Visitor Attractions
The region has a whole host of wide-ranging, all weather attractions for you to visit. We have compiled a selection of some of the best.
Rheged - An international award wining family day out! Europe's largest grass- covered building, named after Cumbria's Celtic Kingdom, Rheged’s attractions include a cinema screen the size of six double decker buses, a major International Mountaineering exhibition, Taste food bar and hall, Rheged café, Discovering Cumbria Exhibition, Visitor Information Centre, Children’s soft play area and Create, a craft workshop for children.
Cumbria Tourist Board - Official site
Ullswater Steamers - Experience Ullswater's majestic mountain scenery from onboard an Ullswater 'steamer'. Providing an all year round service between Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown. The Pier Houses at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge offer refreshments to complement the bars onboard the boats. Ideal for return cruises or access to the most beautiful walks in the Lake District.
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum - Dove Cottage was poet William Wordsworth's inspiring home. Have a guided tour, and then discover manuscripts, paintings and memorabilia in the award winning Wordsworth Museum. Special events run throughout the year and there is also a restaurant, bookshop and contemporary art gallery.
Carlisle Castle - This impressive medieval castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned, has a long and tortuous history. Explore passages, chambers and staircases or walk the high ramparts and enjoy magnificent views of Carlisle and beyond.
Lakeland Motor Museum - Over 30,000 motoring related exhibits, 1930's garage re-creation, Campbell Bluebird Exhibition and Big Boys Toys, a motoring themed retail experience. A transport heritage site of repute.
Lanercost Priory - In a peaceful valley near Hadrian's Wall are the impressive remains of this 14th - Century Augustinian priory. The tranquillity of this place today is in stark contrast to the turbulent times of the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 14th Century.
Mirehouse - A historic house with many unique cultural connections. Grounds stretch from fell to Bassenthwaite lakeshore. Four woodland playgrounds, lakeside paths, poetry walk and heather maze.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House - Overlooking Lake Windermere, Blackwell has fine examples of decorative arts, furniture and objects. The interiors glow with superb examples of stained glass, carved oak and iron work, and are complemented by changing exhibitions of applied arts. Delightful garden terraces, craft shop and tea room.
Dalemain Historic House and Gardens - Dalemain is an impressive manor house, owned by the Hasell family since 1679. Fascinating interiors with an abundance of family pictures, furniture and clutter, delightful gardens, restaurant and a tea room.
Holker Hall - Holker Hall is a superb Victorian house, home to Lord and Lady Cavendish and is very much a family home. Visitors are made to feel like welcome guests. The gardens surrounding Holker Hall offer a richness and variety particular to the special micro climate of the South Lakes. Courtyard Café, the new Holker Food Hall and the Gift Shops are open daily.
Levens Hall - Just south of Kendal on the A6 is Levens Hall, the Elizabethan home of the Bagot Family containing fine Jacobean furniture, superb panelling and plasterwork. The award- winning topiary gardens were laid out in 1694. Play area, gift shop, tearooms and plant centre.
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery - Discover Carlisle's underground Millennium Gallery with its spectacular mix of traditional and cutting edge works. Travel through time, and over 10,000 years of history in the Border Galleries. View the contemporary art gallery and changing exhibitions - includes gift shop, restaurant, original Jacobean House and herb garden.
Cars of the Stars Museum - World famous museum featuring TV and film vehicles including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mr Bean's Mini, The Batmobiles, The Munster Koach, KITT from Knightrider, Del Boy's Reliant Van, Harry Potter's Ford Anglia, and new this year are the Fast and Furious cars and the Ford Torino from Starsky and Hutch plus many more. Also 'Star' shop and autograph exhibition.
Aquarium of the Lakes - Discover the secret world of the lakes at Britain's biggest freshwater aquarium. Naturally themed habitats of the Lake District feature the UK's largest collection of fresh water fish. See Otters, British Sharks and a variety of British mammals including Harvest Mice, Bank Voles and Brown Rats! Don't miss our underwater tunnel featuring Giant Carp and Diving Ducks.
Sculpture Valley - See magnificent life-size sculptures imaginatively displayed in a natural woodland valley. Listen to the sound of birdsong and feel the gentle breeze on your face as you stroll amidst beautiful rolling countryside. Why not taste freshly prepared Cumbrian food in the traditional farmhouse tearoom?
Ostrich World - An ideal family day out located at Langwathby Hall. A farm based visitors centre with African black ostriches, rare breed cattle, donkey's, outdoor pigs, goats, red deer, meerkats, zebras, porcupine, racoon dogs, ducks and geese alongside a tearoom, gift shop and adventure playground.
Kennedy's Chocolate Factory - Set amongst the Cumbrian fells, the former Orton village school has been converted to a chocolate factory making a large range of exquisite handmade chocolates. There is a well-stocked factory shop and coffee house, with viewing windows into the production area. Home-made scones, cakes and ice creams. Chocoholics welcome!
The World of Beatrix Potter - Visit Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and all their friends at the definitive Beatrix Potter Attraction in the English Lake District.
The Alpaca Centre - Set in marvellous countryside, close to Lake Ullswater, the Alpaca Centre is a unique attraction. See the alpacas and discover more about this delightful animal, browse around the unusual shop with its beautiful alpaca knitwear, authentic South American gifts and the 'just wood gallery'. Then relax in the elevated tea room and enjoy 'the best coffee in Lakeland'.
