Our guide to luxury holidays in Cumbria

It can be quite the road trip by car, often taking around four to five hours. By train, the travel time from London to Penrith or Carlisle typically takes two to three hours. The train ride is quite something – you’ll transition from the concrete suburbs surrounding London, eventually, into majestic mountains of the Lake District, which can’t be helped but met with awe. The journey sets the stage for a memorable adventure, where verdant hills, serene lakes, and rugged fells await to be explored.

The best time to visit the Lake District is probably during late spring or early summer, from May to June. The landscape comes to life with vibrant colour, as wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and the hills are carpeted with shades of green. The temperature typically ranges from around 10°C to 18°C, pleasant for exploring the quiet lakeshores or embarking on an invigorating hike. The summer’s longer daylight hours are also a welcome gift for meandering trails over dramatic vistas, without running out of sun to get back to the pub again.

While walking the entire circumference of Lake Windermere is possible, it’s quite the undertaking – this is the Lake District’s largest body of water, encompassing 11 miles all-in-all. The circular route passes by charming villages like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, through shaded woodlands, and several viewpoints. But if you’re on a mission, it might take you about three hours, the fresh breeze off the water invigorating your senses.

Built in 122 AD and running for 73 miles, it would take over a week to walk the entirety of this Roman feat of engineering. Built by Hadrian, to defend against Scotland, much of it now lies in ruin but there are some parts still standing today. ‘Housesteads Roman Fort’, near Bardon Mill, is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the Roman Empire's legacy, with its stone fortifications and commanding views over the rugged Northumberland countryside. Wonder the remains of this once mighty wall, and marvel at how this remarkable frontier came together. Standing atop the fort's battlements, you can almost hear whispers of the past in the wind, in the very footsteps garrison soldiers would have once paced to guard the empire.

There is a real abundance of trails to choose from; Cumbria is walking territory. Among the most spectacular is the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. Adventurers that conquer the summit are rewarded with panoramic views of the county below, a patchwork of farmland and flint walls. For something more leisurely, try the serene shores of Buttermere or Crummock Water, providing a calm setting for mindful lakeside among the surrounding fells. The Catbells hike near Derwentwater also promises an intrepid expedition, offering breathtaking vistas of the lake and the Derwent Valley.