places of interest

The lake district holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cumbria, whilst hours can be spent walking and enjoying the hills there are also many other places to visit.

Below are a few of interest.

Lakeland Miniature Village
Miniature buildings of houses, farms, barns and bridges constructed from Coniston slate plus an Oriental Garden. Open daily. www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com

Lakeland Motor Museum
A beautifully presented display in a courtyard setting in the grounds of Holker Hall. Features the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition plus classic cars, tractors, cycles and more.

Grizedale Forest
Grizedale, in the heart of the Lake District is the complete day out. Walk in its waymarked paths; marvel at the celebrated Forest Sculptures; eat and rest in the picnic areas; take in the views from Carron Crag. For the more adventurous there’s the North Face Mountain Bike Trail, the Silurian Walking Trail and the exciting high wire experience on the Go Ape. www.forestry.gov.uk

Aquarium of the Lakes
The aquarium is next to the Lakeside landing stage at the southern end of Lake Windermere. Open daily. www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk

Holker Hall and Gardens
Award winning gardens close to Grange. The Food Hall and Restaurant with menus of local produce are well recommended. Venue for a variety of events throughout the summer. www.holker-hall.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises
All year round sailings on England’s largest lake and one of the main attractions of the Lake District and Cumbria. Operates daily from Lakeside, Ambleside and Bowness www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Beatrix Potter Museum
A remarkable presentation of Beatrix Potter stories given life by an imaginative indoor re-creation of sights and sounds of the Lake District and interactive virtual walks. Tea rooms, gift shop, parent and baby facilities, children’s activity area and the child pleasing Peter Rabbit tea-parties throughout the year.

Coniston Water
Plenty to see and do around the third largest stretch of water in the Lake District and Cumbria. Of interest to many, it was here that the late Donald Campbells ill fated attempt on the World Water Speed Record took place in 1967 which tragically resulted in his death. Readers of Arthur Ransomes “Swallows and Amazons” will be interested in trying to identify the real life locations of his book Can you find “Wild Cat Island” or “Kanchenjunga”? A particularly good way to enjoy the scenery of the Water and its surrounds is as a passenger on one of the Coniston Cruises. It operates from Coniston Pier and includes stops at Brantwood.
www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

Cartmel Racecourse.
Against the backdrop of the beautiful English Lake District, it is possible to sample national hunt racing in its most original format. With its party crowds and funfair, Cartmel rekindles the social gathering tradition of the original steeple to steeple chases. Please check for race days.

Dove Cottage.
Dove Cottage in Grasmere was William Wordsworth's home from 1799 to 1808. Here Wordsworth wrote much of his poetry, and his sister Dorothy kept her famous journals.