The Lake District Attractions and Entertainment

The Lake District has plenty of attractions and loads to keep you occupied. Why not choose from a great list of museums or many of the rural visitor centres all with bountiful local knowledge; make sure that you make time for the area’s real attractions… the lakes themselves!

1. Lake District Museums
2. Lake District Arts and Entertainment
3. Lake District Historic Buildings and Monuments
4. Lake District Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids
5. Lake District Shopping

Lake District Museums

• Cars of the Stars:
  A great attraction, Cars for the Stars in Keswick offers you the chance to see some of the most famous cars in the world – the automotive stars of TV and movies. From The A Team, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Batmobile, Del Boy’s Reliant Robin, vehicles featured in James Bond Movies and many, many more. www.carsofthestars.com
• Dove Cottage and Wordswoth Museum:
  Located in Ambleside, Dove Cottage was the first home of famous poet and writer William Wordswoth. The museum exhibits many manuscripts and pieces of his work.www.wordsworth.org.uk
• Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum:
  This mining museum in Keswick tells the story of mining in the region and has some beautiful artefacts and fantastic mineral examples from around the world.
• Roman Army Museum:
  The museum is located adjacent to a section of the famous Hadrian’s Wall at Walton Crags, Brampton; and tells the story of a Roman army through films, scale models, life-size figures and weaponry – a must-see for keen historians.
• Windermere Steamboat Museum:
  This museum located in the heart of Lakeland, Windermere, offers a collection of historic steamboats and motorboats and even offers a passenger steamboat on fine days.www.steamboat.co.uk
• Cumberland Toy and Model Museum:
  Found at Cockermouth, this museum exhibits a collection of toys from 1900 right up until the present day.www.toymuseum.co.uk
• Stenhouse Roman Museum:
  This Mayport museum is the oldest Roman museum in the country and is of international significance. It tells the story of Roman religious worship in this country.www.senhousemuseum.co.uk
• The Dock Museum:
  Found in Barrow-In-Furnace, this museum recounts how the history of how the area grew from a quiet hamlet to one of the world’s major shipping centres.www.dockmuseum.org.uk
• Ruskin Museum:
  Located in Coniston, maps the expertise of Ruskin, from linen to art and draughtsman capabilities. The tour is also available in Japanese, German and French.www.ruskinmuseum.com
• Laurel and Hardy Museum:
  This museum located in Ulverston is believed to be the only one of its kind. Dedicated to the comedy duo, the museum houses an amazing collection of memorabilia as well as a cinema mapping their work.www.laurel-and-hardy-museum.co.uk
• Haig Colliery Mining Museum:
  Found in Whitehaven, this museum depicts the highs and lows of Cumbria, The Lake District’s deepest coal mine.www.haigpit.com
• Solway Aviation Museum:
  Located in Carlisle this museum has a selection of planes as well as aviation memorabilia as well as the chance to sit in the cockpit of an Avro Vulcan Bomber.www.solway-aviation-museum.org.uk
• Lakeland Motor Museum:
  Found in Grange-Over-Sands, this centrehouses over 150 cars, motorcycles and the like, including the Campbell Legend Bluebird Exhibition featuring the history of the 21 speed records of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald Campbell. The museum features the Bluebird car and the Bluebird Hydroplane that took the life of Donald Campbell on Lake Coniston in 1967.
• The Beacon Heritage Centre:
  Located in Whitehaven, this centre depicts Whitehaven’s past including mining and ship building.
• Ulverston Heritage Centre:
  Retells the history of Ulverston from Roman times through to the present day.
• The Helena Thompson Museum:
  In Workington, this museum tells the story of local philanthropist Helena Thompson who bequeathed this museum to the people of the area. It displays fine examples of silver, furniture, glass and needlework.

The Lake District Arts and Entertainment

• Beatrix Potter Gallery:
  Housed in a 17th century building in Ambleside, this museum displays an annually changing collection of watercolours that illustrated Beatrix Potter’s famous children’s stories.
• Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum:
  Located in Kendal in the Lake District, this impressive collection, housed in a Georgian villa also hosts educational activities such as lectures and other informative events. www.abbothall.org.uk
• Ruhm:This newly refurbished art gallery in Penrith covers a wide range of media, and is a very stylish, credible centre will a relaxed atmosphere.
  www.ruhm.co.uk
• Keswick Museum and Art Gallery:Found in Keswick, this museum and art gallery displays exhibits depicting local and national history as well as displaying works by regional and national artists.
  www.tulliehouse.co.uk
• Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery:This is one of Cumbria, The Lake District’s largest tourist attractions and is located in Carlisle. It houses high quality permanent and changing exhibitions throughout the year.
  

The Lake District Historic Buildings and Monuments

Cumbria and the Lake District has an abundance of historic buildings, monuments and stately homes that are well worth a visit, displaying stunning architecture and giving an insight into the area’s past. The highlights include:

• Furness Abbey:
  Found in Barrow-In-Furness this 700 year-old abbey was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Majestic red sandstone ruins remain in a peaceful valley – a great venue for picnics and walks.
• Sizergh Castle:
  This castle in Kendal is the home of the Strickland family and has been for over 760 years. The castle is in fine condition with some interesting features and is located amongst splendid gardens.
• Lanercost Priory Ruins:
  This English Heritage site in Brampton has many interesting features including some old tombs; an audio tour is available and the site also occasionally host craft fairs.
• Muncaster Castle:
  This castle in Ravenglass is an Aladdin’s Cave of art and antiquities. This magnificent building is supposedly haunted by ghosts including Tom Fool – guests are invited to visit the Tapestry Room – you’ve been warned! www.muncastercastle.co.uk
• Carlisle Castle:
  This castle has sat over the city of Carlisle for more than nine centuries. Take a guided tour of the castle to discover the dungeons, medieval chambers, stairways and famous “licking stones”, from which Jacobite prisoners gleaned sufficient moisture to stay alive.
• Brougham Castle:
  Found in Penrith the ruins of the 13th century castle make a great location for a day out on the banks of the River Eamont. The ruins are now an English Heritage site and also house Roman tombstones.
• Levens Hall:
  This hall built around a 13th century Kendal pele tower is the family home of the Bagots. The hall contains impressive collections of Jacobean furniture, paintings and patchwork. www.levenshall.co.uk
• The Bridge House:
  Located at Ambleside, the Bridge House is possible the most photographed building in the Lake District area, and has been a subject for the likes of Turner. The tiny building was at one time an outbuilding affiliated with nearby Ambleside Hall.
• Rydal Mount and Gardens:
  Again located at Ambleside, this was the home of William Wordsworth, visitors now have access to the beautiful landscaped gardens.
• Holker Hall Gardens:
  Found in Grange-Over-Sands, this is actually three attractions in one location – giving visitors the chance to enjoy the majestic Holker Hall, magnificent gardens and the nearby Lakeland Motor Museum (described above) www.holker-hall.co.uk
• Dalemain Historic House and Gardens:
  Found in Penrith, the historic house dates back to around 1400 and has an intricate maze of passageways and corridors as well as stunning gardens and a café and restaurant. www.dalemain.com

Lake District Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids

The major draw of the Lake District is the vast, open, unspoiled wilderness in which to loose yourself on a walk or perhaps marvel at the breathtaking natural views; so it goes without saying that there is plenty to do in terms of outdoor pursuits such as waterskiing or a boat trip on one of the famous lakes, but as well as that the area also offers the following:

• Aquarium of the Lakes:
  This aquarium in Ulverston houses the country’s largest collection of freshwater fish – as well as every species of animal found in the Lake District and its associated habitats. A must-see for nature fans. www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk
• Eden Ostrich World:
  Located in Langwathby in Penrith this farm houses the impressive African Black Ostrich as well as rare breeds of cattle, pigs, shire horses, goats, red deer, donkeys, ducks and geese. www.ostrich-world.com
• Lake District Coast Aquarium:
  This centre located at Maryport is a public marine aquarium and houses examples of the local sea life, as well an adventure playground nearby. www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk
• South Walney Nature Reserve:
  Found at Barrow-In-Furness this predominantly a bird colony with the largest number of herring and lesser-black-backed gulls breeding pairs in Europe. As well as an abundance of butterflies, moths and invertebrates.
• Lakeland Wildlife Oasis:
  This Milnthorpe centre is half zoo and half museum with lots of great interactive exhibits. The animals on show range from monkeys, butterflies, flying foxes, poison arrow frogs and chameleons. www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk
• South Lakes Wild Animal Park:
  Recognised as one of Europe’s leading conservational zoo’s this Dalton-In-Furness wildlife park houses some of the rarest animals on the planet and is involved in cooperative breeding programs in an attempt to boost numbers. www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
• Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre:
  This bird centre located in Penrith houses over 150 falcons, hawks and eagles as well as the opportunity to see these wonderful birds flying free in the open air.