Cumbria Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities Guide

19th century Arts & Crafts house, originally built for wealthy brewer, with spectacular interior and lake views

series of dioramas showing scenes from all the famous children's books, including Peter Rabbit's garden and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle's Laundry

a delightful sheltered garden, with a partially restored watermill, renowned for its herbs and orchards, growing old English fruit varieties, and planted with over 250 medicinal and culinary herbs

a formidable fortress spanning some 900 years of conflicts and sieges. Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned here for some 19 years

dating back to the twelfth century with a long and turbulent history with excellent stone carvings and medieval stained glass windows

local graphite mining led to the growth of the pencil industry. The museum gives an in depth guide to pencils and pencil making down the centuries

producing the famous Westmorland Green Slate, which has been extracted for centuries and offering a wealth of adventure experiences

this traditional brewery has nearly 200 years of brewing experience using pure Lakeland water drawn from the brewery’s own well

historic narrow gauge railway, located in the Western part of the Lake District National Park with two main stations, Ravenglass and Dalegarth

houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences as well as holding a wide range of temporary exhibitions

Wordsworth's birthplace and family home, presented as it would have been when he lived here with his siblings and family servants

this quirky, little house on Stock Beck, dates back to the seventeenth century. It has been painted and photographed many, many times

Wordsworth's home for over 8 years and where he wrote many of his famous poems, retaining much of the original furniture and ephemera

7 hectare park with mountain views across Windermere, wild play area and multiple activities on and off the lake for all ages and abilities

surrounded by a picturesque garden, Beatrix Potter's beloved farm house was the source of inspiration for many of her famous stories

started as a small private collection, which quickly outgrew its original premises, this new, spacious museum was opened in 2009

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play

constructed about 3000 BC, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain having commanding views over the surrounding countryside

explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back, discovering the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest on the way

dating back to the sixteenth century, a unique collection of historic artefacts relating to the ancient school and its pupils

home to hundreds of amazing creatures from local wildlife to more exotic species from around the world

scenic rides on vintage steam trains, connecting with Windermere cruise boats at Lakeside, with a playground, picnic area and engine shed visits

a fine Elizabethan house with oak panelling, ornate plasterwork and period furniture, surrounded by magnificent 17th century topiary

this stately home spans the centuries with a colourful history and reputed ghost. There is also a Hawk & Owl Centre with a wide range of birds

lived in by William Wordsworth and still owned by the Wordsworth family, a gracious family home with extensive, well stocked gardens

cliff-nesting seabird colony, with 3 viewing points giving superb views of the colony and on a clear day the Isle of Man is visible

turreted Gothic revival mansion with church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views with large, informal gardens

exhibiting original Beatrix Potter water colours, following a different theme each year, giving an in-depth view of this famous author's work

for 28 years, the home of John Ruskin, scientist and art collector, with many personal artefacts, including his extensive geological collection

the impressive remains of this medieval abbey boast an ornately decorated chapter house and cloisters with a small museum

an historic house with magnificent gardens, much loved by its owners and reflecting the tastes of the three families that have lived here since the 16th century

founded in 1796, making it one of Britain’s oldest museums, boasting unique collections of natural history and archaeological artefacts

extensive collection, tracing development of road transport throughout the 20th century, plus local history and period shopping displays

originally built in the fourteenth century as a defensive fort against the Scots, then enlarged by Richard lll in the fifteenth century

a museum here since 1901, originally set up as memorial to Ruskin, but also celebrating the area's heritage, including Sir Donald Campbell

set in a beautiful and diverse garden, this Elizabethan castle is still a family home displaying portraits, alongside contemporary photographs

a unique combination of museum, library and gallery devoted to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the Lake District

a fine example of vernacular architecture with the personal touch of the family who lived there including their well used library