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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: 110
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Maryport
Award winning family attraction on historic Maryport harbourside. All day tickets for 70+ displays of local and tropical marine life include a free round of crazy golf! Cafe, Gift Shop, Bait & Tackle store, Radio control boats, Adventure Playground.
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465 reviewsPenrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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134 reviewsThe Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
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468 reviewsRavenglass
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. Excellent…
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1940 reviewsAmbleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
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20 reviewsStramongate, Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
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191 reviewsTroutbeck, 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 reviewsUlverston
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a relaxed spirits tasting in our stylish visitor bar.
Market St, Carlisle
A relaxed and easy walking tour around the heart of the historic city of Carlisle. Discover some surprising stories and gruesome facts about Carlisle’s 2000 year history.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Ulverston
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
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7 reviewsRavenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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1715 reviewsAmbleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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102 reviewsGrasmere
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks we like to drink ourselves: refreshing beers & delicious gin. Try everything we make in The Good Sport, our Grasmere tap-room.
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518 reviewsKendal
Photography tours and workshops under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year and Forty Farms Creator. Enjoy photographing Lakeland Farm life and subjects ordinarily out of reach.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Sublime Symmetry is an exhibition featuring 60 pots, tiles and vases from the De Morgan Collection, including examples of De Morgan's Middle Eastern-inspired designs and glistening lustreware.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL