Cumbria, Ceremonial county in North West England
Cumbria is a ceremonial county in the northwest of England that includes mountainous terrain, numerous lakes, and coastal stretches between the Scottish border and Lancashire. The region extends from the Irish Sea in the west to the Pennines in the east and contains the Lake District National Park in its central area.
The county formed in 1974 by merging the previous counties of Cumberland and Westmorland with parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Before that, the area was divided for centuries between different kingdoms and administrative units, each with distinct traditions and governance structures.
Many villages hold agricultural shows where farmers present Herdwick sheep and serve dishes made with local lamb and cheese. Market towns host weekly gatherings where residents trade fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties while catching up with neighbors.
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council manage local services since 2023 following the dissolution of the county council. Tourist information centers in larger towns provide maps, walking advice, and accommodation details for visitors exploring different parts of the county.
Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and Windermere, the country's largest natural lake, both lie within the county in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The western coast features rare salt marshes and tidal flats exposed at low tide that provide habitat for migrating birds.
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