A brand new Channel 5 TV series will explore the Lake District and Cumbria’s coast. The first of five episodes will be broadcast on Wednesday, July 17, at 8pm.

Cumbria: The Lakes and The Coast is narrated by Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter and captures a rich slice of life in one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations.

Its stars range from the young aristocrat who has just taken over the family stately home after an IT career in the USA to a daring husband-and-wife fishing boat crew and a Caribbean chef developing new recipes in the fells.

Filmed across summer 2023, the series celebrates old traditions and welcomes new life, with unique access to historic homes 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 Windermere.

It is produced by Yorkshire-based Air TV. Air TV’s Managing Director Matt Richards said: “Cumbria is home to England’s most dramatic and celebrated national park, but there’s far more to this county than just The Lakes.

“With sandy beaches, sleepy villages and fascinating industrial heritage, the Cumbrian coast is an undiscovered world of amazing landscapes and fascinating people.

“This series unlocks the secret getaways often tucked behind a mountain or hidden deep beside a remote lake.”

Air TV Executive Producer Morland Sanders says “This is an area that is home to England’s tallest mountains and deepest lakes, and we are really excited to be able to bring the beauty of this amazing county to Channel 5’s viewers. Our team knows this part of the world really well, so it’s great to be able to use that local knowledge and passion for the area as we make the series.”

The series producer is Hayley Nelson and Channel 5’s commissioning executive is Federico Ruiz.

Cumbria: The Lakes and The Coast is Air TV’s first series for Channel 5 and starts on Wednesday 17th July at 8pm.