THE RUSKIN

MUSEUM

Nestled under the beautiful backdrop of the Yewdale Fells in Coniston, The Ruskin Museum is an award-winning attraction telling the Story of Coniston from the first Stone Age fell walkers, to the Jet Era when speed ace Donald Campbell broke four World Water Speed records on Coniston Water in Bluebird K7.

The Ruskin Museum has three main galleries, The Coniston Gallery which introduces you to the fascinating history and heritage of Coniston. The Bluebird Wing detailing the exploits of speed legends Donald and Malcolm Campbell, and the Ruskin Gallery, dedicated to Victorian polymath John Ruskin.

Open daily from March-November from 10am-4.30pm.

Telephone: 015394 41164

Email: information@ruskinmuseum.com

WWW.RUSKINMUSEUM.COM

Brougham Castle, near Penrith, enjoys a prime position on the banks of the River Eamont, while Lowther Castle is best known for its fairytale ruins and expansive gardens. Keep this one up your sleeve for a family visit – the adventure playground is out of this world.

The gardens of Dalemain Mansion are splendid in their greenery. Plus, if you’re here in May, there’s a sticky surprise in store: The World’s Original Marmalade Awards and Festival! Sizergh Castle places 1,600 acres of estate at your feet, while the woodland trails at Mirehouse in Keswick bring you right to the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake. More woodland wonder awaits at Muncaster Castle, which bursts into a blanket of bluebells every spring.

Cistercian Monastery

The impressive ruins of Furness Abbey are mentioned in William Wordsworth’s poem The Prelude, as well as featuring in sketches by the artist JMW Turner. It dates all the way back to the 12th century and was once one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in Britain. See if you can spot one of the resident ghosts!

Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth is the birthplace of one of Britain’s greatest poets, William Wordsworth. The Georgian townhouse promises an intimate peek behind the curtain into his childhood home. If that doesn’t fill your literary boots, add on a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere, which is home to Dove Cottage, where the poet and his family lived from 1799 to 1808 and where he created some of his greatest works. It has been lovingly renovated to reflect life as Wordsworth would have lived it over 200 years ago, including wild woodland and gardens behind the home.

At the same site, a new museum tells the story of Wordsworth’s life through manuscripts, diaries and letters, as well as putting on regular exhibitions. In 2023, the ‘To the Lakes’ exhibition will tell the story of early tourism to the Lake District, through the words and pictures of those who visited the area some 200 years ago.

Hill Top was the home of beloved children’s author, Beatrix Potter, and you can still tour the 17th-century farmhouse today. Such was the magical quality of her animal creations that her stories have endured across generations. This legacy shines through at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere, where

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ABOVE TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME WITH A TRIP TO DOVE COTTAGE – PART OF WORDSWORTH GRASMERE; BELOW HEAD TO BARROW-IN-FURNESS AND EXPLORE THE RUINS OF FURNESS ABBEY

History in the making.

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Come and visit our unique awardwinning museum, suspended over a 19th century dry dock in a channel-side location.

We are free to enter and have a free car park. Indoors there are galleries exploring the history of the people and industries of the Barrow-in-Furness area, changing exhibitions, gift shop and café.

Outside there is a sea-themed playground, picnic tables, sculpture, lifeboat and Walney Channel.

“Beautiful place and outstanding atmosphere. Came here on a bad day and it changed my mood instantly.” – Visitor

Take A Step Back In Time

Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation Museum has something to offer.

Based on the site of RAF Crosby-on-Eden, a former WWII fighter base, the museum has been painstakingly created by a team of highly committed volunteers over a fifty year period. The museum tells the story of aviation in the region, its airfields, its characters and its vital role during WWII.

The museum is also home to the mighty AVRO Vulcan XJ823 along with a growing collection of British military aircraft which were designed and built in Britain during the Cold war. The museum also exhibits many thousands of items from aircraft engines to the Bluestreak Rocket programme.

The museum is open from 1st April to the end of October on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 10.30 to 17.00 last entry 16.15 hrs, see our website for more information: www.solway-aviation-museum.co.uk

T. 01228 573 823 E. info@solway-aviation-museum.co.uk

Solway Aviation Museum, Aviation House, Carlisle Lake District Airport, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria CA6 4NW

Heritage & culture

Visit the historic Helena Thompson Museum to learn all about Workington’s history. The Carnegie Theatre and Art Centre’s programme of concerts, plays and shows is a must visit in the town centre. Along with The Theatre Royal , which features a wide range of plays throughout the year. Nearby, the picturesque ruin of Workington Hall is worth seeking out, set in its own attractive parkland which is great for walks and wildlife spotting.

Shopping

Workington’s pedestrianised shopping area features major high street brands and a range of independent shops for a good retail day out. Close to the centre is a multi-storey car park.

Entertainment

If you fancy a challenge then why not visit Lakes Escapes rooms for your premier escape rooms experience? Pubs and restaurants often play host to live music and family events. Chill out for the afternoon and catch a movie in the Ritz Cinema and while you are there pop downstairs for a game of bingo. Check out the Visit Workington website for a full list of free events put on by Workington Town Council – there is something for everyone!

Get active!

Workington’s £11m leisure centre is one of the best with a 25m swimming pool and all the best indoor sport and gym facilities. The centre also features an outdoor gym and 4G sport pitches . Workington is also a starting point for the C2C cycle route and has a good network of traffic free cycle routes and hidden amongst the trees in Hall Park is a popular skate park.