food and drink

Cumbria is renowned for distinctive local produce and award-winning food. Combine this with stunning landscapes and friendly hospitality and it makes for a magnificent dining experience.

The county currently boasts four Michelin-starred establishments (more than any other region of Northwest England), and is currently in the top five counties in England for Michelin-starred restaurants.

Some of our local produce includes:

• Herdwick sheep: one of Cumbria's native breeds of sheep, they have grazed the fells for centuries. Hardy and slow-growing, they produce a richly flavoured meat that is used in many local dishes. Beatrix Potter owned an award-winning flock of Herdwick sheep and for a time was

President of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Society.

• Damson Gin: a sweet liqueur, made from local damsons harvested in the Lyth Valley near Kendal.

• Grasmere Gingerbread: Made to a secret recipe and still sold from the same shop in Grasmere that it was originally made in. William Wordsworth was apparently very fond of Grasmere Gingerbread and would often call in to buy some on his way home to Dove Cottage.

• Sticky Toffee Pudding: a moist sponge cake with prunes or dates, served with sticky toffee sauce. A delectable treat.

• Cumberland sausage: a long coiled, coarsely chopped sausage that is synonymous with Cumbria.

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latest news

British Ports Association confirm Cumbria for 2012 event

Michelin stars retained for 2011

The Crown Hotel awarded an AA rosette

why cumbria

5 Destination Spa Hotels

4 Michelin Star Restaurants

3 Mainline Railway Stations (Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme)

2 Much to see in just one visit

1 Perfect place to meet up

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fine dining, michelin star