Attractions in the Lake District National Park England Abbot Hall Park - Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria Abbot Hall Park is situated in Kirkland at the southern end of the market town of Kendal. It is located between Abbot Hall Art Gallery, the River Kent and Kendal Parish Church. The grounds are a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The park is also home to the annual Kirland Festival every summer which plays host to a Kendal Torchlight workshop, various market stalls, live music and more. See www.abbothall.org.uk Aquarium of the Lakes Visit Britain's award winning freshwater aquarium. Over 30 wonderful displays featuring the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish as well as mischievous otters and diving ducks. Walk on Windermere's re-created lake-bed in the Lake District's only underwater tunnel. Open All Year. See www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk Barrow-in-Furness One of the best kept secrets in Britain. Barrow is a Victorian town with a proud heritage of innovation, surrounded by beautiful beaches, wonderful coastal walks and inspiring scenery. It is a destination of surprises offering excellent shopping and leisure facilities. See www.barrowtourism.co.uk or contact Barrow TIC for more information about the town. Tel:(01229) 894784 Barrow Indoor Market Barrow Indoor Market has over 80 stalls offering fresh and cooked meats. Fish, flowers, jewellery, cheese, preserves, bakery, clothing, shoes, lighting, domestic, appliances, models, books, lingerie, fancy goods, toys, chinaware, haberdashery, household linen and cleaning products, rugs and carpets, fabrics, greengrocery, grocery, sweets, curtains, cards, bags, petfoods, cosmetics, computers, CD’s, eggs, hosiery, footwear and two cafes.Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Tel: 01229 821250 See also www.barrowbc.gov.uk Barrow Superbowl Enjoy the fun and excitement of Tenpin bowling at Barrow Superbowl whatever your age or ability. We have 24 air-conditioned lanes with user friendly computerised scoring facilities. When hunger strikes, there is diner and high-class bar on site. Open all year, 7 days a week. See www.super-bowl.co.uk Tel: (01229) 820444, Hollywood Park, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1YE Beatrix Potter Gallery - Hawkshead This gallery has a display of original watercolours painted by Beatrix Potter for her children’s stories. Exhibits are changed annually. The 17th Century building was once the office of her husband William Heelis, a solicitor, and is substantially unaltered since his day. It is next door to the inspiration for Tabitha Twitchet’s shop. Tel: 015394 36355 Brantwood - Coniston, Cumbria Brantwood was the home of John Ruskin from 1872 until his death in 1900 and is regarded as one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. It enjoys the finest views over Coniston Lake and mountain views in England and there is no other house in the district with such a diversity of cultural associations. Brantwood became an intellectual powerhouse and one of the greatest literary and artistic centres in Europe. Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, Marcel Proust and Frank Lloyd Wright can all be numbered amongst Ruskin’s disciples. Tel: 015394 41396 See www.brantwood.org.uk Bridge House - Ambleside Bridge House was built in the 16th Century in what was then an apple orchard, and constructed originally as a summer house and apple store for the now demolished Ambleside Hall. Later it was used as a cottage, a weaver’s and a gift shop. A family with six children is believed to have lived there at one time. In 1956 it was opened as an information centre for the National Trust, which it remains to this day. To visit, park at the car park next to the fire station on Rydal Road, and walk towards Ambleside town centre when you will find Bridge House on your right hand side. Brockhole - Windermere, Cumbria Brockhole is an Edwardian house beautifully situated on the shores of Windermere; enjoy extensive landscaped gardens, lake cruises, adventure playground, guided walks and activities. There are two floors of exciting interactive exhibitions; introducing the National Park, the story of how the National Park evolved; the people who have shaped the landscape and the special qualities which make the Lake District landscape such an important part of our national heritage. There is also a gift shop, information centre, film theatre and café with terrace seating. Tel: 015394 46601 See www.lake-district.gov.uk Cartmel Priory & Village The beautiful priory church of St Mary and St Michael stands majestically over the most enchanting of Lakeland villages, with its delightful range of genuine old world buildings. The famous Cartmel racecourse is near the centre of the village. Priory open every day except during services, guided tours available on Wednesdays in Summer. See www.cartmel.com Tel: (015395) 34026 Grange TIC Castlerigg Stone Circle Castlerigg Stone Circle, on the outskirts of Keswick, is very easily accessible. For this reason, and also due to its stunning beauty, it’s also the most visited stone circle in Cumbria. Castlerigg is one of the first stone circles to have been built in Britain, dating from around 3000 BC. Various theories have been put forward as to the circle’s purpose, ranging from a burial site to an astronomical observatory. What is for certain is that, despite its popularity, this is a remarkable place of peace and tranquillity. Colony Country Store Nestled in the rolling hills of the Furness Peninsula, Colony Gift Corporation is home to the UK’s largest candle producer. On site Country Store is a true haven for shopaholics everywhere, offering you the chance to buy many different home accessory products. A NEW INTERACTIVE DISPLAY AREA covering the history of the local area and candle production was opened in August 2003. Excellent Café on site. Open All Year.. Open all year. See www.colony.com Tel: (01229) 461102, Colony Gift Corporation, Lindal-in-Furness, Ulverston LA12 0LD Conishead Priory A splendid Victorian Gothic mansion, now a centre for Buddhism. Visitors can take a tour of the impressive new temple and the mansion itself or take a stroll though the shady woodlands to Morecambe Bay. See /www.manjushri.org.uk Tel: (01229) 584029, Priory Road, Ulverston LA12 9QQ Coronation Hall The Coronation Hall is one of the principal buildings of Ulverston and offers an excellent entertainment programme, including performances by highly acclaimed touring companies in the fields of music, theatre, ballet and opera. Contact the Box Office for details about performances. See www.corohall.co.uk Tel: (01229) 587140, County Square, Ulverston, Cumbria Cumberland Pencil Museum Cumberland Pencil Museum, and Cumberland pencils themselves, are famous the world over, and were used to draw the animation ’The Snowman’. Inside the museum you will find out how pencils are made, the history of pencil making, and how pencils have influenced the landscape around Keswick. Cumberland Pencils hold the world record for the longest pencil in the world, in view in the visitor centre. The museum has facilities for families and wheelchair users. Tel: 017687 73626 See www.pencils.co.uk Dalton Come and visit the ancient capital of Furness and experience it’s extensive historical background. The 14th century castle (Open Saturdays Easter – September) built by the monks of Furness Abbey stands on the traditional market place in the shadow of the parish church of St Mary, one of the oldest parishes in the area. Visit Dalton Leisure Centre with family pool, gyms, sauna, squash courts and coffee bar. Dalton is the home of the areas largest tourist attraction – South Lakes Wild Animal Park. See www.daltononline.co.uk Tel: 01229 464000 Fax: 01229 464000 Dock Museum - Barrow-in-Furness Explore the fascinating history of Barrow-in-Furness in this spectacular modern museum built over an original Victorian graving dock. The galleries and dockside site include an excellent film show, special exhibitions gallery, coastal walkways and adventure playground. See www.dockmuseum.org.uk Tel: (01229) 894444, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PW Dove Cottage - Grasmere The Wordsworth Trust was founded in 1891, to secure Dove Cottage ’for eternal possessions of all those who loved English poetry all over the world’. Today, visitors experience the tranquillity of a site of outstanding beauty in the heart of the Lake District. As well as Dove Cottage - home to Wordsworth when he wrote his greatest poetry - the Wordsworth Museum tells the fascinating story of the poet and his circle, their life and their work. Tel: 015394 35544 See www.wordsworth.org.uk Eden Ostrich World Langwathby Hall, Langwathby, Penrith, Cumbria Eden Ostrich World is a working farm in the beautiful Eden Valley. The centre is home to many rare breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs as well as a host of other unusual animals. However the most unusual and rare resident by far is Pozee, a Zebra hybrid. There are adventure and pre-school playgrounds, a soft play area, tea room, gift galleries and a delightful riverside walk, as well as the African Black Ostrich! An educational experience not to be missed. Tel: 01768 881771 See www.ostrich-world.com Fell Foot Park No matter what time of year, whether you just want to savour the magnificent colours and scenery of Lakeland or partake of the many activities for young and old, Fell Foot Park on the shores of Lake Windermere offers a magical environment for all the family. Open all year. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk Furness Abbey Discover one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore the soaring ruins of red sandstone and soak up the grandeur of this 700-year-old site. Located in peaceful valley, explore the majestic remains of the Abbey using the audio tour. Open All Year. (Winter- closed Monday & Tuesdays) See /www.english-heritage.org.uk Gleaston Watermill You'll find us down the lanes, in the country. Visit this impressive fully restored watermill and learn about local rural life. Enjoy fabulous home cooking in the Dusty Miller Café, the scones are unsurpassed in the area! Open All Year Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays See www.watermill.co.uk Tel: (01229) 869244, Gleaston, Ulverston LA12 0QH Gosforth Pottery - Hardingill House, Gosforth Gosforth Pottery is situated 200 yards from the A595 at the northern end of Gosforth. We have been making pots professionally for twenty years. As well as being a small tourist attraction, we have a shop and information centre. We also exhibit and offer residential pottery courses, with tuition in small groups. See GOSFORTH-POTTERY Hardknott Roman Fort - Near Eskdale, Cumbria Historians date the most dramatic remains of the Roman occupation (they occupied the Lake District for 350 years) back to around AD125. The fort was constructed to control the road from Ravenglass to Ambleside. The remains stretch across an area of around 2¾ acres. Hardknott fort or “MEDIOBOGDUM” to the Romans is situated in one of the most stunning and steep roads in Cumbria. See www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk Hayes Garden World - Ambleside Set amidst beautiful Lake District scenery, one of Britain’s finest garden centres is a must for any family outing. Housing one of the North’s largest selections of plants, garden furniture and leisure products from around the world, Hayes Garden World is sheer inspiration. Heading towards Ambleside on the A591 main district road, we are 200 yards south of the Ambleside village. Heaton Cooper Studio - Grasmere The gallery at The Heaton Cooper Studio has a changing exhibition of paintings, prints and sculpture from four generations of the Heaton Cooper family, from Alfred Heaton Cooper (1863-1929) and William Heaton Cooper (1903-1995), to present day members. We also have an interesting range of painting and drawing materials alongside an exceptional selection of papers Tel: 015394 35280 Hill Top - Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Lake District, Cumbria Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her famous children’s stories in this little 12th Century farmhouse which she owned for 38 years, and it has been kept exactly as she left it, complete with furniture, china and a traditional cottage garden. The house is 2 miles south of Hawkshead, in Near Sawrey. Tel: 015394 36269 Holker Hall & Gardens Cumbria's premier stately home, owned by Lord & Lady Cavendish and their family, has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The beautiful 25 acres of national award-winning gardens are classed amongst the best in the world. See www.holker-hall.co.uk Tel: (015395) 58328, Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL Jennings Brewery - The Castle Brewery, Cockermouth, Cumbria Jennings Brewery is situated in the shadow of historic Cockermouth Castle. Discover how our real ales are still brewed in the traditional way using pure Lakeland water drawn from the brewery’s well. Sample our range of Lakeland ales in the authentic Old Cooperage Bar and browse for leisurewear and giftware in our brewery gift shop. For opening times and tour availablility, please phone the Jennings shop. Kendal Museum - Station Road, Kendal Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum of Natural History and Archaeology is one of the oldest museums in the country containing a wonderful and unusual collection of objects and artefacts. With many examples of flora and fauna, both local and global, it takes you on a journey from prehistoric times and into the 21st century. We offer many exciting events, exhibitions, activities and workshops for children and adults. Contact us for more details. Tel: 01539 721374 Keswick Art Gallery and Museum Keswick Museum tells the stories of the unique and varied past of the town. Keswick is well known for the first pencils, some very famous residents, and gorgeous scenery, and the museum was built in 1897 to teach visitors about the town’s history. Some of the resident exhibitions include a collection of crystals and minerals, a 4m scale model of the Lake District and original letters by Southey, Wordsworth and Walpole. The Art Gallery offers a range of exhibitions by local and other artists throughout the year. Fitz Park, Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4NF Tel: 017687 73263 Lakes Discovery Museum @ The Armitt - Ambleside Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BL - England, UK Phone: +44 (0)15394 31212 - Fax:+44 (0)15394 31313 E-mail Lakes Discovery Museum - Lakes Discovery Museum Web site See over 2000 years of local Lake District history at Ambleside’s Armitt Museum and Library. From the Romans to Beatrix Potter along with Ruskin, Wordsworth and Kurt Schwitters. The museum has hands on activities for all the family and special rates are available for groups and school parties. Tel: 015394 31212 Lakeland Miniature Village See the Lake District in miniature at Cumbria's only miniature model village featuring over 140 buildings faithfully hand crafted using local Coniston slate including such classics as Beatrix Potter's Hill Top. Open all year - 10am to dusk - See www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com Tel: (015395) 58500, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7LE Lakeland Motor Museum Enjoy a truly nostalgic Motoring Memories experience at the Lakeland Motor Museum with vintage vehicles, classic & curious cars, superb scooters and magnificent motorbikes plus the Campbell Legend Bluebird exhibition. See www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk Lakes Glass Centre A brand new attraction featuring Cumbria Crystal and Heron Glass. This is a unique opportunity to see the manufacture of full lead crystal and coloured art glass using only tradtional manufacturing methods. Open all year. See www.lakesglasscentre.co.uk Tel: (01229) 581385, Oubas Hill, Ulverston, Cumbria Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Beautifully restores steam locomotives haul comfortable coaches from the Victorian station at Haverthwaite through the contrasting lake and river scenes of the Leven Valley to Lakeside, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. See www.furnessrailwaytrust.org.uk Tel: (015395) 31594, Haverthwaite Station, Nr. Ulverston LA12 8AL Lanternhouse Lanternhouse is a spectacular new building, which is home to the pioneering Arts Company, Welfare State International. A visit to Lanternhouse will introduce you to the craft of celebration from large-scale public events to private ceremonies. Limited opening, please enquire for opening times. See www.welfare-state.org Tel: (01229) 581127, The Ellers, Ulverston LA12 0AA Laurel & Hardy Museum The world-famous museum devoted to Laurel & Hardy is located in Ulverston, the town where Stan Laurel was born in 1890. The museum is home to an amazing collection of memorabilia, including letters, photographs, personal items and furniture. See www.laurel-and-hardy-museum.co.uk Tel: (01229) 582292, 4C Upper Brook Street, Ulverston LA12 7BH Muncaster Castle - Ravenglass, Cumbria Home to the Penningtons for over 800 years, experience the wild splendour of over 70 acres of plants and trees from all over the world - largest rhododendron collection in Europe. Headquarters of the World Owl Trust featuring one of the largest colletions of Owls in the World. ‘Meet the Birds’ at 2.30pm and watch wild Herons feeding during ‘Heron Happy Hour’ at 4.30pm. Visit the interactive Meadow Vole Maze. Café and gift shops. Tel: 01229 717614 Penrith Castle - Penrith, Cumbria Penrith Castle and the very attractive Castle Park stand opposite and high above the town’s railway station. The original tower of the Castle was built by Bishop Strickland between 1397 and 1399 and was then greatly enlarged and improved by Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland. Today, the noble ruins and surrounding moat are an attraction to young and old alike and the jagged outline of the castle forms an impressive backdrop to a most attractive municipal park. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway - Ravenglass, Cumbria The most beautiful train journey in England. Situated in the English Lake District this 15" Narrow Gauge Railway carries passengers from the old Roman Port of Ravenglass seven miles along the Eskdale Valley to Eskdale (Dalegarth) with a journey time of 40 minutes from Ravenglass to Eskdale. Either steam or diesel engines haul trains. Visit the Ratty Arms Public House and Muncaster Watermill. Tel: 01229 717171 Ravenglass Roman Bath House - Ravenglass, Cumbria The impressive remains of the Roman bath house at Ravenglass are among the most complete in Britain. Ravenglass was an important strategic port and naval base for the Romans. Established in AD130, the fort at Ravenglass was built at the spot called Glannoventa and was in use up to the third Century. Standing up to almost 4 metres (13 feet high), the well preserved bath house walls are a reminder of one of the most ingenious Roman inventions. Rydal Mount and Gardens - Rydal, Ambleside Rydal Mount was the home of Wordsworth for 37 years where he wrote and revised many of his poems including the world famous Daffodils and became Poet Laureate to Queen Victoria. The house & gardens are situated in the picturesque village of Rydal described by Dr. Thomas Arnold, as “Nowhere on earth have I ever seen a spot of more perfect and enjoyable beauty”. Amble through the large, beautiful terrace gardens, landscaped by the poet, enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water. Tel: 015394 33002 South Lakes Wild Animal Park Europe's top tiger conservation centre. Take a unique safari on foot and see many animal wandering free in natural surroundings, walk with Kangaroos and Emu in the bush or watch parrots fly free in the trees. Open All Year. See www.wildanimalpark.co.uk Tel: (01229) 466086 Crossgates, Dalton-in-Furness, LA15 8JR Steam Yacht Gondola - Coniston Water, Lake District, Cumbria Enjoy Coniston’s scenery on Steam Yacht Gondola. Originally launched in 1859, she provides a scheduled steam powered passenger service with opulently upholstered heated saloons. Sails from Coniston Pier (signposted from the village). Sailings weather permitting. Times published locally and at Coniston Pier. St. Oswald’s Church - Grasmere Although the church of St. Oswald is most commonly visited to see the Wordsworth family tomb in the churchyard, it is a beautiful building on its own merit. Each year on St. Oswald’s day, the church holds a traditional rush-bearing ceremony, a custom dating back to when the church floor consisted of earth covered in rushes. Just next door to the church is the world-renowned Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, which is well-worth a visit. Stott Park Bobbin Mill Expereince one of the best preserved genuine early 19th century working mills. Take the inclusive 45 minutes guided tour and learn the fascinating story of the cotton industry, wooden bobbin manufacturing and the people who worked there. Open 1 April - 31 October. See www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: (015395) 31087, Newby Bridge, Cumbria Swarthmoor Hall Swarthmoor Hall, situated on the edge of Ulverston, is a 16th century Grade II listed building that tells a tale of people involved in the radical changes of the post-Civil Wars world, both in the UK and beyond. There is a fine collection of 17th century furniture and beautiful gardens to sit in. See www.swarthmoorhall.co.uk Tel: (01229) 583204 Fax: (01229) 583283, Swarthmoor, Nr Ulverston Tarn Hows - Near Hawkshead Tarn Hows is partly artificial, being three tarns joined together in the 19th Century. Nevertheless, it is an extremely popular spot and offers leisurely walking for any ability. The relatively flat path around the tarn is one and a half miles long, and suitable for wheelchairs. Owned by the National Trust, a nearby car park makes the area easily accessible. This location is very picturesque at all times of the year, and offers quite a variety of flora and fauna. Theatre By The Lake - Lakeside, Keswick Keswick’s world-famous Theatre By The Lake has its origins in a mobile theatre that toured the country in the 60s and 70s. Its popularity declined everywhere except Keswick, and the mobile theatre became a permanent fixture. The theatre raised enough money to construct a purpose-built, permanent building, which now offers excellent facilities for performers and audience alike. Performances are as wide and varied as Shakespeare, Flamenco dancing, art film and jazz. There are regular matinees of family performances. Tel: 017687 74411 Windermere Lake Cruises Cruise the length of England's longest lake and enjoy the ever-changing panorama of Lake Windermere. Steamers and launches sail daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside with connections for the steam railway. Open All Year. See www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk Tel: (015395) 31188, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria LA12 8AS

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