There is some light industry to be found in this rural haven, especially in Kendal - home to textiles, shoes and the world famous mint cake - but unsurprisingly, much employment is still to be found on the land.
Although sheep farming will always remain the main industry here, tourism continues to grow in importance with visitor numbers boosted by literary connections to Wordsworth, Coleridge and Beatrix Potter.
Despite the dominance of the lakes, the scenery remains varied thanks to areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Grizedale Forest falling within the seatís boundaries. The largest lake in England, Windemere, is to be found here, as is Coniston Water, the venue of Donald Campbellís ill-fated water-speed record attempt in 1967.
Although other Cumbrian seats dispel the notion of an attractive, rural landscape going hand in hand with a Conservative MP, Westmoreland & Lonsdale is not among them - long having been true blue.