Westmorland and Furness

Westmorland and Furness stretches from the Furness peninsula and Morecambe Bay coast across the southern Lake District to the Eden valley. Principal towns are Kendal, Barrow-in-Furness, Windermere and Appleby-in-Westmorland; Kendal is the council centre and sits where the River Kent runs to Morecambe Bay. The district contains sections of the Lake District National Park, and Windermere and its shoreline lie within its boundary. Local produce includes Kendal mint cake, made in the town that gives the product its name.

Industry and events reflect the mix of coast and upland. Barrow hosts a shipyard where naval submarines are built, while Appleby holds a Horse Fair that draws visitors and Gypsy and Traveller communities. Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel, and market towns such as Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh serve surrounding farming areas. Transport routes include the M6 corridor on the eastern side and rail links to the coast; conservation and farming shape much land use.