Lush, green, historic and eccentric, Cumbria is known as one of the most beautiful parts of England. Jo Caruana recommends it for your next visit to the UK.

I cannot tell you how much I love living in Malta. But, if there’s one thing I miss while I’m here, it’s those vast expanses of green found in the UK and other parts of central Europe.

It’s the kind of green that goes on for miles, that evokes a sense of calm and which simply begs to be explored on an afternoon walk before a pub dinner. Bliss.

All that greenery is exactly what drew me to Cumbria, one of England’s most indisputably picturesque spots, a number of years ago. I’ve now spent a few days here every summer, staying with my dear friend Will, who is a picture-perfect Cumbrian gent. He lives in just the sort of house you’d imagine to find dotting the English countryside: a converted barn in a tiny village, with an AGA, wood-burning stove and massive oak dining table. It is a little piece of heaven.

But it isn’t just Will’s cottage that I have come to love; it’s the entire region. I think of it as one of the most undiscovered parts of the UK, but one that desperately deserves a place on every must-visit Brit list.

Keswick

Let’s start with its location. Cumbria is the most northwest county in England, bordering Scotland. I usually combine my trip with a few days in London and then a picturesque train journey up from south to north, which gives me plenty of time for gazing out the window and cow-spotting.

If you’d rather fly right in, though, Blackpool, Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds are all pretty close by.

Carlisle train station is always my starting point for my stay. A far cry from Victoria or Paddington, this is a small-town station with just four platforms and very friendly staff. It is the perfect introduction to life in Cumbria, where most people know each other and are eager to stop for a chat at every opportunity.

Carlisle itself is worth exploring, but I have to admit it’s not my favourite place. I prefer to get out into the countryside as soon as possible, and to explore the tiny high streets within the many dinky villages.

Brampton is a great place to start and stay. It’s just a short drive from Carlisle and a great first stop with a number of very good B&Bs and small hotels. There’s lots of regional history to be found here, including St Martin’s Church, which is famous for being the only church designed by the Pre-Raphaelite architect Philip Webb.

As one of the core agricultural regions in the UK, produce is taken seriously and free-range is a non-negotiable part of life

Nearby, Hadrian’s Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain, and is a striking sight. Nature-lovers, meanwhile, will love Talkin Tarn Country Park, which is just a few kilometres away. There you’ll find a 65-acre lake set amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland – it definitely fits in with the green theme.

Scones always taste better in Cumbria.

Keswick is another favourite town of mine and the ideal place to base yourself during your stay because it’s so central. Aside from exploring the pretty village itself and stopping for afternoon tea in one of the coffee shops (I highly recommend the scones made in Cumbria, they always seem to taste more delicious than anywhere else), there’s lots of natural beauty here. The town is surrounded by famous Lakeland hills such has Grizedale Pike, Skiddaw and Catbells, with walks to suit all abilities on its doorstep.

And, if history is your thing, then it’s fun to pop into the Pencil Museum to see, yes, you guessed it, the world’s first pencil! It really promises eccentric British culture at its best.

Of course, food is a huge part of life in Cumbria. As one of the core agricultural regions in the UK, produce is taken seriously and free-range is a non-negotiable part of life.

As you drive along the country lanes, you’ll regularly come across markets or farmhouses selling their wares. Stopping here is one of the great joys of the area: you can buy freshly-laid eggs, local cheeses, jams and berries, and ask the farmer directly about how his animals are reared – he will take great pride in sharing his passion for their care.

And this passion extends well beyond agriculture to the restaurants here too. The best ones advertise local produce and present seasonal menus packed with exciting Cumbrian flavours. Be sure to sample the Cumbrian sausage, intense Grasmere gingerbread and the energy-packed Kendal Mint Cake, all of which are local delicacies.

Finally, if the sun is shining (which actually isn’t as rare as you may think), then a Damson Gin cocktail is the order of the day, enjoyed at a countryside pub. This really is as good as green gets!

Cumbria at its best: top tips

• Don’t be shy of chatting to the locals, they really are some of the most friendly people anywhere in the UK and they will welcome your questions. The locals are the very heart of Cumbria and they will be eager to share their thoughts on the best places to stay, eat and visit. They know way more than any guidebook could ever tell you, and, if you’re lucky, will even invite you in for a cup of tea!

• While transport links are good, it’s best to hire a car so that you can explore at your own pace. Town and villages here are spread out, so a car will give you the flexibility to spend as much time as you like at each one without being glued to a timetable. You may be surprised by how much you can fit into one day.

• The natural landscape here is flawless, so it makes sense to get out there and enjoy it. Pack a picnic, find a lake and wander around it – you’ll be impressed by how many different types of flora and fauna you can spot. If you want to add a bit of adventure, hire a kayak or small boat and go for a row.