The 5 Best Attractions In Cumbria
Looking for the best attractions in Cumbria? Cumbria is one of those places that gets under your skin. People arrive expecting mountains and lakes, but what they don’t expect is just how much there is to see and do.
People arrive expecting mountains and lakes. What they don’t expect is walking through ancient forests with llamas, exploring ruined castles, discovering hidden history or standing beneath some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer Lake District adventure, these are five attractions we genuinely think are worth your time.
1. Walk Alpacas And Llamas At Alpacaly Ever After
Let’s start with something you probably weren’t expecting to find in Cumbria.
Alpacas. Lots of alpacas.
Alpacaly Ever After is Tripadvisor’s highest-rated attraction in the Lake District and offers visitors the chance to spend time with rescued alpacas and llamas across three stunning locations. So where to start…
Walk Alpacas At Lingholm Estate
At Lingholm Estate, you’ll walk beside Derwentwater with Catbells rising above the lake. It is one of the most scenic alpaca walks anywhere in Britain and a chance to experience the Lake District from a completely different perspective.
Trek With Alpacas & Llamas Through Whinlatter Forest
At Whinlatter Forest, you’ll trek through woodland trails with llamas leading the way. The forest setting makes this one of the most adventurous experiences we offer, with spectacular views and plenty of llama personality along the route.
Meet The Alpacas At Basecamp North Lakes
At Basecamp North Lakes, visitors can meet members of our woolly army before exploring the award-winning farm shop, butchery, bakery and deli.
Families can wander through the community garden, explore the wetland habitat and follow the forest boardwalk while enjoying views across the surrounding countryside.
It’s also a fantastic place to visit if the Lake District weather turns against you. Grab a coffee, enjoy a homemade cake, browse local Cumbrian produce and spend time with the animals while waiting for the rain clouds to pass.
Many visitors arrive expecting a farm shop. What they discover is a place where they can meet rescued alpacas, explore nature, enjoy local food and slow down for a few hours.
Every animal has a story. Many arrived here needing a second chance. Today they help create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world.
It’s different. It’s fun. And it’s almost guaranteed to leave you with a favourite alpaca.
2. Explore Lowther Castle & Gardens
If castles could talk, Lowther Castle would have some stories to tell.
Once one of England’s grandest country estates, the castle now stands as a dramatic ruin surrounded by beautiful gardens, hidden pathways and woodland trails.
Children can spend hours exploring the huge adventure playground while adults wander through the gardens and soak up the history.
There is something slightly magical about Lowther. You can spend an entire day there and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
3. Discover Honister Slate Mine
If adventure is what you’re looking for, head for Honister.
Perched high in the mountains at the top of Honister Pass, this working slate mine feels more like something from an adventure film than a tourist attraction.
Visitors can take mine tours deep into the mountain, learn about Cumbria’s industrial heritage or push themselves much further with the famous Via Ferrata climbing experience.
The views alone are worth the trip.
On a clear day, the surrounding fells stretch away in every direction.
Few places in Cumbria feel quite as wild.
4. Visit The Derwent Pencil Museum
A pencil museum might not sound exciting.
Trust us.
It’s far more interesting than it sounds.
Located in Keswick, the Derwent Pencil Museum tells the story of the Borrowdale graphite mines and how a small corner of Cumbria helped shape the world’s pencil industry.
Families love the interactive exhibits.
Children enjoy seeing one of the world’s largest coloured pencils.
History lovers are fascinated by the secret World War II pencils that contained hidden maps for prisoners of war.
It’s quirky, uniquely Cumbrian and a brilliant rainy-day attraction.
5. Walk Around Buttermere
There are bigger lakes in Cumbria.
There are busier lakes too.
But few are as beautiful as Buttermere.
Surrounded by towering mountains and famous for its mirror-like reflections, Buttermere offers one of the most rewarding walks in the Lake District.
The circular route around the lake is around 4.5 miles and suitable for most people.
Along the way you’ll pass woodland paths, lakeside views and some of the most photographed scenery in Britain.
Take a picnic. Take your camera. Take your time.
This is the sort of place that reminds you why people fall in love with Cumbria.
Why These Are Some Of The Best Attractions In Cumbria
What makes Cumbria special isn’t any single attraction.
These attractions have earned their place among the best attractions in Cumbria and continue to attract visitors from around the world.
It’s the variety. One day you can walk beside alpacas. The next you can explore a ruined castle, climb through a mountain slate mine or stand beside a peaceful lake watching the clouds drift across the fells. That’s what keeps people coming back. There is always something new to discover.
Plan Your Visit To Cumbria
If you’re planning a trip to Cumbria, give yourself time.
The best experiences aren’t always the ones you rush through.
Walk with alpacas.
Climb a mountain pass. Explore a castle. Sit beside a lake.
And most importantly, leave enough time to come back and do it all again.
If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay, we highly recommend Lingholm Estate on the shores of Derwentwater or the lakeside cabins at Basecamp North Lakes. Both offer the perfect base for exploring some of the best attractions in Cumbria.
