When planning a trip to this beautiful corner of England, many people get confused by the terms “Lake District” and “Cumbria.” Are they the same place? Is one part of the other? If you’re booking an airport transfer to the Lake District or Cumbria, it’s helpful to know the difference — and we’ll explain it simply.
What is Cumbria?
Cumbria is a large county in North West England, bordering Scotland to the north. It’s one of England’s most scenic and rural counties, famous for its rolling hills, stunning coastline, charming market towns, and of course, its national parks.
Cumbria includes:
- The Lake District National Park
- The Eden Valley
- The Solway Coast
- The North Pennines
- Historic towns like Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, and Workington
So in simple terms: Cumbria is the entire county.
What is the Lake District?
The Lake District is a specific area within Cumbria. It’s a designated National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its:
- Stunning lakes like Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Coniston Water
- Majestic fells and mountains such as Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak)
- Charming tourist towns like Ambleside, Keswick, Bowness-on-Windermere, and Grasmere
The Lake District covers roughly 912 square miles, but Cumbria as a whole is much larger — around 2,613 square miles.
In Short:
| Term | What It Refers To | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Cumbria | Entire county | ~2,613 sq miles |
| Lake District | National Park within Cumbria | ~912 sq miles |
Why Does This Matter for Travellers?
When you’re booking your accommodation, transfers or tours, it’s important to be clear:
- If you say you’re visiting Cumbria, that could mean anywhere from Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness.
- If you say you’re visiting the Lake District, people will know you’re heading to the national park area with the lakes, fells, and main tourist attractions.
Airport Transfers to the Lake District & Cumbria
At DM Airport Transfers, we provide private transfers to both Cumbria and the Lake District from all major UK airports:
- Manchester Airport
- Liverpool Airport
- Newcastle Airport
- Leeds Bradford Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- London Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton)
Whether you’re staying in Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, or a more remote part of Cumbria, our fleet of comfortable vehicles — including taxis, minibuses, and executive transfers — can get you there stress-free.
✅ Meet & Greet Service
✅ 24/7 Bookings
✅ Fixed Prices with No Hidden Fees
✅ Professional Drivers Familiar with Cumbria & The Lake District
Ready to Book Your Transfer?
Contact DM Airport Transfers today:
📧 info@dmairporttransfers.co.uk
📞 +44 7947 199830
🌐 dmairporttransfers.co.uk
