Top Things to do in Cumbria
Top Hotels in Cumbria
- 1. Riverside Hotel
- 2. Applegarth Villa Hotel and Restaurant (Adult Only)
- 3. Ambleside Salutation Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 4. The Keswick Country House Hotel
- 5. Ravenstone Manor Hotel
- 6. The Daffodil Hotel & Spa
- 7. Ravenstone Manor Hotel
- 8. Damson Dene Hotel
- 9. The Wordsworth Hotel
- 10. Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection
Countries
Things to do in Cumbria, England: The Best Scenic Drives
Discover the best top things to do in Cumbria, United Kingdom including B5289 Road, Hard Knott Pass, Wrynose Pass, Hardknott Pass, Newlands Pass.
Restaurants in Cumbria
1. B5289 Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Suratrichard - Surat Thani, Thailand
The B5289 is much more than the Honister Pass although the Pass is probably the most exciting part. This wonderfully scenic road runs from Keswick to Lorton. Initially it runs alongside Derwentwater( there are several parking places) and affords great views of Catbells and the Lake. It carries on through Rosthwaite and Seatoller onto the Honister Pass. The Pass does have some steep sections ( 25%) and can be tricky in winter. It can also get very busy during the summer and at weekends. To add to the fun, sheep are often wandering about on the road. Passing the Honister slate quarry, superb views appear looking down towards the Buttermere valley. The road follows the beck and there are several parking places along the route. Eventually, the road reaches Gatesgarth ( car park available) and then runs alongside Buttermere to Buttermere village with more car parks and several places to eat and drink. Staying on the road through Buttermere, Crummock water comes into view and the left and again the are places to park. After Crummock the road leads to the Lorton area which is only a short drive from Cockermouth. This area has a number of good walks e.g. Around Buttermere or Crummock, Rannerdale and if wanting to go high, Haystacks is a good walk from Buttermere. Any time of the year there is so much to admire and if the road is passable in winter, there's no better sight than driving surrounded by snow covered fells. Occasionally some drivers think the road is a race track but fortunately the vast majority of drivers are not. An absolute must drive when visiting the lakes.
2. Hard Knott Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By LindaJ357 - Pilling, United Kingdom
the scenery is absolutely stunning with views up and down the valley that are spectacular. we parked in a small layby and climbed up the hillside to the fort. it was quite a steep climb and very wet underfoot but so worth it. there are boards all around telling you what you are looking at and the main board gives you an idea of the history. imagine living all the way up there!! being the Romans of course they had baths.
3. Wrynose Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
In writing the heading of this review I immediately realised that that it was a bit self-indulgent, because whereas I declare Wrynose Pass to be a fabulous drive - I am acutely aware that not everybody would think so. Quite simply, if you are a nervous driver who doesn’t like narrow roads with tight bends and very steep sections; and who hates the idea of possibly having to reverse back to a passing point occasionally - then don’t come anywhere near this road! If on the other hand you love driving on a twisting, fun, single track road with stunning scenery all around, then this is one you must try - especially when you combine it with the equally exhilarating Hardknott Pass, which joins it.
4. Hardknott Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Hardknott Pass carries the minor motor road between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, and is situated between the hamlets of Boot and Cockley Beck. It goes through some very rugged and attractive countryside and is a twisting single track road with passing places - and lots of very steep parts! As someone who doesn’t like the over-commercialised parts of the Lake District, this area is so refreshing, and because the road is considered a “challenging” drive, it doesn’t get too busy. And is it a difficult drive? Well, I suppose it depends entirely on your personal preferences and experience. I love driving mountain passes and have done so all over Europe, and would rate this one as moderate. As long as you use the passing places properly you’ll be fine. My current car is a largish Land Rover Discovery, and as far as I’m concerned, the road is perfectly wide enough. So unless you have a very wide car, or are a very nervous driver - give it a go. It’s a great drive, and connects with Wrynose Pass which is just as good.
5. Newlands Pass
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Q2839XGroyt - Wolsingham, United Kingdom
Trip done on a Motorcycle. From Braithwaite take Newlands Road to Buttermere taking in fantastic Views to the Waterfall at the top of the pass then dropping down into Buttermere. You will encounter narrow roads and 20% inclines so not advisable for wide vehicles and if you can't reverse. Although there are a few places where you can pull off road to take photo's. At the T junction at Buttermere take the left turn which takes you along the Honister pass again with narrow roads with fantastic rock formations lakes & spectacular views . At the top of the pass is the Honister Slate Museum with Cafe and outdoor activities you then carry on through Borrowdale Valley past Derwent Water and on to Keswick.This makes a most enjoyable day out if done on a sunny day not so good when wet!
