Cumbria has many attractions from Lake Windermere to a selection of inspiring castles. Here are some suggestions for days out in Cumbria that all the family can enjoy.
Lake Windermere Cruises.
Lake Windermere is the most famous of all the lakes in this area. With a wide selection of cruises on offer it can be hard to make a choice. Ullswater Steamers have been undertaking cruises on the lake for one hundred and fifty years. The steamers offer a traditional way in which to see the spectacular scenery of the area and there are plenty of opportunities to disembark and explore on foot.
RavenGlass and Eskdale Railway.
Take a ride on a traditional steam train from Ravenglass to the Dalegarth station. Travelling for miles through two of the Lakeland areas loveliest valleys you can end your journey with a visit to Eskdale visitor centre sitting at the foot of England’s highest mountains. The trains run every day, all year round.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.
One of Carlisle’s premier attractions, this is a good day out for all the family. Containing a variety of collections of art, human history and natural science there are fun hands-on exhibits to entertain visitors of all ages. The house maintains its Jacobean splendour and there is a restaurant and a gift shop for that all important souvenir.
Laurel and Hardy Museum
The older members of the family will love this trip down memory lane as they view the largest memorabilia collection in the world. A free film show will bring back all the memories and give the youngsters a clue as to why granddad found the pair so funny
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth collection.
Dove Cottage was where Wordsworth penned his most famous poems. A guided tour of the cottage will give an insight into life in the days of the great poet. Find out what inspired the man and spend some time viewing the manuscripts and pictures in the museum. A must for lovers of literature.
Trotters World of Animals
This wildlife park has over a hundred species on display. The only Canadian Lynx in the UK lives here alongside Zebra, Antelope and the Asian swimming cat. The centre also offers keeper displays, a birds of prey demonstration and an area in which young ones can handle animals under supervision, making this a good day out for animal lovers of all ages.
Nenthead mines.
Take an underground tour in an original silver and lead mine. Listen to the story of mining in the area and explore the two hundred acre site on the marked trails. Mining once dominated the area so this is a lesson in the area’s history. The mines are open daily between Easter and October
Gleaston Water Mill
This mill has been part of the local landscape for over four hundred years. Near the ruins of Gleaston castle the eighteen foot waterwheel makes an impressive sight and still works most days.
Furness Abbey.
One of the richest Abbeys in England this former home of the Cistercian order is currently part of a huge restoration project. The large pieces of oak used by medieval masons have rotted away and the Abbey was beginning to sink. Impressive ruins with ornate decorations.
If you want to find out about accommodation in Cumbria then have a look for some Lake District cottages to stay in.
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If your family is interested in adventure activities then the Lakes are quite possibly the best location in England to find them. Check out Keswick as a great place to find activity providers, as well as Windermere and the surrounding areas.
From sailing to rock climbing, they can all be found here.
Rob Walker – Go Get Adventure