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Idyllic Derwentwater, which lies south of the town of Keswick in the Lake District National Park, is one of Cumbria's most scenic stretches of water.

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Carlisle's 900-year-old castle has been the scene of many historical episodes in British history, not least the many battles and incursions between English and Scottish military forces fought here.

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Furness Abbey near the town of Barrow-in-Furness was once the second-wealthiest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in the country, behind that of Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. The ruins date back to 1123 and are supposed to be haunted. The well-maintained site is open to the public.

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Built between about 120–138 CE, Hardknott Roman Fort would have held a detachment of 500 infantrymen stationed here to guard what's now called the Hardknott Pass. The fort can be visited, though reaching it requires navigating a steep road up to a height of 243 m (800 ft).

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The weathered and crumbling remains of this stronghold peer over the village of Brough, located on the western fringes of the Pennines mountain range. It was commissioned in 1092 by William II.

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One of the best known Roman structures in the United Kingdom, Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site, was begun in 122 CE in the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian.The west end of the Hadrian's Wall Path commences at Bowness-on-Solway.

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Don't leave Cumbria without savoring Cumberland sausage. The savory delicacy is named for the ancient county of Cumberland, now called Cumbria, and seasoned with a variety of tasty herbs and spices. The sausage is traditionally served in long, curved lengths.

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One of Cumbria's most famous residents was the children's author Beatrix Potter (1866–1943). Celebrated for stories that include 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit,' Potter lived at Hill Top, a 17th-century cottage that now serves as a writer's home museum, shown as Beatrix Potter herself would have known it.

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One of the most rewarding ways of appreciating the Lake District National Park is to embark on a sightseeing cruise aboard a Lake Windermere steamer.

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Another literary great associated with the region is the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth (1770–1850). He lived at Dove Cottage, where he wrote among other works, 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud' (1802). His former residence is also open to the public as a writer's home museum.

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Picturesque Kendal is a market town named for the River Kent, which runs through this ancient community. Places of interest include Kendal Museum, a castle, and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery.

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Kendal is famous as the origin of mint cake, a sugar-based confection flavored with peppermint. Kendal mint cake is popular among climbers and mountaineers as a source of energy. Stock up before hiking the hills!

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At an elevation of 978 m (3,209 ft) above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. Outdoors enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond descend upon this landmark peak year round to follow the many paths up to its lofty summit.

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The quaint village of Coniston sits on the shore of Coniston Water. On January 4, 1967, Donald Campbell was killed on the lake while attempting to break the world speed water record. Today it's the domain of kayakers, canoeists, and other, more gentle, watersports pursuits.

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Kids, make sure mom and dad take you for a ride on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite heritage railway. It runs from Haverthwaite to the southern end of Windermere. Some services are timed to connect with sailings of the steam sightseeing vessels that ply the lake. What a fun way to travel!

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And this view shows the impressive Great Gable mountain, the summit of which is another prize for seasoned hikers.

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Many regard the view towards Wastwater from the cairn near the summit of Great Gable as the finest in the Peak District National Park.

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Fans of classic comedy will recognize Ulverston as the birthplace of one Arthur Stanley Jefferson, better known as Stan Laurel (1890–1965), of Laurel and Hardy fame. A bronze statue of the duo stands outside a museum dedicated to one of the most celebrated comedy acts in cinema history.

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Set on the town's eastern outskirts, Kendal Castle is a medieval fortification and has been a ruin since Tudor times. It's accessible to the public and makes for interesting exploration.

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One of Cumbria's most appealing destinations is the attractive town of Ambleside. Local landmarks include the 300-year-old Bridge House and the Samling Hotel, built in the 1780s. Incidentally, Ambleside is the gateway to some of the region's most exciting walking and hiking trails.

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While Cumbria's interior is justly famous for its spectacular scenery, it's always worth taking a trip along the coast, especially if you're a wildlife enthusiast. Focus the binoculars on the wind-battered St Bees Head promontory, one of Cumbria's most important reserves for nesting seabirds. Look out for fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills, as well as Britain's only population of resident black guillemots.

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Pictured: the tracery and stained glass of the East Window. The huge and complex window still contains much of its medieval glass.

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The Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle has eclectic collections of zoological, botanical, and geological material. It also houses important displays and temporary exhibitions associated with Hadrian's Wall.

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Sitting snugly at the southern end of Ullswater is the charming village of Glenridding. To photograph this view, head for the hills to where the ascent to Helvellyn begins.

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While Carlisle is the second smallest of England's ancient cathedrals, it regales visitors with the largest window in the Flowing Decorated Gothic style in England.

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Spend some time browsing the oak-paneled interior of this stately home, which features a fine collection of paintings, before exploring the extensive and well-manicured grounds.

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Cumbria boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in England. Enclosing the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the country's finest areas of natural beauty, Cumbria is also home to a host of picturesque towns and villages, brooding castles, and ancient Roman ruins.

Click through the following gallery and discover this wonderfully scenic destination, and find out where to go and what to see along the way.

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This stone displays the text of a curse put against the city of Carlisle by a Glaswegian Archbishop in 1525. It was installed in Carlisle's Millennium Gallery as a work of contemporary art in 2001. Problem is that shortly afterwards several local tragedies occurred including an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, floods, a fire, and several job losses. Spooky, or what?

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Located in Wasdale, a valley in the western part of the Lake District National Park, Wastwater is the deepest lake in England. This exceptional view appears on the logo of the Lake District National Park Authority.

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This is the mysterious and evocative Castlerigg stone circle, which is located near Keswick. Archaeologists date the site back to around 3200 BCE, which makes it one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, and possibly in Europe.

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Restaurants abound in Cumbria, serving up great traditional fare. But for something a little more upmarket, book well ahead for a table at L'Enclume, the region's most famous eatery. Sea buckthorn sorbet, butternut squash purée, vanilla custard, powdered licorice, and aniseed is typical of the menu, designed by two Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan (pictured).