to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
It only seems five minutes since Christmas, but the half term holiday is already upon us! If you’re visiting with your kids, we’ve got plenty to entertain you - from farm parks to museums and playgrounds! Here are a few of our top picks for family friendly activities in the Lake District, Cumbria this half term.
Enjoy a Steam Train Ride
Experience a magical way to travel on board a traditional steam train. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is open for half term (10 - 18 Feb), with connections available with Windermere Lake Cruises for a fantastic family day out. Add in a trip to the Lakes Aquarium and you're sure to keep kids entertained for hours!
On the western coast, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is a great choice for family fun. They're open for half term between 10 - 18 February. One of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, kids will love travelling on the traditional steam train, as the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, Cumbria, pass by.
Image: Mark Fielding / Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Enjoy family fun across the South Lakes
This half term, there's a whole host of events and activties taking place at arts & culture attractions across the South Lakes. At the Windermere Jetty Museum, you can craft your own creature; or head to Wordsworth Grasmere for arts and crafts activities and nature trails. Go Wild! at Brantwood (12 - 16 Feb) brings magic and adventure to John Ruskin's former home, with nature based activities for all to enjoy.
Image: Tom Arran / Windermere Jetty Museum
Discover Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
The city of Carlisle is a brilliant place to stay, with great places to eat, drink, and explore. Nearby, a number of family friendly attractions await.
Don't miss The Light District: Crown and Coronation. Taking place between 15 - 17 Feb, see landmarks across the city light up as part of ‘Crown and Coronation’, produced by Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis. It brings the splendour of the Crown Jewels to some of the city’s most iconic buildings as part of a UK-wide tour
Walby Farm Park is a great day out for all the family. The park is celebrating Magic Week and the 'magic' of lambing this half term (10 - 18 Feb), offering the chance to learn more about lambing season; plus, there are daily magic shows between 12 - 16 February. There’s also a huge indoor play area to enjoy…great for wet weather days!
Along Hadrian's Wall, explore Roman forts like Birdoswald, which is a great place to start exploring the fascinating history of the Wall. Its Visitor Centre includes an interactive museum, where kids will love learning about the Romans who once lived here.
See what’s on in Barrow in Furness
Head to Barrow-in-Furness to discover a rich history and heritage, with plenty for families to enjoy. A coastal walk along the beach is a great way for kids to blow off some steam, followed by a visit to the Dock Museum for free entry and a fascinating look at the area’s heritage. At The Forum Theatre, the circus is back in town with the popular Circus Spectacular on 16 Feb - book ahead to avoid missing out.
Explore the Coast
From Romans to Viking raiders and pirates, the Cumbrian Coast has a fascinating history, with plenty of tales to tell. Discover some of them at the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven: an interactive museum packed with fascinating exhibitions, and a viewing gallery offering incredible views of the stunning Solway Coast. This half term, there's a Chinese New Year Workshop (10 - 11 Feb) and Pet Encounters (12 - 13 Feb).
Further up the coast, the Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport is a must for its fascinating collection of diverse wildlife from around the Cumbrian coast and across the UK. There’s also a crazy golf course, remote controlled boats and the 'Shiver Me Timbers' play park.
Visit a Castle
Pretend to be royalty at one of our impressive castles. On the west coast, Muncaster Castle is a beautiful castle and gardens, with a hawk and owl centre open on weekends during February.
Near Penrith, the impressive ruins of Lowther Castle are set amidst acres of grounds and award-winning gardens. Deep within the grounds, discover the Lost Castle adventure playground: one of the largest in the country, with a maze of turrets, zipwires, walkways and slides.
Explore the Eden Valley
In the north-east, the Eden Valley and North Pennines are a stunning place to visit, packed with charming towns and villages; and an abundance of great family-friendly activities! Visit The National Trust's Acorn Bank - they're hosting Snowdrop Weekends throughout February.
Head to Kirkby Stephen to discover a market town with a difference: look up, and you just might see some colourful, free flying macaws! There’s also a bustling cafe scene and a strong visual arts scene, not to mention the stunning landscapes which surround the town - great for family walks on dry days.
Get out and about with the National Trust
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Image: The National Trust
Get closer to nature and wildlife with the National Trust this half term. From lakeside walks to craft activities, there's lots to choose from for your family adventures in the Lakes, no matter the weather. Beatrix Potter's Hill Top reopens on 10 February, while Grasmere's Allan Bank reopens on 13 February. Enjoy a walk around Tarn Hows, visit Aira Force waterfall, or tick off some of the '50 things to do before you're 1¾’ at Fell Foot next to lake Windermere. Hop on the bus and head to Sizergh Castle to explore the gardens and warm up with a brew in the cafe - the options are endless.
Are you planning to visit us this half term? Book your activities ahead to avoid missing out. We hope you have a wonderful time!
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