A NEW TV documentary focusing on the Lake District will return this week.

This week's episode of Channel 5's new hit series "Cumbria: The Lakes and The Coast" is to feature Levens Hall's head gardener alongside a new skipper on Ullswater and a look behind the scenes at Lowther Castle.

Featuring in Wednesday's episode:

  • In Appleby-in-Westmorland, it’s milking time for Harriet and Chris McPhee’s 300 goats. But Harriett plans to turn today’s milk into cheese. If successful it could secure their future on the farm.
  • In Penrith stands the impressive Lowther Castle. This iconic landmark has been part of Cumbrian landscape for the last 200 years. To ensure it remains for another 200 years, the 8th custodian of the Castle. Jim Lowther, has commissioned local stone mason James Lightfoot to save it from turning to rubble but a building of this age comes with some challenges.
  • In Cartmel, the village comes together to celebrate its rich, medieval heritage. Local horse trainer Tracey Alexander has been tasked with emulating the famous knight, William Marshal. But no knight is complete without a brave war horse. Tracey will charge into battle on the back of her newest ride, Bear. But it’s his first public outing, and Tracey can only hope he keeps in line.
  • On Ullswater the iconic steam boats have been transporting people and goods across the water for the last 150 years. Today, they welcome a brand new skipper on board, Todd Cumberpatch.  But as his first training session gets underway, a storm is brewing.
  • Levens Hall  is home to the world’s oldest topiary garden, with its bushes dating back to the 1600s. Head Gardener Chris Crowther is responsible for the upkeep of these ancient trees, which are only trimmed once a year. Today, Chris has to expertly trim the most iconic piece of topiary, The Great Umbrella,  but it requires millimeter precision to keep it in shape. 


Cumbria: The Lakes and The Coast is a new observational documentary series following some of the hardy residents who live and work in this ceremonial county. It not only explores the magic of the Lake District National Park, but delves into the beauty of its dramatic coastline.

Filmed across Summer 2023, the series is made by Yorkshire-based Air TV for Channel 5.

Episode three of Cumbria: The Lakes and The Coast is on Wednesday, July 31 at 8pm on Channel 5.