These pages show only the major protected countryside areas, some of them covering hundreds of square kilometres. For more information about individual sites within these areas, see the contacts on the individual pages. Information about local parks, open spaces and countryside areas can be obtained from Cumbria council, district councils, libraries and Tourist Information Centres.
National Parks
Large areas of exceptionally fine and unique landscape protected by National Park Authorities who manage them both to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to provide opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Areas of fine protected countryside designated by the Countryside Agency outside the National Parks
Forest Parks
Large and attractive areas of woodland with many opportunities for recreation, managed by the Forestry Commission. Cumbria has Grizedale Forest Park near Hawkshead and Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, both within Lake District National Park.
Country Parks
Large parks with a rural character, often within easy reach of towns and offering something for everyone including families and people with disabilities.
- Bardsea Bardsea, Ulverston LA12 9QL
Coastal country park on the north side of Morecambe Bay, on the coast south of Ulverston. The adjoining Seawood Site of Special Scientific Interest is managed by the Woodland Trust. - Fell Foot, Newby Bridge: see Lake District National Park
- Talkin Tarn Brampton CA8 1HN, tel 016977 41050
49ha/120 acres of farmland and woodland centred on a large lake, in the north of Cumbria east of Carlisle, near Brampton.
East Cumbria countryside management area
An area around Carlisle and part of the Eden Valley is being managed to improve the countryside and recreation, with new walks and sculptures. Ask for leaflets from the East Cumbria Countryside Project, Warwick Mill, Warwick Bridge, Carlisle CA4 8RR, tel 01228 561601.
Walking in Cumbria index | Parks Index | Information index
