Blog (Attractions) - Visit Lake District

As we say hello to autumn, an exciting roster of cultural events awaits - there's everything from comic art to famous classic paintings. Join us this October and discover a world of arts and culture in Cumbria.

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The River Eden flows from North Yorkshire to the Solway Firth in the north of Cumbria. The main course of the river is an area known as the Eden Valley – an unspoiled area of rolling green countryside, quant villages and thousands of years of historical myths and legends.

To celebrate and highlight the amazing range of museums, galleries, heritage sites, cinemas, and cultural organisations we have in the Lake District, Cumbria we have pulled a selection of things you can experience this September.

Looking for somewhere to go for brunch in the Lake District, Cumbria? From classics like avocado on sourdough, to creative dishes like smoked beef briskets, these brunch spots in the Lake District, Cumbria, will be sure to satisfy your appetite.

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Join the Hiking Household as they explore family friendly attractions across Cumbria - from historic castles with adventure playgrounds, to heritage railways and scenic steam boats.

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In July the Cumbria Tourism Awards winners were crowned. To celebrate, we’re running through our bucket list of winners - today, it's the turn of our food & drink businesses.

In July the Cumbria Tourism Awards winners were crowned. To celebrate, we’re running through our bucket list of winners - kicking off with our experiences and producers.

Summer is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends. Whatever your travel style, there’s something for you to enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria

Celebrate 5 years of the Lake District National Park's UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2022. We take a look at why this beautiful area is included on this prestigious list - from its natural beauty to its commitment to conservation.

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If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your summer evenings in the Lake District, Cumbria, we’ve got just the thing. Sail into the sunset on Windermere, glass of fizz in hand, with Windermere Lake Cruises’ Summer Evening Buffet Cruise.

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There are some simply stunning places in the Lake District, Cumbria - including a few you may not have even known about! Check out these 12 places you may not believe are right here in Cumbria.

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This summer, discover an array of events taking place across the Lake District, Cumbria. From country shows packed with tradition, to local food festivals, there’s something for everyone.

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Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a last minute gift idea we've got you covered! There's everything from adventure activities to gift vouchers, whisky tours to glamping.

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Hello June: the last month of spring and the start of summer, with all the promise of new adventures ahead. Check out what’s on here, and join us for a right royal knees up.

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Planning your summer adventures? Why not head to Cumbria and discover a county rich in charm, with plenty to see and do. From a family holiday to a romantic getaway, this is the perfect place to be.

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Discover the best of Cumbria's beloved Lakeland landscapes and famous Windermere walks alongside a personal guide.

With its dramatic landscapes, the Lake District, Cumbria has been the location for more than a few movies and TV series – from Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix originals. If you’re a film fan, read on to discover some of the locations used for filming across the county.

Join us in the Lake District, Cumbria, to celebrate in style, with plenty taking place across the four-day bank holiday weekend.

May in the Lake District, Cumbria, is a truly magical time. A blanket of seasonal colour envelopes our breath-taking landscapes, and our events calendar heats up with festivals and markets taking place across the region.

Calvert Lakes – part of the Lake District Calvert Trust offer a fun-filled outdoor adventure experience in the Lake District, bringing outdoor adventure to all.

As the weather warms up and the evenings get longer, more and more of us will be heading out to enjoy the water. Read our tips on how to stay safe and enjoy your time.

Spring has sprung, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be. With warmer weather comes a fresh wash of colour, as well as the promise of more time spent outdoors. From family fun to outdoor adventure, here are ten reasons why you should put a trip to the Lake District, Cumbria, on your bucket list this spring.

Fan favourite Downton Abbey returns to the big screen this year, in Downton Abbey: A New Era. If the grand houses and luxurious lifestyle of the Crawley family pique your interest, we’ve rounded up some places where you can live out your Downton dreams in the Lake District, Cumbria.

April has arrived in the Lake District, Cumbria, bringing with it plenty to discover. This is the perfect time to explore, as our landscapes come alive with spring colour and new life.

From sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and family fun, to pebbled shores with a fascinating array of wildlife, take a look at our guide to Barrow’s beautiful coast and its beaches.

If you are seeking a cracking last-minute Easter escape, then Cumbria is a must-visit!

Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) will return to the traditional May slot and kick off the summer festival season in style.

Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle is not only a history buff’s ‘must see’ destination, but also a shopper’s delight and a food lover’s joy.

With over 37 miles of coastline, plus numerous paths and cycle trails, Barrow is a fantastic place for an outdoor adventure. Take a look at our guide to making the most of Barrow’s outdoor activities.

It may be small but Brampton is a town full of surprises.  Known for its proximity to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, it is less well known for its range of independent shops and cafes plus a wealth of outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy. 

As we become more environmentally conscious, the way we choose to travel is changing. Swapping the trusty motor car for more sustainable travel methods makes a huge difference in reducing your carbon footprint AND helps to protect the spectacular landscapes that we are so famous for.

It’s no secret that Beatrix Potter is synonymous with the Lake District, Cumbria, and 2022 marks 120 years since one of her most famous creations - Peter Rabbit - was first officially published in his own story.

On the southern tip of Cumbria, Barrow awaits. This coastal town boasts the stunning backdrop of Lake District mountains to one side, and the sea to the other. As well as its striking location, it’s also packed with great places to shop.

Copeland stretches across the west coast of Cumbria, with its beautiful beaches, castles, mountains and fells, there’s a huge array of things to see and do!

A Windermere Lake Cruises employee says he’s proud and delighted to have been nominated for one of the tourism industry’s top national awards.

I have two words for you - Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ll gush irrepressibly and reach for a heart adorned greeting card, feel offended that I dare mention that overrated celebration, or jump into a giant vat of ice-cream.

Now is the perfect time to reconnect: with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself and Cumbria is the place to do just that. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join us for a stay to remember, filled with natural beauty, wildlife, and so much more.

This February, Cumbria’s Dark Skies Festival returns to highlight the magic of the night sky, with a stellar events programme packed with art, outdoor adventure and plenty more.

It only seems five minutes since Christmas, but the half term holiday is already upon us! If you’re visiting with your kids, we’ve got plenty to entertain you...

With its stunning landscapes, unique places to stay, and fantastic food and drink, the Lake District is a romantic’s dream - and the perfect place to pop the question!

Hello February: the shortest month of the year, packed with plenty to enjoy! This is a month to reconnect and enjoy precious moments spent with loved ones.

Whatever the weather the town of Barrow is brimming with attractions and is a great place to visit with all the family. Read our guide.

2022 is going to be an exciting year on the Western Lake District coastal region of Copeland. New art installations, attractions and a programme of outdoor events, are on the horizon so now is the perfect time to plan your next visit.

The Lake District, Cumbria, is a dream for dogs (believe us, we’ve checked!). Long walks, beaches to run on, lakes to swim in, and so much more await both you and your four-legged friend when visiting the area.

A new year is upon us, bringing with it the promise of new adventures to be had in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Cosy season is upon us, and there are plenty of places to stay in the Lake District, Cumbria for a romantic winter getaway.

If you’re looking for stunning coastal views, a rich history, cultural exploration, natural beauty, fantastic shopping, and delicious food and drink, look no further! The Furness Peninsula is perfect for a great day out (or more), with plenty to see and do while you’re there.

Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District is popular with visitors and there are many reasons why. From spectacular lake views, fabulous shops and eateries, to the brilliant things to do and attractions to visit.

December marks the 250th birthday of Dorothy Wordsworth; diarist, letter writer, one of the first women to climb Scafell Pike (England’s tallest mountain) - and of course, sister of Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’ve got plenty to get you into the festive spirit in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Copeland lies on the western side of Cumbria and although famous for its world class Lake District landscape and stunning coastline, Copeland is also brimming with dynamic and exciting shops, offering everything from simple groceries to artisan gifts and food.

Across the autumn and winter months – the Ten Lakes Spectacular is Mountain Goat’s beloved full-day tour for visitors. Allowing you to see 10 of our famous lakes in one day – some from afar and many up close at the water's edge, with plenty of time to stop for pictures and short strolls in between.

It’s November in the Lake District, Cumbria; and the magic of autumn can be seen all around. This is cosy season: walks up Wainwrights followed by warming pub meals, trips to museums and galleries; evenings spent stargazing; and plenty more await.

With stunning natural landscapes, a rich history and heritage, fantastic independent businesses, and an abundance of local food and drink, we already know that Cumbria is a great place to visit. However, there may be a few things you didn’t know about our beautiful region too! Read on to discover these lesser known facts about Cumbria.

As the clocks fall back for autumn the onset of colder weather and longer dark nights can seem a gloomy prospect, but it’s not all bad! When the clocks change on October 31^st, we gain one full extra hour – so why not put it to good use? Learn something, help someone, do something enjoyable…here are our suggestions for getting the most out of your extra hour.

Things go off with a bang in the Lake District, Cumbria in November. Those crisp winter days and dark nights are a perfect time to explore this amazing part of the world. You’ll find live music, theatre, exhibitions and much more.

The Lake District, Cumbria is no stranger to a little rain! Don’t let wet weather dampen your spirits: there’s plenty to do when the heavens open. Explore the area with our list of weatherproof activities across the county.

As autumn gets into full swing, Cumbria is the perfect place to be – and there’s plenty to explore beyond the tourist spots in the Lake District. Get off the beaten path and discover these hidden Cumbrian gems.

We have it on good authority that a holiday in the Lake District ranks highly on a dog’s wish list. And so, we took to the parks and did a bit of sniffing around, chatted to some of our four-legged guests, and asked them what makes a pawsome dog friendly holiday.

2021 sees the 175^th anniversary the Furness and Lakes railway lines. These impressive feats of Victorian engineering allowed visitors to travel with ease into the heart of the Lake District and along the beautiful Cumbrian Coast – and they serve that exact same purpose today. To celebrate this milestone, a special Northern train was named ‘Pride of Cumbria’ at a ceremony at Barrow station.

It only seems five minutes since the school summer holidays and you’ve only just got your breath back from having to entertain them for 6 weeks and we find half-term creeping up on the horizon.

Luckily for you there is loads to entertain families in the Lake District, Cumbria this October half term so we’ve put together this handy list of some of our favourites.

Have you ever seen a ghost walk across the landing in a medieval castle? Can you recognise the faint echo of witches cackling on the wind? Or the sight of a zombie stretching its legs after 500 years in a coffin? It can only be Halloween in the Lake District, Cumbria.

A chill in the air, crisp leaves underfoot, and hues of red, gold and orange painting the landscape: autumn in the Lake District is quite simply breathtaking. From reinvigorating walks to local food fairs, here are our top 10 reasons why you need to plan an autumn trip to the Lake District.

The leaves are beginning to turn, painting the landscape in reds, golds and oranges; and there’s a refreshing chill in the air. Autumn is here, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is looking simply stunning.

Summer holidays may be coming to a close but there’s still so much to see and do in the Lake District, Cumbria.

The way we get around is changing. As we become more environmentally conscious and look to reduce our carbon footprint, alternatives to the trusty motor car become the way to travel.

Thankfully in the Lake District, Cumbria you don’t need a car to explore, making it easier to savour every moment of your break and make every journey count.

Ever since it was first announced that The Staycation Express would return for 2021, I was excited about the prospect of taking this journey on the wonderful historic Settle to Carlisle railway. Even more so when I found out the train that would feature this year.

With so much open space to immerse yourself into, Cumbria is without doubt one of the best-known places in England for some quiet, romantic time away to escape from your usual daily life. Of course, you’re not alone in your thinking – so how can you find somewhere extra peaceful that may slip under the radar of other likeminded people and offer that extra layer of relaxation? To help, here are ten romantic getaway ideas which will take you even further from the beaten track than usual…

Bargain new first-class return tickets on The Staycation Express offer a way to experience an amazing journey on an original and fully refurbished Inter City 125 train along the historic Settle to Carlisle railway line for a limited time only.

Theatre by the Lake, in partnership with English Touring Theatre and Northern Stage, is set to welcome ‘Trailer Story’ to Keswick this very weekend.

The perfect staycation does exist and it's here in the Lake District, Cumbria. The great outdoors is waiting for you so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the summer with fun-filled days.

Does this sound familiar - the summer holidays are here, the kids need entertaining and you have completely run out of ideas? Well panic not, we can help.

The Eden Valley is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and try something new, so we would encourage everyone to visit, get out there and explore the fresh Cumbrian air of the Eden Valley.

Summer holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria are only a short time away. So, get ready to rediscover the outdoors, take a deep breath of fresh air and explore the beautiful scenery Cumbria, has to offer.

While we all enjoy a bright, dry and sunny day, waterfalls give us all the perfect reason to embrace the damper days too, thanks to rain dialing-up the thrill factor by ensuring cascades of water make a major entrance from the high ground.

Discover your ‘perfect place to be’ in Cumbria. Looking for the perfect place to reconnect with the family this summer? There’s more to explore in Cumbria than you may realise.

Rainy days are a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean they should stop us from getting out of the house! Cumbria is full of great indoor attractions which are fun, exciting, educational – and also make great shelter spots! Here are a few suggestions to turn even the wettest of days into the most fun of days!

The Eden Valley area of Cumbria is shrouded in myth and legend. The dramatic landscape is dotted with castles, ruins and ghostly whispers on the wind.

If these hills could talk, they would have some stories to tell. The biggest mystery of all is why is the Eden Valley home to an extraordinary large number of stone circles?

2021 is Cumbria's Year of the Coast. In late summer of 2020 Cornwall based photographer Sam Scales spent 9 days travelling through Copeland as part of a shoot to capture the beauty of the Lake District Coast. His body of photographs, which were commissioned as part of the Deep Time arts programme, provide a stunning showcase of this lesser-known part of the National Park, from its ancient standing stones to the post -industrial landscapes of Whitehaven.

Time to stretch your legs. Ambleside is home to countless walks of varying abilities, allowing everyone to take in the iconic views of The Lake District.

Summer here in the Lake District, Cumbria is a truly spectacular time to visit. Rediscover the destination and explore new things to see and do, reconnect with loved ones and make new memories or recharge in the outdoors with fresh air and wide-open spaces.

With stories and tales of the largest collection of boats linked to Windermere, a cruise on a beautifully restored boat, great food and the best view of the lake, head to Windermere Jetty Museum for a fantastic day out.

Its National Gardens week from 26th April until 2nd May and this year is also the anniversary of the famous garden designer Thomas Mawson. Read on to find out more about the man and the gardens he designed.

If you are a green-fingered fan, you are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to bloomin’ magnificent gardens in Cumbria. Let's take a wander around some of our favourites, taking in everything from formal gardens to ones where the wildflowers are left to flourish.

Treat yourself to the gift of extraordinary art.
Old Courthouse Gallery - breathing new life into the Ambleside Courthouse Building.

How well do you know places to visit in the Lake District?

We have selected 10 pictures of places to visit around the county to test your knowledge in this just for fun quiz. See how many you can identify.

It’s the spookiest time of the year where ghosts and ghouls come out to play. The sight of a witch flying across the moonlit sky on a broomstick cackling all the way as zombies rise from gravestones to stretch their legs.

Cumbria is particularly spooky at Halloween because of our many medieval castles and stately homes – all favourite haunts of those who haunt.

Keswick is one of the most beautiful towns in the country, and even more stunning in autumn as the trees turn golden with the turning of the season. Keswick Museum is an easy walk from the town centre. Read on for our top ten reasons to visit this autumn.

The Lake District, Cumbria is simply brimming with fantastic attractions and experiences – and to celebrate, we would love to hear and see you shout about the fun you’re having during #CumbriaAttractionsWeek, from 29 August to 6 September!

Newly engaged or just looking for some inspiration for that special day & want to see what the Lake District, Cumbria has to offer? Well you’ve come to the right place. We will run through everything you’ll need to do before you get married, so sit back, grab a cuppa and try not to panic.

There is always loads to do in the Lake District, Cumbria whatever the weather. Here are some all-weather attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

…Or should that guide be a “B-W”? Our team has put together this guide to Cumbria’s best-known lakes, how to find them; and what to look for when you get there.