Days Out In Cumbria

Walby Farm Park

Walby Farm has something for everyone, the kids can pet the animals, have fun in the soft play, speed in the mini Go-Karts and ride the JCB diggers. Meanwhile adults are invited to let out their inner-child on the 24-foot Demon Drop Slide (hats off to those who do), partake in adult go-karting and the agility trail. There’s also the Curly Tails Café which serves some delicious roasted coffees – we suspect you may need them to power you through this day out.

Walby Farm Park, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle 01228 573056 www.walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

Not your average museum, Tullie House is famous for its collections but they also offer an extensive programme of temporary exhibitions, events and workshops such as photography and art classes. The collections invite you to explore a variety of themes related to Cumbria including art, history and nature. The award-winning restaurant provides snacks and meals whilst the gift shop is full of unique gifts and souvenirs, including locally crafted goods.

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle 01228 618718 www.tulliehouse.co.uk

Treeby & Bolton

Having been an iconic china shop for over 100 years, Treeby & Bolton has since expanded into an Aladdin’s cave of home accessories, including contemporary art and glass, unique bronzes and design-led interiors. The destination spreads over three floors, including a shop, gallery and Treeby’s Gallery Café, which serves homemade cakes, light bites and Square Mile coffee. 

Treeby & Bolton, Keswick 01768 772443 www.treebybolton.co.uk

Castlegate House Gallery

Castlegate specialises in internationally renowned artists such as Percy Kelly, Ken Howard and Sheila Fell alongside up-and-coming talent. The gallery is housed in a stunning Grade II listed building, Castlegate House, and is also home to a fantastic collection of British ceramics. 

Cockermouth 01900 822149 www.castlegatehouse.co.uk

The World of Beatrix Potter

Most of us need no introduction to Beatrix Potter’s lovable children’s stories, featuring Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends. Potter was famously inspired by the Lake District and its natural beauty when writing her tales, and this attraction brings the stories and characters to life in the very same landscape. Make sure to visit the Peter Rabbit garden, Jemima Puddle-Duck’s woodland glade, Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen and Mr Tod’s underground home before heading to the gift shop to take some of the Beatrix Potter magic home with you.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere 0844 504 1233 www.hop-skip-jump.com

Allan Bank and Grasmere

‘The loveliest spot that man hath ever found’ was William Wordsworth’s opinion of Grasmere, and it isn’t difficult to see why. As well as having two picturesque lakes, Grasmere is also set against a backdrop of Lakeland Fells. A great place for a family day out – follow a relaxing stroll with a picnic by the lake or trek to the top of Helm Crag and enjoy the views. Allan Bank, the house where Wordsworth once lived, offers you the opportunity relax in front of the fire, and enjoy a cup of tea while the children play.

Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria 015394 35143 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Rheged Centre

As well as a gallery, spa and shops, Rheged Centre has three cafés including the Peter Sidwell @ Rheged café, indoor and outdoor soft play areas and the largest 3D cinema screen around. Plus they offer pottery painting workshops and every school holiday they host a programme of quirky children’s events, from family theatre to cookery classes.

Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria 01768 868000 www.rheged.com

Rydal Mount

The beautiful Rydal Mount was William Wordsworth’s beloved family home for most of his life. It was here that he wrote many of his poems and revised much of his earlier work, including his most famous poem, Daffodils. The house, which remains in Wordsworth’s family, still has a lived-in atmosphere. Visitors can explore the attic study he used for his work as poet laureate, and the house also contains portraits, personal possessions and some first editions of his work. Wordsworth was also an avid landscape gardener and the four-acre garden surrounding the house remains as he designed it, featuring rock pools, rare shrubs and an ancient mound. Finish off your day with a homemade cake in the tearoom which is located in the original saddlery.

Rydal Mount, Ambleside 01539 433002 www.rydalmount.co.uk

Ravenglass and Eskdale

One of Cumbria’s most popular attractions, the Ravenglass and Eskdale rail journey allows you to travel on an old-fashioned steam train. The journey starts at the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, Ravenglass. You will then travel across the estuary, through the hills, seven miles up the line (with a 1:40 gradient at times) to Dalegarth. Here, you will find yourself at the foot of one of England’s highest mountains, Scafell Range.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria 01229 717171 www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk