Westmorland and Furness is a unitary authority area in Cumbria, formed in 2023 from the merger of South Lakeland, Eden, and Barrow-in-Furness districts, encompassing some of England's most spectacular landscapes including the southern and eastern Lake District National Park, the Eden Valley, the Furness peninsula, and the historic towns of Kendal, Penrith, Barrow-in-Furness, and Ulverston. This vast and scenically breathtaking area features England's highest mountains, deepest lakes, dramatic coastline, and rich industrial heritage. The climate varies dramatically from the mild coastal conditions of Furness to the harsh upland weather of the Lake District fells, with high rainfall and winter snow on higher ground creating conditions distinct from lowland areas. Culturally, Westmorland and Furness holds exceptional heritage significance with the Lake District National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its landscapes that inspired the Romantic poets and artists, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Ruskin), the historic market towns of Kendal (the 'Gateway to the Lakes' with its castle and museum), Penrith (with its ruined castle and connections to Richard III), and Ulverston (birthplace of Stan Laurel, with its Laurel and Hardy Museum). The area preserves exceptional heritage including Furness Abbey (magnificent ruins of a Cistercian abbey, once one of England's wealthiest), Holker Hall and Gardens, Sizergh Castle (National Trust), and the many churches, castles, and historic houses that dot the landscape. Barrow-in-Furness, with its shipbuilding heritage (including the Vickers shipyard, builder of submarines and warships), represents the industrial side of the area's character. The Lake District offers world-class walking, climbing, boating, and scenery with famous sites including Windermere (England's largest lake), Coniston Water, Ullswater, and the Langdale Pikes. The Eden Valley provides beautiful walking along the River Eden while the Furness coast offers views across Morecambe Bay. The area's literary connections (Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, Ruskin, and Arthur Ransome) attract visitors from worldwide. Boundary GIS data for Westmorland and Furness Council is available for download in GeoJSON and KML formats, essential for managing this World Heritage landscape, protecting the Lake District National Park, preserving the unique industrial heritage of Barrow and the cultural legacy of the Lakes, and supporting sustainable tourism across one of England's most beautiful and visited areas.

📍 Administrative boundary of westmorland and furness local authority district

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