Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast | Preview (Channel 5)

Showcasing the beauty and charm of Cumbria, this new observational documentary series follows some of the hardy residents who live and work in this ceremonial county, exploring the magic of the Lake District National Park and delving into the beauty of its dramatic coastline.

Filmed across Summer 2023, the series celebrates old traditions and welcomes new life, with unique access to historic castles and ancient gardens, as well as a range of characters from steamboat operators to wild swimmers, local potters to gin distillers, a lobster fishing couple to divers uncovering history from the bed of Lake Windermere.

This week, in the market town of Ulverston, distillers Andy and Zoe hope to create a fizz with a brand-new gin at the County’s biggest agricultural event - The Westmorland County Show. Using all locally foraged ingredients, the gin tickles the taste buds of a popular TV chef.

In the heart of the Lake District National Park a hardy group of women hike up to the top of Helvellyn, which pierces the Cumbrian skyline at over 3000 feet. At their finish line awaits the chilly waters of the majestic Red Tarn. After swapping hiking boots for swimming costumes, the fearless group take the plunge and soak up the beauty of this natural wonder.

At the northern tip of the county on the Solway Firth, close to the Scottish border, it's a race against time for farmer Rauri Martin who has to manoeuvre 1000 cattle off the expansive salt marshes before the incoming swells of the Irish sea take hold.

In Lamplugh, on the Western edge of the National Park, vintage car restorer Chris Spencer readies his 1946 Morris Z van for a special classic car show. But the car needs to drive up some of England’s steepest hills for its 40-mile journey to the event, before it's in with a chance of scooping first place.

In Keswick, third generation farmer Glenis Cockbain has been preserving one of the county’s rarest native animals, the Cumbrian fell pony. For nearly 70 years Glenis has been breeding and showing these sturdy horses that call the Cumbrian Fells their home. But as she prepares to hang up her reins, she looks to granddaughter Imogen to secure the future of this treasured breed.

Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast begins Wednesday 17th July at 8pm on Channel 5.