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Cumbria Tourist Board have a very extensive list of all the local attractions including specialist activities one can do. One would need to have an awful lot of time and many holidays to do even half of what Cumbria has to offer! Down below are a list of the better known attractions that are close to Grasmere Hostel. Most places are within a short drive.

Before you go off dreaming on our interesting and useful links, why not bookmark this site first. You will then be able to use our site as a bouncing point between these websites when exploring Grasmere and its surrounding area.

Click on topics below for short cuts to places relevant to your interest:
Animal related Historical Places Gardens Industrial Heritage Crafts & Galleries Museums Leisure Activities

Lake Cruises Railway Attractions Physical Activities Family Attractions

Attractions	Address	What they offer
*Animal related*
Aquarium of the Lakes	Lakeside, Newby Tel: 015395 30153 www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk Email: aquariumofthelakes@reallive.co.uk	Freshwater Fish, otters, diving ducks, sharks & rays. For those who have never experienced aquariums it is an interesting place. A couple of tactile experiences for children to enjoy water beetles, tadpoles, frogs and fish too.
Kendal Reptiles	Halls Pet Stores, 117 Stricklandgate, Kendal Tel: 01539 721240	Collection of snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, turtles and spiders. Pet shop there as well
Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre	South Cockermouth Junction Tel: 01900 822673 www.sheep-woolcentre.co.uk Email: liz@sheep-woolcentre.co.uk	Indoor Theatre Show with 19 breeds of sheep, working doges, geese and dairy cow. Exciting and educational. Gift shop, cafe/restaurant
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis	Hale, Milnthorpe Tel: 015395 63027	Kind of mini zoo where you can handle some animals.
Leighton Hall	Carnforth. Tel: 01524 734474	Home of the Gillow family known originally for the furniture. They have a daily display of birds of prey.
Leighton Moss Nature Reserve	Myers Farm, Silverdale, Carnforth Tel: 01524 701601	A reed bed reserve for bird watching, particularly important for bitterns, marsh harriers and bearded tits. Some great bird hides complete with magnified sounds taken from the reed beds and lake. Our little daughter was captivated with a decent pair of binoculars.
Lonscale Sheepdogs and Farm Visits	Lonscale Farm, Threlkeld, Keswick Tel: 017687 79603	Sheepdog demonstrations as seen on 'One Man and His Dog'
Muncaster Castle, Gardens, Owl Centre and Meadow Vole Maze	Ravenglass Tel: 01229 717614 www.muncastercastle.co.uk Email: info@muncaster.co.uk	Very nice family non pompous stately home, Great Owl Centre in beautiful scenery, cafe and children's playground. Can personally recommend this place.
South Lakes Wild Animal Park Ltd	Crossgates, Dalton in Furness. Tel: 01229 466086 www.wildanimalpark.co.uk Email: office@wildanimalpark.co.uk	Wild zoo park with waterfowl ponds, & over 120 species of animals, some of which wander freely among visitors, including certain breeds of monkeys. Very popular with families. Our daughter and her friends have enjoyed this place.
The Alpaca Centre	Snuff Mill Lane, Stainton, Penrith. Tel: 01768 891440	Small, but friendly place to visit if going to visit Ullswater or Penrith that day. The alpacas are very sweet.
The Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport	South Quay, Maryport Tel: 01900 817760 www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk Email: info@ld-coastaquarium.co.uk	Great little aquarium with over 35 display areas, very informative and we can personally recommend this place for families, etc...
Trotters World of Animals	Near Keswick Tel: 017687 76239 www.trottersworld.com Email: info@trottersworld.com	Home to many interesting animals - monkeys, gibbons, lemurs, otters, wallabies, buffalo and other exotic species along with reptiles and birds of prey. Amusing informative demonstrations. Outdoor and indoor play and picnic areas.
*Historical Places,* (some with gardens) *Back to top of the page*
Brantwood, home of John Ruskin	Coniston Tel: 015394 41396 www.brantwood.org.uk Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk	An interesting place for those interested in works by Ruskin and contemporaries, Ruskin's home, watercolours by Ruskin, craft & picture gallery and very interesting gardens.
Carlisle Cathedral	Carlisle City Centre Tel: 01228 535169 www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/ Email: office@carlislecathedral .org.uk	Founded in 1122, the Cathedral's glories include the East Window, the Brougham Triptych - a magnificent 16th century cared Flemish altarpiece and fine painted panels depicting the lives of saints. The 15th Century choir stalls are notable examples of medieval carving. Gift shop and Restaurant.
Dalemain House	North of Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Penrith Tel: 017684 864505 www.dalemain.com/	An interesting small family stately home with gardens.
English Heritage Castlerigg Stone Circle	Castlerigg, Keswick.	Probably one of the earliest stone circles done by Neolithic man. The 33 stones sit among beautiful Lakeland scenery. A very atmospheric place.
English Heritage Stott Park Bobbin Mill	Low Stott Park, Ulverston Tel: 015395 31087	Restored working 19thc bobbin mill with working turning machinery. Interesting place for children and adults alike. Our daughter recommends this, having visited with her class from school.
Gleaston Water Mill	Gleaston, Ulverston Tel: 01229 869244 www.watermill.co.uk	Water driven corn mill in working order. Mini museum of farm equipment and tools display, plus rare animal breeds.
Hill Top	Near Sawrey Tel: 015394 36269 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hilltop/ Email: enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk	Beatrix Potter wrote many of her famous children's stories in the little 17th century house, and it has been kept exactly as she left it, complete with her furniture and china. There is a traditional cottage garden attached.
Holker Hall	Cark in Cartmel, Grange Over Sands Tel: 015395 58328 www.holker-hall.co.uk	Stately home to explore with motor museum; interesting exhibitions that change at intervals, deer park, formal & woodland gardens, cafe & obligatory gift shop.
Hutton in the Forest	Penrith Tel: 017684 84449 www.huttoninforest.f9.co.uk/ Email: hutton-in-the-forest@talk21.com	14thc pele tower with later additions. Tapestries, armory, furniture, paintings, china. Formal gardens with ornamental lake, dovecote & woods with specimen trees.
Levens Hall & Topiary Gardens	Levens, Kendal Tel: 015395 60321 www.levenshall.co.uk Email: email@levenshall.fsnet.co.uk	Elizabethan mansion, with a pele tower, really famous topiary garden created in 1694, (great place for hide & seek!) plant centre, shop, play area & picnic area. My family have enjoyed visiting here several times.
Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens	Underskiddaw, Keswick Tel: 017687 72287 www.mirehouse.com Email:info@mireho.freeserve.co.uk	We had not visited this place until recently, but had heard nothing but praise and now we have we also think its wonderful. Indeed it has won the award for the best heritage place for families to visit (in 1999). Lots of cultural interests with large varied grounds beside Bassenthwaite Lake Nature Reserve. Has a tea room too.
National Trust Ambleside Roman Fort	Waterhead, Ambleside.	The remains of Galava Roman Fort built to guard the road between Ravenglass and Penrith. Worth visiting if taking a walk close by the lake shore at Waterhead.
National Trust Hardknott Roman Fort	Hardknott Pass, Ravenglass	Some interesting Roman Fort remains including granaries, headquarters buildings, bath house and parade ground set in wild Lakeland scenery.
National Trust Wordsworth House	Main Street, Cockermouth Tel: 01900 824805	This is where William Wordsworth was born. It is a Georgian house with 18thC furnishings, has original features and Wordsworth's personal effects. The garden is mentioned in Wordsworth's famed poem 'Prelude'.
Rydal Mount and gardens	Ambleside Tel: 015394 33002 www.rydalmount.co.uk Email: rydalmount@aol.com	This was William Wordsworth's home for 37 years. It has family portraits, furniture, first editions and personal possessions. The garden was landscaped by William Wordsworth.
Sizergh Castle & Garden	Near Kendal Tel: 015395 60070 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sizerghcastlegarden/ Email: ntrust@sizerghcastle.fsnet.co.uk	The oldest part of Sizergh Castle is the tower, dating form 14th century. The garden has a find rock garden which includes part of the National Collection of hardy ferns.
Townend, Troutbeck	Southern End of the village of Troutbeck Tel: 015394 32628 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-townend/ Email: townend@nationalstrust.org.uk	A "statesman" farmers house, largely 17th century. Contains carved woodwork, books, furniture and other fascinating domestic implements collected by the Browne family lived here from 1626 until 1944. A truly exceptional relic of Lake District life of past centuries!
William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage	South of Grasmere Village Tel: 015394 35544 www.wordsworth.org.uk/Default.asp?Page=6 Email: enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk	Beautifully preserved Grasmere home of England's finest poet William Wordsworth. All visitors are offered fascinating guided tours of his world-famous cottage. The adjacent award-winning Wordsworth Museum displays priceless national treasures. On site tearooms and book & gift shop.
Conishead Priory	Ulverston Tel: 01229 584 029 www.conisheadpriory.org	The Priory has played an important role in the life of the local community; formerly as a hydropathic spa and a convalescent home for miners and for the past twenty five years it has been home to an international college for Buddhist studies. When the Buddhist community moved into Conishead Priory it had lain empty for 4 years and was entirely derelict and close to collapse. Over the past three decades Manjushri Buddhist Centre has raised almost £1,000,000 and invested thousands of hours of voluntary labour to eradicate dry rot, and bring the building back into use. The Buddhist Community has rescued and restored Conishead Priory and has secured the future of this locally important historic building.
*Gardens* (some with historical houses ) *Back to top of the page*
Whinlatter Forest Park	whinlatter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-5GZLNY	Fun for the whole family from rambles to welly throwing, star gazing even osprey watching. All events are led by Forestry Commission Rangers.
Grizedale Forest Park	whinlatter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-5K2B6B	Fun for everyone from runs and bike rides into the heart of the forest to themed short walks, there's even a variety of craft events linked to the forest. All events are led by Forestry Commission Rangers.
Brantwood, home of John Ruskin	Coniston Tel: 015394 41396 www.brantwood.org.uk Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk	An interesting place for those interested in works by Ruskin and contemporaries, Ruskin's home, watercolours by Ruskin, craft & picture gallery and large Interesting recently restored gardens.
Brockhole The Lake District Visitor Centre (Lake District National Park Authority)	Windermere Tel: 015394 46601 www.lake-district.gov.uk/lake_district_visitor_centre_at_brockhole Email: infodesk@lake-district.gov.uk	My daughter and her friends adore the wonderful adventure playgrounds. Even grownups have a go! That aside it does have nice gardens with large grounds to explore and you can catch a boat from here too. In addition it has a popular lake district interactive exhibition, audio visual show , dry walling area to try your hand at, trails, cafe and gift shop. It has great events throughout the year to suit everyone's taste. Take a picnic here as you could be here nearly all day! All you pay is the car park fee.
Dalemain House	North of Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Penrith Tel: 017684 864505 www.dalemain.com	An interesting small family stately home with gardens.
Graythwaite Hall Gardens	Newby Bridge, Ulverston Tel: 015395 31248 http://www.graythwaitehall.co.uk/	Rhododendrons, azaleas and flowering shrubs all of which were laid out by T.Mawson in 1888-1890. (T.Mawson was a leading English Garden Landscaper in the Late 19thCentuary)
Halecat Garden Nurseries	Halecat, Witherslack, Grange over Sands. Tel:015395 52229 www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.asp?dms=13&dc=cu&venue=5015164	Garden with nursery and sale of unusual plants
Hayes Garden World	Ambleside Tel: 015394 33434 www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk	Set amidst beautiful Lake District scenery, one of Britain's finest garden centre 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.
Holker Hall & Gardens	Cark in Cartmel, Grange Over Sands Tel: 015395 58328 www.holker-hall.co.uk Email: publicopening@holker.co.uk	Stately home to explore with motor museum; interesting exhibitions that change at intervals, deer park, formal & woodland gardens, cafe & obligatory gift shop.
Hutton in the Forest	Penrith Tel: 017684 84449 www.huttoninforest.f9.co.uk/ Email: hutton-in-the-forest@talk21.com	14thc pele tower with later additions. Tapestries, armour, furniture, paintings, china. Formal gardens with ornamental lake, dovecote & woods with specimen trees.
Levens Hall & Topiary Gardens	Levens, Kendal Tel: 015395 60321 www.levenshall.co.uk Email: email@levenshallfsnet.co.uk	Elizabethan mansion, with a pele tower, really famous topiary garden created in 1694, (great place for hide & seek!) plant centre, shop, play area & picnic area. My family have enjoyed visiting here several times.
Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens	Underskiddaw, Keswick Tel: 017687 72287 www.mirehouse.com/ Email: info@mireho.freeserve.co.uk	We have have heard nothing but praise about this place and indeed it has won the award for the best heritage place for families to visit (in 1999). Lots of cultural interests with large varied grounds beside Bassenthwaite Lake Nature Reserve. Has a tea room too.
Muncaster Castle, Gardens, Owl Centre and Meadow Vole Maze	Ravenglass Tel: 01229 717614 www.muncastercastle.co.uk Email: info@muncaster.co.uk	Very nice family non pompous stately home, Great Owl Centre in beautiful scenery, cafe and children's playground. Can personally recommend this place.
National Trust Acorn Bank Gardens and Watermill	Temple Sowerby, Penrith Tel: 017683 61893 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-acornbankgardenandwatermill/ Email: racorn@smpt.ntrust.org.uk	The 16th c house is not usually open but the watermill and gardens are. It has an outstanding herb garden, a walled garden, spring bulbs and a wild garden.
National Trust Sizergh Castle	Near Kendal Tel: 015395 60070 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sizerghcastlegarden/ Email: ntrust@sizerghcastle.fsnet.co.uk	Owned originally by the Strickland Family for 750 years. Has a pele tower, 15thc great hall, 16thc wings, Stuart connections. Rock garden, large pond and rose gardens. Great in spring with all the daffodils. Has a gift shop and a cafe.
National Trust Stagshaw Gardens	Ambleside www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-stagshawgarden/	Woodland garden on a steep slope overlooking Lake Windermere. Has a collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and spring bulbs.
Rydal Mount and gardens	Ambleside Tel: 015394 33002 www.wordsworthlakes.co.uk Email: rydalmount@aol.com	This was William Wordsworth's home for 37 years. It has family portraits, furniture, first editions and personal possessions. The garden was landscaped by William Wordsworth.
*Industrial Heritage* *Back to top of the page*
Cumbria Stone Quarries Ltd	Silver Street, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith. Tel: 01931 715227	Stonemasonry yard giving visitors opportunity to see the process of preparing local stone for building & restoration projects nationally. Small gift shop. Open by appointment only.
Eden Valley Woollen Mill	Armathwaite, Carlisle Tel: 016974 72457 www.thecumbriadirectory.com/Town_or_Village/Armathwaite/Armathwaite.php	Working Woollen Mill. 2 power looms manufacturing all the woven products, which visitors can see happening.
English Heritage Stott Park Bobbin Mill	Low Stott Park, Ulverston Tel: 015395 31087 www.britainexpress.com/History/stott-park.htm	Restored working 19thc bobbin mill with working turning machinery. Interesting place for children and adults alike. Our little daughter recommends this, having visited with her class from school.
Florence Mine Heritage Centre	Florence Mine, Egremont Tel: 01946 820683 www.visitcumbria.com/wc/florence.htm	Mine with museum with simulated underground workings, geological display, souvenir shop and coffee shop
Gleaston Water Mill	Gleaston, Ulverston Tel: 01229 869244 www.watermill.co.uk	Water driven corn mill in working order. Mini museum of farm equipment and tools display, plus rare animal breeds.
Haig Colliery Mining Museum	Solway Rd, Kells, Whitehaven Tel: 01946 599949 www.haigpit.com Email:haigpit.com	This is a developing museum featuring the world's only Bever Dorling winding engines. Centuries of mining interpreted through displays, mining memorabilia and machinery.
Heron Corn Mill and Museum of Papermaking	Waterhouse Mills, Beetham, Milnthorpe Tel: 015395 65027 www.visitcumbria.com/sl/papermus.htm Email: ntstobbs@virgin.net	This is a restored working corn mill featuring 14 feet high breast shot waterwheel. The museum shows papermaking, both with historic and modern methods with artifacts, displays and diagrams.
Honister Slate Mine	Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick Tel: 017687 77230 www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk Email:info@honister-slate-mine.co.uk	It produces green roofing slate and has an area where you can fill your boot with slate pieces for a very modest sum (recently was £10!). Great trip down a slate mine on a rainy day! A really unique look at how our local slate is fashioned
The Printing House Museum	102 Main Street, Cockermouth Tel: 01900 824984 www.visitcumbria.com/cm/printmus.htm Email: info@printinghouse.co.uk	Printing machinery and equipment. The tour of the museum is a journey through the ages of printing following the development of printing from the 15thC to the present day.
The Rum Story	27 Lowther Street, Whitehaven Tel: 01946 592933 www.rumstory.co.uk Email:marie@rumstory.co.uk	It tells the story of the UK rum trade in the original Jefferson's wine merchant premises with experiences of what it was like in the past including smuggling stories.
The Water Mill	Little Salkeld, Penrith Tel: 01768 881523 www.organicmill.co.uk/index2.html	This water corn mill produces organic flour using traditional 18thC powered 2 x 12 feet diameter overshot waterwheels. They do bakery courses and have a shop.
Thornby Moor Dairy	Crofton Hall, Thursby, Carlisle Tel: 016973 45555 www.thelairdslarder.co.uk	They have a cheese room and store and undertake cheese making demonstrations.
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining	Threlkeld Quarry, Threlkeld, Keswick Tel: 017687 79747 www.threlkeldminingmuseum.co.uk/	It is a building containing a unique collection of mining and quarrying artifacts, memorabilia, minerals complete with earth moving machinery, quarry, mining tubs and machines.
*Museums* *Back to top of the page*
The Helly Hansen National Mountaineering Exhibition	Rheged Tel: 01768 868 000 www.rheged.com/	It's all here in one un-missable day out at The Helly Hansen National Mountaineering Exhibition - the only permanent exhibition of it s kind in the world. Come along and discover and experience the incredible story of mountaineering and meet and meet the intrepid climbers who have risked there live over the years.
Armitt Library & Museum Centre	Rydal Road, Ambelside Tel: 015394 31212 www.armitt.com Email: mail@armitttrust.fsbusiness.co.uk	Roman exhibits, Beatrix Potter watercolors, art by Kurt Schwitters, William Green, J W Payne, photographic and glass slide collections (Herbert Bell and J W Brunskill). Read the original Wordsworth's travel guide to the Lakes! Please note Library only opens on week days.
Cars of the Stars Motor Museum	Keswick Tel: 017687 73757 www.carsofthestars.com Email: cotsmm@aol.com	World famous museum features vehicles from TV and films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Team van, Batmobiles, Dukes of Hazzard, James Bond's Aston Martin and many more.
Holker Hall & Motor Museum	Cark in Cartmel, Grange Over Sands Tel: 015395 58328 www.holker-hall.co.uk Email: publicopening@holker.co.uk	Stately home to explore with motor museum; interesting exhibitions that change at intervals, deer park, formal & woodland gardens, cafe & obligatory gift shop.
Cumberland Derwent Pencil Museum	Keswick Tel: 017687 73626 http://www.pencilmuseum.co.uk/ Email: museum@acco-uk.co.uk	Traces the history of pencil making from the discovery of Borrowdale Graphite in the 1500's through early cottage industry to modern high speed production methods.
Homes of Football	Corner of Kelsick & Lake Road, Ambleside Tel: 015394 34440 www.homesoffootball.co.uk Email: info@homesoffootball.co.uk	This is a truly unique photographic experience that captures the soul of the beautiful game through images unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Stuart Clarke has amassed an archive of over 65,000 pictures showing the changing face of British and world football over the past 15 years. These large-scale pictures truly capture the spirit of football from Grass roots to World Cup Finals.
Kendal Museum of Natural History and Archaeology	Kendal Tel: 01539 721374 www.kendalmuseum.org.uk	A popular family attraction housing fascinating collections of natural history both local and global. You can see many objects and drawings belongings to the great fell walker Alfred Wainwright, and new interactive Kendal Castle display.
Museum of Lakeland Life at Abbot Hall	Kendal Tel: 01539 722464 http://www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk/ Email: lakelandmuseum.org.uk	Shows how our Cumbrian ancestors worked, lived and entertained themselves over a 200 year period.
The Dock Museum Barrow-in-Furness	Barrow Tel: 01229 89444 www.dockmuseum.org.uk Email: museum@acco-uk.co.uk	Stunning modern museum built over an original Victorian Graving Dock. Exhibits include spectacular ship models, computer interactive film show and "shipbuilders to the world" exhibition.
The Ruskin Museum	Coniston Tel: 015394 41164 www.ruskinmuseum.com Email: vmj@ruskinmuseum.com	Discover the real Lakeland of rock, slate, walls, copper mines and sheep; explore Swallows and Amazons country; mourn the water speed ace, Donald Campbell and much more. Coniston's superb museum is the most thought-provoking in the Lakes
Windermere Steamboats & Museum	1/2 mile North of Bowness Bay Tel: 015394 45565 www.steamboat.co.uk Email: steamboat@ecosse.net	Amazing Collection of Lake Windermere's nautical heritage. Spectacular Lakeside setting. Guided tours of Museum and "Esperance" (Ransome's inspiration for Captain Flint's houseboat). Exhibitions: "Swallows and Amazons". Model Boats: "You Too Can Do It". Occasional stream boats cruises!
*Crafts & Galleries* *Back to top of the page*
Abbott Hall Art Gallery	Kendal Tel: 01539 722464 http://www.abbothall.org.uk/ Email: info@abbothall.org.uk	Display's paintings by the town's famous son, George Romney, fill the walls of rooms furnished by Gillows of Lancaster. Touring exhibitions complement the permanent collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century British paintings and watercolours.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House	Bowness, just off the A5074 on the B5360 Tel: 015394 46139 http://www.blackwell.org.uk/ Email: info@blackwell.org.uk	This superb example of an Arts and Crafts Movement house sits in an elevated position overlooking Lake Windermere. There are fine examples of the decorative arts, taken from natural forms. Lakeland birds and local wild flowers can be seen in the original stained glass windows and oak paneling. Exciting changing exhibitions of applied arts and crafts!
Kirkstone Galleries	Signposted right at Skelwith Bridge just after turning to Langdale Tel: 015394 34002 www.kirkstonegalleries.com Email: galleries@kirkstone.com	Set in beautiful riverside woodland at the gateway to the Langdales, the galleries and its cafe are an unexpected find. Inside, striking displays of home furnishings reflect the newest trends in contemporary living. Shop at your leisure, or relax on the riverside terrace.
Oshy Gallery, Old Stamp House Yard	Ambleside Tel: 015394 32641 www.oshygallery.co.uk Email: info@oshygallery.co.uk	For contemporary interiors it's the perfect place to find something a little different. Run by a talented artist, designer and craft family, products range from evocative paints of the Lake District to minimal sculptural furniture and lighting. Designed to inspire, it's a real treat for the senses!
Quaker Tapestry	Kendal Tel: 01539 722975 www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk	77 panels of community embroidery delights visitors of all ages. Explore the Quaker journey from 17th century to the present day as you uncover over 300 years of social history, beautifully illustrated by 4000 men, women and children from 15 countries.
The Heaton Cooper Studio	Centre of Grasmere Tel: 015394 35280 www.heatoncooper.co.uk Email: john@heatoncooper.co.uk	An exhibition of paintings, prints, sculpture, and cards of the work of four generations of the eminent Heaton Cooper family, from the watercolours of Alfred and William to the present day members.
*Leisure Activities* *Back to top of the page*
Adventure Activities	Greystoke Castle Tel: 01768 483 722 www.greystoke.com	The Greystoke Castle Estate covers three thousand acres, lying some five miles west of Penrith on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Combine this location and terrain with the best outdoor activity and hospitality team in the business and you have Greystoke Castle – and your opportunity for a truly memorable event.
Bike Chain	46 Compston Road, Ambleside Tel:015394-34284	Bike hire
Bike Treks	Compston Road and 2 Millans Park Ambleside Tel:015394 31505	Good local knowledge, choice and experience. Very slick and professional set up and they also have another shop selling bike related gear just up the road.
Easy Riders	Waterhead, Ambleside Tel: 015394 32902	Bike hire
Forrest Side Hotel	Near Benfield, Grasmere Tel: 015394 35250	Bike hire
Ghyllside Cycles	The Slack, Ambleside Tel:015394-33592	Experienced, well thought of and also do bike hire.
Go Ape!	Grizedale Forest Park Visitor Centre Tel: 0870 44445562 (Booking essential) http://www.goape.co.uk/ContentArticle.aspx?Id=90	An adrenalin pumping, extreme high wire forest adventure course. A unique challenge, not for the faint hearted. Climb high into the trees and discover an amazing trail of zip slides, Tarzan swings, scramble nets and rope bridges....GO APE!!
Gone Mountain Biking	Kinninside, Portinscale, Keswick Tel:017687-80812	Bike hire. Go biking in the nearby Whinlatter Forest on superb trails graded and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Grizedale Forest Bike Hire	Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Hawkshead Tel: 01229 860369	Bike hire and great cycle trails through the forest.
Kendal Leisure Centre	Kendal Tel: 01539 729777 www.lakesleisure.org.uk/kendal/kendal_home.asp Email: leisure.centre@kencomp.net	Sports and entertainment centre of South Lakeland, with facilities including swimming, squash, badminton, table tennis, sauna, solarium, fitness room, meeting room, cafeteria and licensed bar. The centre is the venue for many top class classical/light entertainment concerts each year.
Lakeland Climbing Centre	Kendal Tel: 01539 721766 www.kendalwall.co.uk Email: info@kendallwall.co.uk	The biggest climbing centre in the North. Full range of instructed sessions from beginners course to fun kids parties. Real rock courses and private guiding on the Lakeland crags and fells also available.
Bigland Outdoor	Tel: 01229 861 517 www.biglandoutdoordays.co.uk	Some of the activities that Bigland Outdoor can provide for a wide range of occasions (including companies events, teams, groups, stag/hen parties ect) from Clay Pigeon shooting, Quad Trekking, Fishing and Archery to name a few.
Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool	Tel: 015394 43243 www.golakes.co.uk/thedms.asp?dms=13&dc=cu&venue=5015593	Indoor 25m heated pool and sauna
*Lake Cruises and tours* *Back to top of the page*
Coniston Launch	Waterhead Hotel Jetty Tel: 015394 36216 www.conistonlaunch.co.uk Email: info@conferry.co.uk	Lake cruise and ferry providing frequent service to eight landings. Ideal for walking or visiting Brantwood. Special interest cruises include: Campbells on Coniston, Swallows and Amazons, Sundowner , and Breakfast; also "Early bird" walkers specials, & National Park guided walks.
Lake Supertours	1 High Street, Windermere Tel: 01539 -42751 www.lakes-supertours.com Email: admin@lakes-supertours.com	Spectacular and informative Lake District guided tours. Full and half-day. Luxury high-topped mini-coaches visiting lakes and mountain scenery and cultural attractions including Hill Top and Wordsworth Houses; incorporating lake cruises and steam train journeys. Recommended in international guide books including Chikyu no Aruki Kata and JTB.
Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston Water	Coniston Pier (Sign posted from Coniston Village) Tel: 015394-41288 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-gondola/ Email: gondola@nationaltrust.org.uk	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.
Ullswater 'Steamers'	Ullswater Tel: 017684 82229 www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk Email: info@ullswater-steamers.co.uk	Experience Ullswater's spectacular mountain scenery from an Ullswater 'steamer' all year round. Superb Pier Houses at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge offer teas and coffee overlooking the lake.
Windermere Lake Cruises	Waterhead, Ambleside Tel: 015394 32225 Email: mail@windermere-lakecruises.co.uk	Steamers and launches sail daily throughout the year between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside with seasonal connections for Brockhole, the the Steam Railway, Fell Foot and Ferry House. Wine Cruises and Jazz/Buffet Cruises operate during the summer!!
*Railway Attractions*
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway	Haverthwaite near Newby Bridge Tel: 015395 31594 www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/	Hard working steam locomotives haul comfortable coaches through the beautiful Leven Valley to Lakeside, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway	Ravenglass Tel: 01229 717171 www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk Email: rer@netcomuk.co.uk	Small Steam Engines haul trains from the National Park's only coastal village of Ravenglass to the foot of one of England's Highest Mountains. Enjoy the freedom of open or cosy covered carriages. A Ticket to travel the full 14 mils as often as you like in a day.
South Tynedale Railway, Alston	Alston Tel: 01434 382828 www.strps.org.uk/	Enjoy a train journey along the scenic South Tyne Valley between Alston and Kirkhaugh, in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travel behind preserved steam and diesel locomotives from Britain and overseas.
Family Attractions Back to top of the page
Brewery Arts Centre	Kendal Tel: 01539 725133 www.breweryarts.co.uk Email: admin@breweryarts.co.uk	This place has something to offer everyone - theatre, dance and music events, free art exhibitions and all the latest films. Restaurant, overlooking the garden, Bar and Cafe
Lakeland Miniature Village	Flookburgh Tel: 015395 58500 www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com Email: lakelandminiaturevillage@btopenworld.com	Cumbria's only miniature village. Over 140 buildings made from local Coniston slate, hand made by Edward Robinson - houses, farms, barns & tiny wishing wells. Small but interesting place to visit if in the area.
Rheged, The Village in the Hill	Near Penrith Tel: 01768 868000 www.rheged.com Email: enquiries@rheged.com	Best large visitor attraction 2002 and Europe's largest grass covered building. The giant cinema screen shows daily Rheged - The Movie with magnificent Lakeland views, Everest and for 2003 new spectacular family movies. Craft shops, pottery demonstrations, Cumbrian Food shop, outdoor adventure shop, artist's exhibitions, restaurant and indoor children's play area.
Wetheriggs Pottery & Pots of Fun Studio	South of Penrith Tel: 01768 892733 www.wetheriggs-pottery.co.uk/potsoffun/index.html Email: info@wetheriggs-pottery.co.uk	Tour the last steam-powered pottery in the country; see potters at work then visit the Pots of Fun studio. Ceramic painting, glass painting, figurine painting. Throw a pot - it's for all ages - not just kids.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction	Centre of Bowness-on-Windermere on Crag Brow Tel: 015394-88444 www.hop-skip-jump.com Email: office@hop-skip-jump.com	The World of Beatrix Potter brings the stories of Peter Rabbit and all his friends to life in a magical indoor recreation of the Lakeland countryside complete with sights sounds and even smells. You can explore Mr. McGregor's garden, visit Mrs. Tiggy-winkle's kitchen and learn more about Beatrix Potter herself in the Tale of Mrs. Heelis presentations. The Beatrix Potter Emporium and Tailor of Gloucester Tea Room make this place for all the family to visit - whatever the weather!

For more information why not try www.golakes.co.uk and for information on how to get to some of these wonderful places go to www.stagecoachbus.com for a list of time-tables

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