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It rains from time to time in the Lake District, but how else did you think we got our fabulous landscapes and those lakes? Still, we’re more than prepared for the occasional downpour, and there’s plenty to do while taking shelter from the elements.
The county’s collection of museums alone could keep you busy for a year, whether it’s visiting the homes of William Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter, learning about life on the lake at the spectacular new boat museum on Windermere, or uncovering the fascinating history of the humble pencil, which we-bet-you-didn’t-know was invented in Keswick back in the 16th century. Don’t knock it until you try it!
You can watch Beatrix Potter’s most memorable creations come to life in Bowness or explore the miner’s life deep in a mountain at Honister. The county’s waterfalls are best visited when there’s been a downpour – Aira Force and Stock Ghyll are powerful examples of nature’s extraordinary force and beauty.
Lake cruises depart in all weathers, as do Cumbria’s railroads – what better way of whiling away a wet day than aboard a 19th century steam train? And if you want to work up a proper sweat, there are indoor climbing walls in Ambleside, Kendal `and Keswick.
Cumbria’s towns are well worth a mooch in their own right: Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Kendal are beautiful places lined with independent shops and cafes, but you can go farther afield and while away a few hours in the shopping havens of Rheged, near Penrith (where there’s also an IMAX cinema); and Carlisle, whose busy centre is full of distractions (and there’s a pretty impressive castle and cathedral too).
Inspiration
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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Bridge Ln, Penrith
Based in Cumbria, Eden Arts are an artist led company dedicated to creating and facilitating change through culture and arts activities.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Maryport
Award winning family attraction on historic Maryport harbourside. All day tickets for 70+ displays of local and tropical marine life include a free round of crazy golf! Cafe, Gift Shop, Bait & Tackle store, Radio control boats, Adventure Playground.
Cockermouth
Step behind the scenes with our guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that make Jennings so special. From our proud brewing history to the character of our beers, you’ll enjoy a memorable journey through time – finishing with a…
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Aynam Rd, Kendal
Join Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal for a brewery adventure! Immerse yourself in the magic of crafting exceptional craft beer and taste some of our delicious brews. Book now!
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins, spirits and the iconic Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur at the gateway to the Lake District.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Ulverston
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the process from choosing your botanicals to finding the perfect abv. Start with a tour, include a few sweet treats and it’s an afternoon to remember!
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
Brampton
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders, Eden Valley, and English Lake District, so it should be no surprise that we have a wealth of artistic talent to call upon.
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Market St, Carlisle
A relaxed and easy walking tour around the heart of the historic city of Carlisle. Discover some surprising stories and gruesome facts about Carlisle’s 2000 year history.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL