GREAT DAYS OUT IN CUMBRIA & THE LAKE DISTRICT

Cumbria and the Lake District are blessed with a wealth of fantastic days out, with spellbinding scenery and heritage-rich attractions around every corner. The roots of many cultural icons can be traced to these scenic lands. Yet, Cumbria has also moved with the times. The Lake District is considered the adventure capital of England, with alfresco activities to absorb visitors young and old.

There’s no denying Cumbria is one of the most picturesque counties in the country. In large, that’s thanks to the stunning Lake District National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hotspot for outdoor pursuits.

To appreciate the full majesty of the Lake District, you really need to get out on the water. Windermere Lake Cruises has set sail on England’s largest natural lake since the Victorian era. It’s a timeless pursuit and the traditional paddle steamers continue to attract over a million people each year. Steamer cruises also take place on Derwentwater and Ullswater.

Get Out On The Water

The jewel in the Lake District’s cruising crown may be the Steam Yacht Gondola at Coniston Water. Take your pick between the luxurious first-class saloon or the open-air decks at the front and rear (or ‘forward’ and ‘aft’, if you’re feeling nautical) of the vessel. The trip takes you anti-clockwise around the lake past such highlights as Coniston Hall and Brantwood house.

Windermere is a water sport wonderland. A number of marinas offer the opportunity to hire a boat and sail at your own pace. For the thrillseekers among you, there’s kayak tours, paddle-boarding excursions, water skiing and wild swimming. Please note the water can be bitterly cold, even in summer, so wetsuits are a must!

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even sign up for the Arla Great North Swim – the UK’s biggest open-water swimming event, which takes place on Windemere in June.

There’s lots in Cumbria and the Lake District for little legs to tackle. Brockhole on Windermere is the region’s main visitor centre and a superb family day out in its own right.

Did you know that on average a pencil can be sharpened 17 times, draw a line 35 miles long and can write 45,000 words?

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica of the graphite mine that would have been the source of the pencil industry more than three centuries ago. A journey to discover graphite and pencil manufacture from its humble beginnings as a craft industry to modern day production.

Discover our secret WWII pencils with hidden maps; one of the largest coloured pencils in the world measuring almost 8 meters; The late Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pencil; miniature pencil sculptures; and much more! We provide children’s activities during school holiday’s as well as providing a selection of our products for you to try out in our art room. We also have a Derwent fine arts retail shop, and there's a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi.

The first pencil factory in Keswick was opened in 1832. The second and current factory was started in the 1920s and completed in 1950 (closed in 2007 when the owner’s moved production to Workington). We manufacture millions of pencils every year and have over 1000 colour options. Friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and advise you on product choices.

Wordsworth Grasmere tells the story of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, in their own words in the very place they were written.

Find out more and book tickets at wordsworth.org.uk

The grand house has a kid-friendly café and glorious gardens. However, it’s the range of activities that pack a real punch. Treetop treks, mini golf, archery, go karts –you may have a hard time tearing your young ones away.

Lakeland Maze Farm Park is home to many farmyard friends (remember to pick up animal feed at reception), plus tractor rides and trampolines. Once you’ve navigated your way out of the maize maze, treat yourself with a trip to the Chocolate Factory in Hawkshead. These hands-on workshops allow young chocaholics to make (and taste!) all sorts of chocolatey delights.

Meet The Animals

More animal magic awaits at Walby Farm Park near Carlisle, an award-winning attraction where children can groom, feed and meet the animals before letting off steam in the outdoor play areas. Creatures of a more ferocious kind can be found at South Lakes Safari Zoo and Lake District Wildlife Park. Or, step into an underwater world at Lakes Aquarium near Newby Bridge.

Nature lovers need never twiddle their thumbs in this wild part of the world. Cumbria Wildlife Trust alone manages 38 reserves across the county. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels on your woodland walks – Aira Force is a great place to spot these elusive creatures. Even if you’re not lucky, the 70ft waterfall will make your trip more than worth it.

Between April and August, ospreys nest around the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. On the coast, South Walney Nature Reserve is home to Cumbria’s only grey seal colony and hundreds of bird species.

Both Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests offer hikes, biking trails and family-friendly activities like Segway tours and pony treks. In the centre of the Lake District, Honister Slate Mine makes for an action-packed day out in England’s last working slate mine. Attractions include a rickety bridge crossing and suspended clifftop camping! Daring? Sure. Unforgettable? Absolutely.

If that doesn’t get your pulse racing, why not book a Kankku 4x4 driving experience? Suitable for beginners and aficionados alike, participants take to the wheel to whip around the Lake District’s off-road terrain.

Then there’s always rock climbing, with Dow Crag, Gimmer and Esk Buttress providing plenty of challenge. Or you could really push yourself with a night of bushcraft and survival skills with an outfit such as Adventure North West or Green Man Survival.

Arrange a session with Michael Coates Clay Pigeon Shooting to try your hand at the sport that’s rapidly growing in popularity. Whether you are a complete