Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in the north-west of England. It covers about 6,700 square kilometers and has a population of around 500,000. The county town is Carlisle.

Geography and landscape play a defining role in Cumbria. The county contains the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountains and lakes. The landscape includes England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, at 978 meters, along with prominent summits such as Helvellyn and Skiddaw. Cumbria also has a northern coastline along the Solway Firth and is bordered by Scotland; the eastern edge includes parts of the Pennine hills.

History and administration. The modern county was formed in 1974 from the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, with parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is traditionally divided into six districts: Allerdale, Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden, and South Lakeland.

Economy and culture. Tourism is a major part of Cumbria’s economy, driven by the Lake District’s scenery for outdoor recreation, walking, and literary associations. Barrow-in-Furness has a maritime-industrial heritage. The county has cultural links to writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and its landmarks include Carlisle Cathedral and proximity to Hadrian’s Wall.

Transport and notable places. The M6 motorway and a network of A-roads connect towns across the county, with Carlisle serving as a railway hub on the West Coast Main Line. Carlisle Lake District Airport provides regional air services. The region’s landscapes, historic sites, and cultural associations make it a popular destination for visitors.