Historic towns and villages in Cumbria

Carlisle is the county town of Cumbria, and one of the most historic cities in England. Carlisle has a history dating to at least the Roman period, and there are Roman and medieval buildings scattered around the city centre. Chief among these is the medieval cathedral, begun in the late 11th century but heavily remodelled in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Carlisle, Cumbria, England

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Cartmel is a picturesque village in the South Lakeland region of Cumbria. At the heart of the village is Cartmel Priory Church, which began as a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The 14th-century priory gatehouse stands on the cobbled market square overlooking an 18th-century market cross. Cartmel is the home of sticky toffee pudding, available at the village tea room.
Cartmel, Cumbria, England

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Heritage Highlight: 12th-century Cartmel Priory

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The pretty market town of Cockermouth stands in the north west corner of the Lake District National Park. Cockermouth's most famous native is poet William Wordsworth, who was born here in 1770. Wordsworth's birthplace is the most popular visitor attraction.
Cockermouth, Lake District, Cumbria, England

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Cockley Beck is a picturesque hamlet at the foot of Hardknott Pass, in the western Lake District. At the top of the pass is Hardknott Roman Fort. An 18th-century packhorse bridge crosses the River Duddon and the area is a favoured destination for walkers.
Cockley Beck, Cumbria, England

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Heritage Highlight: 18th-century bridge

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Coniston is a popular village at the north-west corner of Coniston Water. The origin of the name is thought to derive from 'King's town'. Coniston has a long history as a centre for mining, with copper mines dating to the 17th century. More recently, slate mining has helped shape the landscape.

Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England

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Dalton-in-Furness is a historic town that was once the most important centre in the Furness region. At the top of Market Place is Dalton Castle, built by the monks of Furness Abbey in the 14th century. Behind the castle is St Mary's Church, a lovely Victorian building and the burial place of the Georgian artist George Romney, a native of Dalton.
Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, England

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Heritage Highlight: 14th-century Dalton Castle

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The little village of Edenhall was home to the Musgrave family, the subject of a ballad by Longfellow. According to Longfellow, the House of Musgrave was doomed if a 'fairy cup' in their possession was broken. The cup, called The Luck of Eden Hall, is believed to be 13th century Persian and is now in the Victorian and Albert Museum in London.
Edenhall, Lake District, Cumbria, England

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Egremont is a pleasant market town near Whitehaven, with a history going back to the 10th century. Above the wide main street is Egremont Castle, begun in 1130 on the site of a Danish fort. Egremont hosts the popular Crab Fair in September, which originated in 1267 and is one of the oldest fairs in the world.
Egremont, Cumbria, England

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Heritage Highlight: 12th-century Egremont Castle

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Glenridding is a lovely Lakeland village at the southern end of Ullswater. A good centre for the eastern Lakes, the Ullswater Steamer leaves from here on a regular trip up the lake. Boats can be hired for exploring Ullswater by sail or under motor power.
Glenridding, Lake District, Cumbria, England

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This small village is famous for the slender Scandinavian cross that stands in the churchyard of St Mary's church. The cross features carvings of both Christian and pagan symbols. From Gosforth minor roads lead up Wasdale to remote Wastwater, one of the more isolated of the lakes that make up the Lake District National Park.
Gosforth, Cumbria, England

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Heritage Highlight: 10th century Gosforth Cross

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