English longbow-making, anyone?
Potter the independent shops of Appleby, tour The Lakes Gin Distillery, or ride the argo cat at Rookin House. Hire bikes from Arrogan’s, fish the River Eden, or sign up for English-longbow making. Meet honey badgers and lions at South Lakes Safari Zoo, climb dog-friendly Catbells or head to Rheged for grub, films and gifts.
Country kids
Go potty for pottery art Craft Monkeys in Penrith. Trek the trees at Go Ape! Head to Glenridding Adventure Centre for pirate events, rafting, Swallows and Amazons, sailing and picnics. Or discover life under the waves and watch the otters get fed at The Lakes Aquarium on the banks of Windermere.
Explore a fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits at the Lakeland Motor Museum tracing the development of road transport, including cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia. Discover Lacy’s Caves, carved from the rock by the nutty Colonel who tried to blow up the ancient Long Meg Stone Circle.
Catch the latest releases at The Alhambra Cinema in Penrith, or be entertained at the vibrant Theatre by The Lake in Keswick. Head to Rheged to share a meal, watch a film and buy a gift while mum and dad snaffle coffee and cake. Or meet white rhinos, honey badgers, lions, tigers and giraffes at South Lakes Safari Zoo.
Get stuck in to a world of alpacas, calves, chickens and ducks at Walby Farm Park, then enjoy delicious home-made food at The Cowshed Café. Lick your lips in anticipation of a visit to Kennedy’s Chocolate Shop, with its jams, chutneys, biscuits and, of course, chocolate. Or climb dog-friendly Catbells.
For the grown ups
Swim, gym or cycle in a group at Appleby Leisure Centre. Stay in town to potter the independent shops, or do the same in Kirkby Stephen while watching out for the famous wild parrots. Head back into history at Carlisle Cathedral or Shap Abbey or shop for fresh fare at the Orton farmers’ market.
Book a tour of The Lakes Gin Distillery and drink classic English spirits in beautiful bottles. Discover Cumbria on four legs with Happy Hooves in Eamont Bridge. Try everything from the assault course to the argo cat and tree-trekking to reverse-steer driving at Rookin House. Or enjoy yoga, wellness and lifestyle activities with Fika.
Hire e-bikes, road bikes or mountain bikes from Arrogan’s. Lace up your boots for stiff climbs up High Cup Nick, Murton Pike and Cross Fell. Or enjoy a gentler ramble with Lakeland Llama Treks in Melmerby. Get a licence to fish the River Eden from H Pigney and Son in Appleby.
Wakesurf, paddleboard, kneeboard or charter boats from Wake and Surf in Ullswater. Take a unique aqua thermal journey and lift your spirits with one of 80 rejuvenating spa treatments at Appleby Manor. Fly falcons at Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre or sign up for quirky workshops such as artisan bread or English longbow-making at Ynot Coppice.
