Cumbria is one of the most breathtaking regions in the United Kingdom and the world for that matter. Sat snugly up in the north of England, between Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and Lancashire, this rural heaven is becoming one of the most visited holiday destinations in England, mainly due to its containment of the Lake District national park, which has proven great inspiration for many poets, writers and painters over the years.

Officially made in to an English county in 1974, Cumbria is the third largest ceremonial county in England, containing 6 districts in total and a population of 498,800, excluding all the adrenaline junkies and peaceful visitors that flock there each year to enjoy the hills, valleys and lakes of the Lake District.

The six districts are Allerdale, Barrow in Furness, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden and South Lakeland and one of the most famous and visited towns is Keswick, known for its celebrity car museum, film festival and historic market place.

It's the Lake District and the landscape in general that makes Cumbria an awe inspiring visual spectacle, as the mountains and valleys create a giant wave like pattern across the countryside, that glisten with the many lakes that lay below.

The highest peak in Cumbria is Scafell Pike, which peaks at around a whopping 3210 feet high; in fact the only parts in Britain that are over 3000 feet are situated in the magnificent Cumbrian county.

There are so many activities and things to do in Cumbria you'll be spoilt for choice, but they usually revolve around outdoor festivals or strenuous activities. These range from rambling, hiking, sailing, biking and picnicking for the more laid back type of person, or mountain climbing, cross country exploring, white water rafting and bungee jumping for the more extreme and adventurous visitors.

For the young children flying kites and visiting the wildlife parks always proves to be a fun time. These parks may prove of interest to all as Cumbria and the Lake District are home to several species of animals that are extinct elsewhere in Britain and even the world. It's the unique environment that keeps them there.

Because of the diversity in landscape, Cumbria tends to get visitors all year round, who take part in different activities at different times of the year, with something new happening all the time.

Cumbria is unlike other popular tourist destinations, in that it isn't overrun with hotels and tacky resorts. The best way to experience Cumbria is to rent out a holiday cottage in one of the towns or somewhere more rural and enjoy a real "getting back to basics" type atmosphere. Usually these end up cheaper than other holiday resorts and you may end up renting the place for months once you find out all the fun activities on offer.

Still if it's all a bit too much for you visiting Cumbria in the summer, renting out a little cottage and relaxing with a picnic every day is just as fin and desirable as anything else on offer. Cumbria truly is the last vintage UK holiday destination.