10 things I have discovered about Cumbria after six months

While I have some friends from the county, I am from the West Midlands and still have plenty to learn about the county.

However, writing feature stories for The News and Star has really allowed me to discover more about the county; I have dug deep into the area’s history, spoken to locals and really feel like I have integrated into the local community.

Here are just 10 things I have discovered about Cumbria after writing about the county for six months:

1. It’s a truly beautiful place

I always knew that Cumbria was home to the Lake District so was bound to be an area of natural beauty.

However, I am still pressed to find a locations that is considered to be an eyesore- especially in comparison to some other towns and cities in the UK.

This is a footbridge in Barrow (Photo: Geograph/Paul Harrop)

The Citadel in Carlisle also looks majestic (Photo: Geograph/JThomas)

Not forgetting the Lake District (Photo: Geograph/David Dixon)

1. The dialect is unique

Like most places in the UK, Cumbria has its own unique dialect; I have also encountered some unique words and phrases when chatting to the locals.

‘It’s hoying it down’ (raining) and ‘scran’ (food) are some of my personal favourites.

1. There is plenty to do (when lockdown restrictions ease)

Far from boring, there are plenty of things to see and do in Cumbria- especially for families.

There are always events on at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle and The Rheged Centre in Penrith.

If I had children, I would definitely take them to Walby Farm Park near Carlisle.

If the weather is on your side, a trip to the lakes or a trek in the countryside are also some great options.

You will find this on the Hadrian's Wall walking route

(Photo: Geograph/ Ian Taylor)

 I would definitely like to embark on The Hadrian’s Wall Path in Carlisle.

1. It is home to some TV-worthy worthy properties

Cumbria is home to some dream properties which are good enough to feature on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces- because they did.

The wagon(Photo: Canopy and Stars)

One unique property that stuck in my mind was the Wanderlusts Gypsy Cabin which allows to to immerse yourself in the countryside and even cook dinner over a campfire before heading off for a cosy night’s sleep in the cabin.

1. Some Cumbrian locations are said to be haunted

As a lover of all things spooky and haunted, I was fascinated to learn about Cumbria’s haunted history after speaking to a local paranormal investigator.

Joanne Ellwood, founder of the West Cumbria paranormal group S.P.I.R.I.T UK (Solway Paranormal), said some of the most haunted places in the region include the laser quest in Carlisle and Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass.

While investigating the castle, Joanne said: “I heard a voice in my head that said ‘monkey noises’.

“Myself and other members of the team heard something make monkey noises- we caught it on camera but it’s very faint”

1. I know where to go for a weekend away

With lockdown measures in place and the travel rules constantly changing, a proper holiday has been a pipe dream for many of us- myself included.

However, when lockdown restrictions life I know exactly where to stay during a Cumbrian weekend away.

The Farlam Hall Hotel Is top of the list for when I want to stay somewhere luxurious, where as a Shepherd’s Hut in Townhead is the ideal option for something a little quirkier.

1. Cumbria is linked to the country’s last hanging
    

Last October, I was shocked to discover that there is a Cumbrian link to England’s last hanging.

In 1964,  John Alan West was bludgeoned and stabbed to death in his Workington home.

Murderers, Peter Anthony Allen and Gwynne Owen Evans, were sentenced to death for their crimes- little did they know that theirs would be the last judicial executions in the UK.

1. Cumbria is home to some brilliant independent businesses

Where possible, I try to shine a light on Cumbria’s local and independent businesses.

This was especially the case at Christmas, when I spoke about the local businesses that needed your support during the festive season.

Chopping Block in Penrith proved itself to be a fantastic butcher and I spent a long time browsing the gifts for sale at Castle Chocolates in Carlisle and the items for sale at Ashbridge and Brown.

I was also amazed at the unique gifts being sold by some local Etsy sellers who were so grateful to be acknowledged for their hard work.

It’s safe to say that every family member got some festive wax melts from me that year, after spotting them on a local seller’s page.

1. It has a lot of culture and history

There are so many historic castles and buildings in Cumbria, each with their own unique stories and tales.

Penrith Castle, The Citadel in Carlisle and Wordsworth House are just some places I have researched in my time writing for the paper.

As a book and poetry lover, I was also interested to learn more about the Lake District poets and their links to the various towns across the County.

1. A lot of celebrities come from here

Before writing for The News and Star, the only celebrity I knew from the region was Helen Skelton.

I got in from work at 2am...: and started work at 4am...: I do not look like this anymore ..... #anyexcuse pic.twitter.com/vX04oepkKL

— Helen Skelton (@HelenSkelton) July 25, 2020

(Twitter/@HelenSkelton)

After writing several articles about famous faces from the region, it’s clear to see that many more notable figures hailed from Cumbria.

Beatrix Potter and Lee Brennan are just two names that spring to mind.

I was also shocked to discover that Mike Myers is a modern day descendant of William Wordsworth.