mistaking this impressive valley for the mountains of New Zealand. It is, in fact, Wastwater in the Wasdale Valley! Located in the western Lake District, this remote area is great for outdoor adventure.

Fun fact: Wastwater is England’s deepest lake, at just under 260ft deep.

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Bowness on Solway

Stretching along the shoreline of the Solway Firth, the expansive sands of Bowness on Solway are just breathtaking. Popular in the summer months, they are also part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit and discover a natural oasis, with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

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Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle will take you back to a time gone by: this Gothic ruin stands within 130 acres of stunning gardens and is a striking place to visit. Built in the early 1800s, it was demolished in 1957 leaving just the facade and outer walls. Today, it’s a popular attraction, complete with an impressive adventure playground (one of the largest in the UK); cafe; and plenty more.

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Cockermouth

With its colourful buildings, the Georgian town of Cockermouth has a quirky European feel. It’s often called the gateway to the western Lake District, and was also the birthplace of Dorothy and William Wordsworth.

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Grange Over Sands Train Station

Once named the UK's best small railway station (and with those coastal views, it's not hard to see why), Grange-over-Sands’ train station is a destination in itself. Arrive by train along the stunning Morecambe Bay, and hop off to discover this Edwardian town’s charm.

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Maryport

For some of the most breathtaking sunsets around, look no further than Maryport on the Cumbrian coast. Once home to Romans, who built a fort here named Aluana, this coastal town overlooks the Irish Sea.

Have you visited any of these places?

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