THE Lake District has long been known as a jewel in the UK’s tourism crown.

But now an innovative rebrand has seen the area dubbed The Light District – with the help of the actual Crown Jewels.

The region’s city of Carlisle recently hosted the Crown and Coronation light and sound show, as part of Cumberland Council’s programme of events under the new banner.

The three-day exhibition was part of a nationwide tour.

Produced by Historic Royal Palaces and art projection company Luxmuralis, it tells the history of UK monarchs and coronations – right up until Charles and Camilla last May – and the role of the Crown Jewels in the ceremonies.

The city’s very own tourism crown jewels, Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral, played a key role as images were beamed onto the inside and outside of their buildings and lasers lit up the night sky to a musical backdrop.

Other local landmarks were also lit up in a riot of colour as the show kicked off the council’s 2024 The Light District programme.

The castle and cathedral are well worth a daytime visit too.

Built in 1092 the castle was key to the defences of a city whose strategic Border location made it a prime target for battling Scots and English over the years.

Mary Queen of Scots, Richard III and Bonnie Prince Charlie are just some of the historical legends to have made it home – in a variety of differing roles! Look out for the ‘licking stones’ in the dungeons where Jacobite prisoners licked the walls in a bid to get water.

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life tells the fascinating story of Cumbria’s Infantry Regiment and is well worth a visit.

A walk around the walls gives great views of Carlisle, and the nearby impressive cathedral that dates back to 1122.

Its stunning barrel vault ceiling features blue panels with gold stars.

Try to spot the panel that has one less star than all the others. I didn’t.

Exploring the city uncovers a host of historical landmarks. Look out for the plaque showing where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed as he led the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion south – the building’s an M&S store these days.

Another great initiative from Cumbria Tourism is their Car Free campaign which is helping the Lake District’s green footprint.

And believe me, taking in the area’s stunning lakes, mountains, forests and coasts car free is a breeze.

Getting to the region via Avanti West Coast – with regular trains from Glasgow taking just over an hour to reach Carlisle – is a relaxing way to arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

And if you plan to get out of the city to explore then Stagecoach Buses run a network of services to nearby towns, villages and tourist attractions that let you sit back and take in the sights in comfort as you travel to them.

We took one for a trip to nearby Brampton, with local Blue Badge Guide Anna telling us what to look out for in the quaint market town.

We stopped along the way for a tour of Warwick Bridge Corn Mill, recently restored and re-opened, and watched as miller Karen and baker Kevin explained the process of producing stoneground flour and baked goods – powered by the huge 1845 water wheel – for local markets.

Guides like Anna can also provide tours of Carlisle and its top attractions, and visitors heading to the castle by public transport are eligible for a 20 per cent discount on entry as part of the car free push.

Our base was the amazing Halston Hotel with the fantastic apartments at the stunning Edwardian building and former post office an ideal city centre spot to relax and refresh, while their Bartons Yard café bar serves tasty breakfast options and Penny Blue restaurant boasts a variety of top-notch menus for dinner.

It all made for a trip that was a real de-light.