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It rains from time to time in the Lake District, but how else did you think we got our fabulous landscapes and those lakes? Still, we’re more than prepared for the occasional downpour, and there’s plenty to do while taking shelter from the elements.
The county’s collection of museums alone could keep you busy for a year, whether it’s visiting the homes of William Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter, learning about life on the lake at the spectacular new boat museum on Windermere, or uncovering the fascinating history of the humble pencil, which we-bet-you-didn’t-know was invented in Keswick back in the 16th century. Don’t knock it until you try it!
You can watch Beatrix Potter’s most memorable creations come to life in Bowness or explore the miner’s life deep in a mountain at Honister. The county’s waterfalls are best visited when there’s been a downpour – Aira Force and Stock Ghyll are powerful examples of nature’s extraordinary force and beauty.
Lake cruises depart in all weathers, as do Cumbria’s railroads – what better way of whiling away a wet day than aboard a 19th century steam train? And if you want to work up a proper sweat, there are indoor climbing walls in Ambleside, Kendal `and Keswick.
Cumbria’s towns are well worth a mooch in their own right: Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Kendal are beautiful places lined with independent shops and cafes, but you can go farther afield and while away a few hours in the shopping havens of Rheged, near Penrith (where there’s also an IMAX cinema); and Carlisle, whose busy centre is full of distractions (and there’s a pretty impressive castle and cathedral too).
Inspiration
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 111
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Kendal
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…
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143 reviewsVarious Locations in the Lakes
Activities in Lakeland take the hassle out of arranging activities and events in the Lake District. With 20 years' experience of organising activity packages, breaks and events exclusively around the Lake District, we have the local knowledge to…
Whitehaven
Our vision is to be a local theatre of national significance, presenting and producing first class arts and entertainment with a vibrant programme of creative learning.
Barrow-in-Furness
You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring exciting entertainment to Barrow-in-Furness. There should be something for everyone during the current season and we are very proud to welcome…
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
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528 reviewsCarlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
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1650 reviewsUlverston
Our famous glass blowing experiences are back. Experience first-hand and close up, the extreme temperatures required to transform sand into glass and learn some of the 2000 year old skills first developed by the ancient Romans. During this…
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216 reviewsUlverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
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225 reviewsKeswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Nenthead
To be able to walk the track taken by the miners of old, to explore the hidden gems beneath our feet and experience the skill and workmanship demonstrated by these men, is indeed a privilege.
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket loads of fun inside and out! With activities galore, delicious homemade food, a bit of retail therapy in the gift shop, and – best of all – the chance…
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523 reviewsUllswater
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.
Bridge Ln, Penrith
Based in Cumbria, Eden Arts are an artist led company dedicated to creating and facilitating change through culture and arts activities.
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
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291 reviewsStramongate, Kendal
350 years of social history and Quaker stories are brought to life in more than 40 vibrant embroidered panels all housed within this architecturally stunning and original Georgian Meeting House. Our unique and fascinating museum takes you on a…
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191 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL