Its stunning landscape alone has been enough to capture the imagination of writers, poets and painters over the centuries - William Wordsworth was inspired to write his legendary Daffodils here, while celebrated children's author Beatrix Potter lived and wrote in the region. It's not hard to see why so many creative souls have been stirred by the scenery, which is as varied as it is beautiful, from the 16 meandering lakes of the Lake District to the mountains which are the highest in Britain. But there is so much more to this county than its majestic natural features. From the buzzing city centre of Carlisle to the pub and restaurant scene of Cumbria's many towns and villages, you'll find a world of activity away from the serenity of the countryside.

You certainly won't be stuck for things to do either, with an array of exciting and interesting visitor attractions throughout the region. Best of all, many of Cumbria's cities and towns are easily accessible by train - and with so many great deals on rail fares around, not to mention a host of special offers, a trip to this wonderful county will be rewarding in more ways than one.

Students with a valid 16-25 Railcard can enjoy a massive savings off Advance fares online with First TransPennine Express. What's more, make it a Cumbrian day trip for two and save along the way - with Northern Rail's Duo Ticket you can get one return ticket and another half price when two adults travel together. That means you'll save almost £5 on two return tickets from Whitehaven to Carlisle!

Travelling from further afield? Take advantage of the great value Advance tickets from Virgin Trains - travel to Oxenholme Lake District from just £8 one way from Glasgow Central and from £15 one way from London Euston. Don't forget to use the Cheapest Fare Finder to search for the best value ticket for your journey.

What could be cosier than sitting in a traditional country pub, sipping a pint of real ale and gazing out at the spectacular Cumbrian scenery? With CAMRA's Real Ale Pubs on the Lake Line, you can take the train to the picturesque towns of Oxenholme, Kendal, Stavely and Windermere, and drop into one of the CAMRA-approved real ale pubs a short walk from each station. Aside from the pubs themselves, there are some great attractions to be found in each town, such as a visit to Kendal's impressive castle and a cruise on Lake Windermere. With First TransPennine Express, you can enjoy discounted beer and food at selected pubs on the Lake Line - making this a great value pub lunch with a difference!

Dating back to the 12th century when King Henry I began its construction, Carlisle Castle is an icon not only of this historic town, but also of Cumbria itself. A medieval relic that has dominated Carlisle for over 900 years, the site itself dates back even further - to the Roman times - when it was an important Roman fortress. Nowadays, it serves as an ever-popular visitor attraction offering a fascinating insight into its rich and lively history. Travel with Northern Rail and you can receive 25% off entry to this magnificent monument.

Situated next to a Roman fort - which is thought to date back the first century AD and was rebuilt during the reign of Hadrian - the Senhouse Roman Museum displays the largest collection of Roman military altar stones and inscriptions in Britain. With its dramatic position on the cliffs overlooking the Solway Firth, the Senhouse is an ideal family attraction in which to discover the dramatic past of the region - be sure to climb the observation tower for an unbeatable view of the entire site. Plus, get 2FOR1 entry to the museum when you travel with Northern Rail.