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 (15 - 23 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 15 - 23 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
Catch a Show
Whether you want to watch the latest movies in an independent cinema, or catch a show at the theatre, there's plenty to choose from in the Lake District, Cumbria! At Keswick's Theatre by the Lake, kids and grownups can enjoy a vibrant programme throughout the year, including A Big Egg (22 Feb): a magical mixture of live action, animation and puppetry.
Watch The Detective Dog (21 & 22 Feb) in theatre at Brewery Arts in Kendal, as Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s beloved story comes to life in theatre in a thrilling tale of mystery and mischief.
Get Creative
This half term, there's a whole host of events and activties taking place at arts & culture attractions across the area. From Windermere Jetty Museum to Wordsworth Grasmere, enjoy arts & crafts as well as activity sessions. Visit Farfield Mill in Sedbergh to see artists at work in a former Victorian woollen mill.
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.
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 (15 - 23 Feb), offering the chance to learn more about lambing season; plus, there are daily magic shows between 17 - 21 February. There’s also a huge indoor play area to enjoy…great for wet weather days!
Nearby, the Solway Aviation Museum is opening specially for half term on the 15 & 16 and the 21, 22 and 23 February. With aircraft and exhibits inside and out, including the impressive AVRO Vulcan XJ823, there's something for everyone - whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out.
Along Hadrian's Wall, walk in the footsteps of the Romans with attractions including The Roman Army Museum near Brampton, which reopens on February 15; and Birdoswald, with a Visitor Centre where kids will love learning about the Romans who once lived here.
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 museums like The Dock Museum in Barrow and The Rum Story in Whitehaven.
Also in Whitehaven, visit 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 are science pop ups, pet encounters, and more.
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 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, as well as daily during half term (15 - 23 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, alongside other nature based acticvities.
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 are bustling cafes to warm up in, and a strong visual arts scene, not to mention the stunning landscapes which surround the town - great for family walks on dry days.
Are you planning to visit us this half term? Check out what's on here. We hope you have a wonderful time!
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