For the best break, you can’t get much more dramatic than the Lakes...

Less than two hours from Liverpool by train, Cumbria in the Lake District provides a very easy change of scenery. With a wealth of culture, outdoor activities, stylish accommodation and award-winning food, all set against the backdrop of breath-taking landscapes, Cumbria is a perfect and accessible place to escape to, with something to appeal to everyone.

For those seeking culture, inspiration and motivation, Cumbria is a melting pot of fascinating heritage, world famous literature, exciting art and contemporary theatre. Only here will you find William Wordsworth’s own bed. Beatrix Potter’s ‘Treasures’ and Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazon’s Inspiration. Cumbria’s exhibition venues are as unique and interesting as their exhibits. View bronze life-size sculptures in the middle of a woodland gallery, watch a groundbreaking play on the edge of Derentwater, visit a photographic gallery in a 250 year old former brewery or hear a concert in the mountainside garden of John Ruskin’s former home. The exhibitions and shows are constantly changing, forever renewing, so there’s always something to see, always something to inspire and stimulate.

If you feel like burning off some excess energy, the list of activities is endless. For extreme sport lovers there’s kite surfing, paragliding and sky diving to name but a few. Fell running, rock climbing, mountain biking, quad biking, high-wiring and off road driving can all be enjoyed against the spectacular scenery. What could be more liberating? Horse riding, hot air ballooning, walking, fishing or golf may appeal. Or make the most of Cumbria’s famous lakes and stunning coastline and try sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing or learn to water ski. With England’s highest mountain, deepest lake, first ever Via Ferrata and Britain’s favourite view alongside contemporary facilities and knowledgeable sports specialists Cumbria has plenty to satisfy the active and 2008 is Cumbria, the Lake District’s Year of Adventure, providing an adrenaline-fulled calendar of outdoor events, new activities and exciting challenges so there’s never been a more apt time for sport lovers to visit.

Those wishing to treat themselves will have some tough choices to make. Luxury accommodation is abundant here with everything from ultra stylish hotels to quirky inns, indulgent spas to boutiquey cottages. If it’s decadence you’re after then huge suites, Egyptian cotton bedding, famous toiletries and elaborate concierge menus are all options for you. If you need peace, then liberating views and a cottage built over a lake complete with a rowing boat for you to use will provide the tranquillity you crave. To get in shape for the summer try a blissful spa weekend, the pampering combined with the peace and fresh air will return you glowing and groomed. Everything is available here, from the sublime, and truly opulent to the rare and unique. An organic B&B, a Mongolian yurt, a family friendly fairytale castle or a cottage in the middle of a forest are all available in Cumbria, generally complemented by awe inspiring views.

Or you could make your break a gastronomic one; Cumbria is renowned for many of its local food delicacies. Try out proper Cumberland sausage, Grasmere Gingerbread, Kendal Mint Cake, rum butter, Herwick lam, Cumberland mustard, Winderemere char, the list goes on and on.

With everything from avant-garde Michelin starred restaurants to imaginative or traditional award-winning pubs, your visit there can be a mouth-watering one. You can even learn as you taste with food safaris, organic bread-making breaks, innovative cookery courses and extravagant wine- tasting weekends. Take a brewery tour and sample real Cumbrian ale brewed using pure water or visit one of Cumbria’s many unique micro-breweries, or do both and make your trip of the ‘ale-trail’ variety.

With a host of interesting events taking place this Spring, Jemima Puddleduck’s Centenary celebrations and the renowed Keswick Jazz Festival to name but two, it’s one of the most exciting as well as the most beautiful times to visit. Two hours and you’re here for luxury, inspiration and relaxation. Take some time out in Cumbria, the Lake District.