Local Attractions & Activities

Local Attractions

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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 . Most places are within a short drive and none more than an hour away.

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:

Rush Maidens at Grasmere Rushbearing Festival
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.shepherdshotel.co.uk/ Email: liz@sheep-woolcentre.co.uk	Indoor Theatre Show with 19 breeds of sheep, working dogs, geese and dairy cow. Exciting and educational. Gift shop, cafe/restaurant
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis	Hale, Milnthorpe Tel: 015395 63027 www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk/	Kind of mini zoo where you can handle some animals.
Leighton Hall	Carnforth. Tel: 01524 734474 www.leightonhall.co.uk/	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 www.getoutguide.co.uk/outdoors/outdoors/leighton_moss.htm Email: leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk	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. There is disabled access.
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. www.visitcumbria.com/kes/casstone.htm	Probably one of the earliest stone circles done by Neolithic man. The 33 stones sit among beautiful Lakeland scenery.
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 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/	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, 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@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 have not yet visited this place, but have heard nothing but praise 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.
National Trust Ambleside Roman Fort	Waterhead, Ambleside. www.visitcumbria.com/amb/galava.htm	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 www.visitcumbria.com/wc/hardfort.htm	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 www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk/	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 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/	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/	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	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.
*Gardens* (some with historical houses ) *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 gardens.
Brockhole The Lake District Visitor Centre	Windermere Tel: 015394 46601 www.lake-district.gov.uk 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 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 garden landscaper or the late 19th century.
Halecat Garden Nurseries	Halecat, Witherslack, Grange over Sands. Tel: 015395 52229	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 Email:info@mireho.freeserve.co.uk www.mirehouse.com/	We have not yet visited this place, but have heard nothing but praise 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/	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	Kendal Tel: 015395 60070 Email: rsizer@smpt.ntrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sizerghcastlegarden/	Owned originally by the Strickland Family for 750 years. Has a pele tower, 15th century great hall, 16th century 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.
Winderwath Gardens	Nr Penrith, Cumbria A66 Eastbound to Brough 4 miles from Penrith on the left before you reach Temple Sowerby Tel & Fax: 01768-88250 www.visitcumbria.com/pen/windwath.htm	Open from early March to end of October from 10am to 4pm during the week and from 9am to 12 noon on Saturday Originally laid out at beginning of 20thC. Mature trees including the Wellingtonia, cut leaf beech and the cedar date from then. Extensive work has been carried out on the rockeries and the herbaceous borders since the 1950's. Now a large collection of Alpine & Himalayan plants, including Arisaema, Meconopsis and many other rare and unusual plants. You can picnic by the pond. Plants and secondhand garden tools and furniture for sale. NB No dogs here please!
Tomarobandy Gardens	Blitterlees, Silloth, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 4JJ Tel 016973-31630	Tomarobandy Gardens is a coastal garden compartmented by various assorted windbreaks to form 14 themed gardens. Opening times are Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. It is situated in the centre of Bitterless village on the west side of the B5300 coast road from Silloth to Maryport.
*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	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	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	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.
Keswick Mining Museum Admission Charges for adults is approx £3 plus extra charge for gold panning £1.50 approx. Special guided tours in the evenings at £5 per person.	Otley House, Otley Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5LE Tel: 017687-800-55 OR Tel: 01228-561-883 in the evenings. www.keswickminingmuseum.co.uk Email: coppermaid@aol.com	I have never been here so can't tell you much except that there is an opportunity to do some gold panning, seeing a video, learning about geology, visit the shop of books and gems, healing stones, Reiki, minerals and fossils, geological equipment. Ian Tyler also offers Sunday walks to mining sites and is a mine historian, author of 10 books on Lake District Mining, and is the curator of this museum. Open daily 10 am to 5 pm except Mondays during out of season. Open on Bank Holidays except Christmas and New Year.
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.
Farfield Mill an arts & heritage Centre, in Sedbergh Admission fees £2 for adults Open from Early April (Easter) seven days a week from 10.30am to 5pm to January. From January to April it is open on weekends until 4.30pm. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing day but open on New Year's Day.	Farfield Mill Arts & Heritage Centre, Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, LA10 5LW Tel: 015396-21958 www.farfieldmill.org Email: themanager@farfieldmill.org	This is a super place to visit if you are into history of loom weaving (one area devoted to this). It was a Penines Tweeds weaving mill until 1992 when it closed and then reopened in 2001. It now has little workshops, exhibits the local people's paintings, photography, weaving, felt woodwork, ceramics, pottery, glass, silk, velvet, pewter and other textile work. This is of a high standard and some very contemporary stuff here. Regular exhibitions are held here which are often very inspiring for those into the arts. There is also a very delicious cafe, although not cheap!
Heron Corn Mill and Museum of Papermaking	Waterhouse Mills, Beetham, Milnthorpe Tel: 015395 65027 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 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	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	They have a cheese room and store and undertake cheese making demonstrations.
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining	Threlkeld Quarry, Threlkeld, Keswick Tel: 017687 79747	It is a building containing a unique collection of mining and quarrying artefacts, memorabilia, minerals complete with earth moving machinery, quarry, mining tubs and machines.
*Museums* *Back to top of the page*
Armitt Library & Museum Centre	Rydal Road, Ambelside Tel: 015394 31212 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 Email: cotsmm@aol.com www.carsofthestars.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.
Cumberland Derwent Pencil Museum	Keswick Tel: 017687 73626 Email: museum@acco-uk.co.uk www.pencilmuseum.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 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.
Keswick Mining Museum Admission Charges for adults is approx £3 plus extra charge for gold panning £1.50 approx. Special guided tours in the evenings at £5 per person.	Otley House, Otley Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5LE Tel: 017687-800-55 OR Tel: 01228-561-883 in the evenings. www.keswickminingmuseum.co.uk Email: coppermaid@aol.com	I have never been here so can't tell you much except that there is an opportunity to do some gold panning, seeing a video, learning about geology, visit the shop of books and gems, healing stones, Reiki, minerals and fossils, geological equipment. Ian Tyler also offers Sunday walks to mining sites and is a mine historian, author of 10 books on Lake District Mining, and is the curator of this museum. Open daily 10 am to 5 pm except Mondays during out of season. Open on Bank Holidays except Christmas and New Year.
The Printing House Museum	102 Main Street, Cockermouth Tel: 01900 824984 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.
Kendal Museum of Natural History and Archaeology	Kendal Tel: 01539 721374 www.kendalmuseum.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=0	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.abbothall.org.uk/ Email: lakelandmuseum.org.uk	Shows how our Cumbrian ancestors worked, lived and entertained themselves over 200 years.
The Dock Museum Barrow-in-Furness	Barrow Tel: 01229 89444 Email: museum@acco-uk.co.uk www.dockmuseum.org.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 Email: vmj@ruskinmuseum.com www.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 Email: steamboat@ecosse.net www.steamboat.co.uk/	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!
Rheged	Rheged, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ Tel: 01768-868-000 www.rheged.com	This has really bounced on since it first opened with a gigantic IMax cinema screen with some amazing specialist films, a superb international mountaineering museum, specialist shops, children's indoor play area, and 3 delicious eating areas all under one roof underground in part so that it is concealed. Car parking is free. The only things you pay for are the entrance fees for the museum and the Imax Theatre and of course your food if you choose to eat there. It is an atmospheric place and worthwhile place to visit especially if it is a rainy day.
*Crafts & Galleries* *Back to top of the page*
The Paper Shop	Burneside Mills, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6PZ Tel: 01539-818-484 www.thepapermillshop.co.uk/index.htm	It is predominately paper selling of all kinds including card. It is also becoming very craft orientated for scrap booking , and so on. Open Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs from 10am to 4.30pm, Fri from 10 am to 4pm Sat 9am to 3pm.
Abbott Hall Art Gallery	Kendal Tel: 01539 722464 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 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 panelling. 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!
Farfield Mill an arts & heritage Centre, in Sedbergh Admission fees £2 for adults Open from Early April (Easter) seven days a week from 10.30am to 5pm to January. From January to April it is open on weekends until 4.30pm. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing day but open on New Year's Day.	Farfield Mill Arts & Heritage Centre, Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, LA10 5LW Tel: 015396-21958 www.farfieldmill.org Email: themanager@farfieldmill.org	This is a super place to visit if you are into history of loom weaving (one area devoted to this). It was a Penines Tweeds weaving mill until 1992 when it closed and then reopened in 2001. It now has little workshops, exhibits the local people's paintings, photography, weaving, felt woodwork, ceramics, pottery, glass, silk, velvet, pewter and other textile work. This is of a high standard and some very contemporary stuff here. Regular exhibitions are held here which are often very inspiring for those into the arts. There is also a very delicious cafe, although not cheap!
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. Has art materials shop too.
The Beacon Whitehaven Harbour Gallery	The Beacon, West Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7LY Tel: 01946-592-302 www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk Email: thebeacon@copelandbc.gov.uk	There is a museum regaling the history of Whitehaven, gallery and cafe here open all year on Tuesdays to Sunday from 10 am to 4.30 pm. They have different displays on each month and various workshops. It seems to be a very active which interacts closely with its nearby community. We haven't yet been but will put it on our list to do!
*Leisure Activities* *Back to top of the page*
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) 0870-428-5330 www.goape.co.uk	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!! It has boomed with popularity since it first opened but please note you must be 10 yrs old and over and be at least 1. 40m tall and weigh no more than 20.5 stone or 130 kg. Mostly adults do this course as part of their bonding courses but it is very popular with teenagers too.
Airborne Activities
Car Airfield (North West Parachuting Centre)	Moor Lane, Flookburgh Tel: 015395 58672	Parachuting
High Adventure	Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere Tel: 015394 47599	Ballooning
Lakeland Balloons	South Holme, Lytham St. Anne's Tel: 01253 736869 www.babo.org.uk	Ballooning
Lakeland Leisure Paragliding	Coppermine Valley, Coniston Tel: 15394 41285 or 7770 393193	Paragliding, Pilot's Courses, Taster Course
Lakes Paragliding Centre	Greyber, Maulds, Meaburn, Penrith Tel: 01931 71505 or 01768 371021	Paragliding
Pleasure in Leisure	Tirobeck, Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324	Hot Air Balloon Flights (other activities under general interest)
Virgin Balloons	Kirkby Lonsdale Tel: 08705 228483	Ballooning. From: Dalemain, Ribble Valley, Forest Hill, Westmorland Country Showground, Kirkby Lonsdale.
Art/Photography
Bob Henfrey's - Art Holiday	Aldercroft, Kendal Tel: 01539 726077 Email: bobhenfry@paintingholidays.fsnet.co.uk	Watercolour rambles, shortbreaks.
Northern Light	The Prospect, Ferney Green, Kendal Tel: 01539 729505	Photographic Expeditions
Bowling (Outdoor)
Ambleside	White Platts recreation Ground, Compston Rd Tel: 015394 32074	(Closed Sunday)
Grange-over-Sands	The Promenade Recreation Ground Tel: 015395 34591
Kendal	Abbot Hall (Mr Brookshaw) Tel: 01539 723679 Netherfield (Mr B. Boardley) Tel: 01539 728267 Victoria (Mr. Sharp) Tel: 01539 728945
Kirkby Lonsdale	Crown Green Bowling Tel: 015242 72017 or 72047 or 76280
Ulveston	Leisure Complex, Priory Road Tel: 01229 581123
Bowling (Indoor)
Ulverston	Coronation Hall, County Square Tel: 01229 587120	(Winter Season)
Climbing Walls
Eden Climbing Wall	Penrith Leisure Centre, Southend Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 863450 www.leisurecentre.com/centredetails.php?RECORD_KEY%28centres%29=ID&ID(centres)=31	Adult and junior lessons available.
Ingleton Climbing Barn	Inglesport Shop, The Square, Ingleton Tel: 015242 41146
Kendal Climbing Wall (Lakeland Climbing Centre)	Lakeland Business Park, Mint Bridge Road, Kendal Tel: 01539 721766 www.kendalwall.co.uk	Clubs for kids (6-17 years). Clubs and courses for Adults. Equipment for hire. Tuition available. Very good here
Keswick Climbing Wall	Southey Hill Trading Estate, Keswick Tel: 017687 7200	All abilities, families, groups, individuals.
St Martins College in Ambleside	Wall sports Centre Ambleside Tel: 015394 30210	Wall climbing
YMCA National Centre	Lakeside, Newby Bridge Tel: 015395 31758
Cycling
Askew Cycles	Old Brewery, Wildman Street, Kendal Tel: 01539 728057	Bike Hire all year. (Closed Sundays)
The Bike Bus	Tel: 01207 237424 Fax: 01207 233233 www.minicoachhire.co.uk/	Self led Coast to Coast holidays arranged; specialists in transfers for people and bikes throughout UK; luggage forwarding service.
Biketreks (Mountain Bikes)	Compston Road, Ambleside Tel: 015394 31505	Service Centre / Bike Hire
Country Lanes Cycle Centre	The Railway Station, Windermere Tel: 015394 44544	Bike hire & sales. Open 7 days in summer. By arrangement in winter.
The Croft Mountain Bike Hire	The Campsite, North Lonsdale Road, Hawkshead Tel: 015394 36374	Bike Hire (Easter - October).
Discovery Travel	Towthorpe Road, Haxby, York Tel: 01904 766564	Coast to Coast, Lake District circuit and Yorkshire Dales circuit. Self guided holidays. (further activities in General Interest Section)
Ghyllside Cycles	The Slack, Ambleside Tel: 015394 33592	Bike Hire all year (winter, closed Wednesday), shop sale.
Gill Cycles	The Gill, Ulverston Tel: 01229 581116	Bike Hire - all year.
Grizedale Mountain Bike`	Visitor Centre, Hawkshead Tel: 01229 860359	Bike Hire and sales. Open daily in Summer; weekends November - March.
Holiday Lakeland Cycling	Dale View, Ireby, Wigton Tel: 016973 71871	Sea to Sea and 9 Lakes Packages, Reivers Route, (May - Sept.) Pennine Cycle way, (Sustrans Routes - May - September).
Ingleton Mountain Bike Hire	Main Street, Ingleton Tel: 015242 41422	Bike Hire - all year.
Keswick Motors Company	Fiat Garage, Lake Road, Keswick Tel: 017687 72064	Mountain Bike Hire - all year.
Keswick Mountain Bike Hire	Southey Hill, Keswick Tel: 017687 75202	Bike Hire - all year. Sales and Service.
Millennium Cycles	Bankside Barn, Crook Road, Staveley Tel: 01539 821167	Bike Hire - all year. Repairs and Sales.
Mill Farm (Mountain Bikes)	Lowick Bridge, Nr. Ulverston Tel: 01229 885210
Pleasure in Leisure	Tirobeck, Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324	Bike Hire - Group of 6 or more only - all year.
Summitreks	Yewdale Road, Coniston Tel: 015394 41212	Bike Hire ( Easter - Oct.), groups in winter.
Total Adventure	Bowness on Windermere Tel: 01539 47802	Mountain Bike Hire.
Wheelbase	Staveley Mill Yard, Staveley Tel: 01539 821443	Bike Hire (Easter - October).
Gone Mountain Biking	Kinningside, Portinscale, Keswick Tel:017687-80812	Bike hire
Grizedale Forest Bike Hire	Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Hawkshead Tel: 01229 860369	Bike hire and great cycle trails through the forest.
Fishing
Bessy Beck Trout Farm	Newbiggin-on-Lune, Kirkby Stephan Tel: 015396 23303
Bigland Hall Estate	Backbarrow, Newby Bridge Tel: 015395 31728	Coarse & Trout Fishing
Blencarn Lake	J K Stamper Blencarn Hall, Blencarn, Penrith Tel: 01768 88284	15 acre lake regularly stocked with rainbow trout. 5 hour tickets/day.(1st April - 30the October)
Hawkshead Truot Farm	The Boathouse, Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead Tel: 015394 36541
Hemmingways	Myrtle Cottage, Newland Road, Braithwaite, Nr. Keswick Tel: 017687 78575 or 07771 763067 www.hemmingwaysfish.co.uk
Kentmere Fishery	Joe Harrison, The Birches, Winfell Forrest, Penrith Tel: 01768 88263	Fly Fishing
Pleasure in Leisure	Tirobeck 10 Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324	(Further details in General Interest)
Skelsmergh Tarn Coarse Fishery	Skelsmergh Tarn, Skelsmergh, Kendal Tel: 01539 823284
Watendlath Trout Fishery	The Trout Farm, Seathwaite, Borrowdale Tel: 017687 77362
Golf Courses
Barrow Golf Club	Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow-in-Furness Tel: 01229 825444	18 hole - handicap certificate preferable. Visitors welcome.
Beckside Golf Club	Crook, Nr. Kendal Tel: 01539 821415	9 hole - no handicap, pay green fee at Ellerbeck Farm, Crook
Carus Green Golf Course	Burneside Road, Kendal Tel: 01539 721097	18 hole, pay and play
Casterton Golf Club	Casterton Road, Nr. Kirkby Lonsdale Tel: 015242 71592	9 hole course - no handicap
Dunnerholme	Duddon Road, Askam-in-Furness Tel: 07803 093978 / 01229 462675	18 tees/10 hole course. Visitors welcome
Grange Fell Golf Course	Grange Fell Road, Grange - over - Sands Tel: 015395 32536	9 hole - members of other golf clubs welcome. Visitors welcome.
Grange-over-Sands Golf Club	Meathop Road, Grange-over-Sands Tel: 015395 33180	18 hole - handicap required. Visitors welcome.
Kendal Golf Club	The Heights, Kendal Tel: 01539 733708	18 hole - membership of a golf club and a handicap required.
Kendal Golf Driving Range	Oxenholme Farm, Oxenholme Road, Kendal Tel: 01539 733933
Keswick Golf Club	Threlkeld Hall, Threlkeld, Keswick Tel: 017687 79324 Plus Booking 79010	18 hole. Visitors welcome
Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club	Scaleber Lane, Barbon Tel: 015242 76365	Handicap and membership of a club preferable
Penrith Golf Centre & Driving Range	Redhills, Penrith Tel: 01768 892167	Pay and play.
Penrith Golf Club	Salkeld Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 891919	18 hole - membership of a club required.
Pleasure In Leisure Ltd	Tirobeck, 10 Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324	9 hole - no handicap, 18 hole - handicap required.
Rampside	Coast Road, Barrow Tel: 01229 811969	10 hole, mini golf links. (Ester - September)
Sedbergh Golf Club	Catholes Farm, Dent Road Tel: 015396 21551	9 hole - no handicap.
Silecroft Golf Club	Millom Tel: 01229 774342	9 hole. Visitors welcome. Please call to ensure a place.
Furness Golf Centre	Halfthwaite Lane, Barrow-in-Furness Tel: 01229 465870	9 hole, par 3 course. 20 bay driving range. Visitors welcome.
Ulverston Golf Course	Bardsea Park, Bardsea Near Ulverston Tel: 01229 582824	Handicap and membership of a club required.
Ulverston Golf Driving Range	Nook Farm, Colthouse Lane, (off Urswick Road), Ulverston Tel: 01229 585031	Open: 10am - 9.30pm, opens 8.00 am at weekends. Lessons available; equipment hire.
Windermere Golf Centre	Cleabarrow, Windermere Tel: 015394 43123	18 hole - handicap & membership of a club required
Mini Golf and Putting Greens
Ambleside	White Platts Recreation Ground, Compston Road Tel: 015394 32074	9 hole mini-golf, Putting green & Crazy golf. (Closed Sundays & Seasonal)
Bowness-on-Windermere	The glebe Recreation Ground Tel: 015394 45926	9 hole putting, 18 hole mini-golf. ( Easter-Oct.)
Grange-over-Sands	The Promenade Recreation Groud Tel: 015395 34591	9 hole putting. (Seasonal)
Kendal	Goose Holme, Little Aynam, Kendal Tel: 01539 731887 Email: chrisjones@uk4free.net	18 hole putting. (Mid April - mid Sept.)
Horse Riding
Crook Barn Stables	Torver, Nr Coniston Tel: 015394 41088
Hipshow Riding Stables	Hipshow Farm, Mealbank, Nr Kendal Tel: 01539 728221
Holmescales Riding Centre	Holmescales Farm, Old Hutton, Nr Kendal Tel: 01539 729388
Lakeland Equestrian	Limefitt Park, Troutbeck, Windermere Tel: 015394 31 999
Lakeland Riding Centre	Lakeland Leisure Park, Moor Lane, Flookburgh Tel: 015395 58131 www.lakes-riding.co.uk Email: info@lakes-riding.co.uk
Larkrigg	Natland, Nr Kendal Tel: 015395 60245	All ages. Tuition: Adults learn to ride lessons; all abilities.
Park Foot Trekking Centre	Howtown, Pooley Bridge Tel: 017684 86696
Pleasure In Leisure	Tirobeck, 10, Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324
Rookin House Farm	Troutbeck, Penrith Tel: 017684 83561	All abilities; Tuition; accompanied private rides.
Sea View Riding School	Walney Island, Barrow Tel: 01229 474251
SockBridge Pony Trekking Centre	Mrs Jackie Strong & Mrs Freda Rayson, The Cottage, Sockbridge, Penrith, Cumbria,CA10 2JT Tel: 01768-863-468 Fax: 01768-892-698 Email: info@sockbridgeponytrekking.co.uk www.sockbridgeponytrekking.co.uk	Caters for all ages and abilities including novices to the experienced, offers Welsh mountain ponies to thoroughbreds. All treks are accompanied.
Spoon Hall Pony Trekking	Coniston Tel: 015394 41391	Beginners welcome. (March - October)
Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre	Witherslack Hall Farm, Witherslack, Nr Grange-over-Sands Tel: 015395 52244
Swimming
Dalton Leisure Complex	Chapel Street, Dalton-in-Furness Tel: 01229 463125
Grange Health & Leisure Club	Grange Hotel, Grange-over-Sands Tel: 01229 33666
Kendal Leisure Centre	Burton Road, Kendal Tel: 01539 72977
Keswick Leisure Pool	The Old Station, Station Road, Keswick Tel: 017687 72760
Netherwood Spa	Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands Tel: 015395 33999	Swimming and Gym
Park Leisure Centre	Greengate St, Barrow-in-Furness Tel: 01229 871146
Penrith Leisure Centre	Southend Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 863450
Shap (open air)	Shap (Mrs L Nobbs) Tel: 01931 716572
Troutbeck Bridge	Lakes School, Near Windermere Tel: 015394 43243
Langdale Country Club	The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD Tel: 015394-38055	Swimming, jacuzzi, sun showers, solarium, gym, squash and beauty treatments. It is possible to buy a day or week's membership. It is a very relaxing place to go to.
Ulverston	Leisure Centre, Priory Road, Ulverston Tel: 01229 584110
Tennis
Ambleside	White Platts Recreation Ground, Compston Road Tel: 015394 32074	(Closed Sundays & Seasonal)
Bowness-on-Windermere	The Glebe Recreation Ground Tel: 015394 45926	(Seasonal)
Grange-over-Sands	The Promenade Recreation Ground Tel: 015395 34591	(Seasonal)
Kendal	Appleby Road (Linda Wood) Tel: 01539 739326
Kirkby Lonsdale	Kirkby Lonsdale Tennis Club, Chairman Mr. D. Hacking Tel: 015242 72138
Ulverston Indoor Tennis Centre & Outdoor Leisure Complex	Priory Road, Ulverston Tel: 01229 581123
Watersports
Adventure Days	2nd Floor, 28 Finkle Street, Kendal Tel: 01539 720750	Canoeing.
Coniston Boating Centre	Lake Road, Coniston Tel: 015394 41366	Canadian Canoes, Canoeing, Dinghies, Rowing Boats, Electronically Powered Boats.
Country Venture Activity Centre	The Old School, Tebay Tel: 015396 24286	Canoeing.
Can You Canoe	4 High Moor, nelson, Lancs	Canoeing & River Expeditions.
John Crisp - Lakeline	Windermere Tel: 015494 44648	Charter or Tuition, RYA Certificates.
Cumbria Outdoors	Portinscale, Keswick Tel: 017687 72816	Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing.
Derwentwater Marina	Portinscale, Keswick Tel: 017687 72912	Canoeing, Climbing & Abseiling, Kayaking, Rowing Boats, Sailing, Windsurfing.
Glenridding Sailing Centre Ltd	Glenridding, Ullswater Tel: 017684 82541/01768 885694/01768 894033	Canoeing, Sailing, Windsurfing. Launching & Hire.
Howtown Outoor Activity Centre Ltd	Ullswater, Penrith Tel: 017684 86508	Canadian Canoeing, Kayaking, Topper, and Dinghy Sailing.
Low Wood Watersports Centre	Low Wood, Ambleside Road, Windermere Tel: 015394 39441	Boat hire, Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing, Speed Boat Rides, Water Skiing.
Maples for Yachting	Marina Village, Bowness Tel: 07889 773292; evenings 015395 67993
Mere Mountain	Tirobeck, Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 88002	Canoeing, Kayaking, Raft-building.
Motherby House Activities	Motherby, Penrith Tel: 017684 83368	Canoeing, Windsurfing. Fell walking and climbing.
Nichol End Marine	Portinscale, Keswick Tel: 017687 73082	Boat Repair, Canoeing, Kayaking, Motorboats, Rowing boats for hire, Sailing, Windsurfing, (Tuition available). Holiday mooring & slipway. Launch facility. Engine sales & repairs. Chandlery. Waterside cafe.
Obsailing	Bowness on Windermere Tel/Fax: 015395 52338; mobile: 07836 525992 www.obsailing.co.uk	Skippered Charter, Short Cruises, Day Charter, Match Racing, Sailing tuition.
Platty +	Lodore Boat Landing, Borrowdale Tel: 017687 77282 Office - Smithy Green, Thornthwaite, Keswick Tel: 017687 76572	Canoeing, Dragon boating, Kayaking, Sailing.
Pleasure in Leisure	Tirobeck, 10 Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 42324	Canoeing, Raft Building, Raft Races, Sailing, Water Skiing, Windsurfing.
R & L Adventure	Patterdale Road, Windermere Tel: 015394 45104	Canoeing, Kayaking.
Sail 'n' Dine	Windermere Tel: 015242 74255 / 07721 836470	Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Cruises.
Shepherds	Bowness Bay Tel: 015394 45395 or 44031 Windermere Marina village Tel: 015394 466004	Boat hire.
The Ski Shack	White Cross Bay, Windermere Tel: 07979 804945	Speed Boat Rides, Wake Boarding, Water Skiing
Summitreks	14 Yewdale Road, Coniston Tel: 015394 41212	Aquaseiling (Abseiling waterfalls), Canadian Canoeing, Canoe Expeditions & Kayaking.
Top Mark	Greengate Street, Barrow Tel: 01229 824740	Windsurfing.
Total Adventure	Parsonage Wyke Boathouse, Ferry Nab, Bowness on Windermere Tel: 015394 47302	Canoeing & Kayaking hire, Raft building, Hire.
Vivid Events	Denton House, Penrith Road, Keswick Tel: 017687 75351	Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing. Residential; Tuition; Corporate; Team Building.
Windermere Lake Cruises	Bowness-on-Windermere Tel: 015394 43360	Launches, Rowing Boats, Self Drive Hire Boats.
Windermere Lake Holiday	Gillys Landing, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere Tel: 015394 431415	Canadian Canoes, Day Sailing Boats, Self Drive, Motor Boats & House Boat Hire.
Windermere Outdoor Adventure Watersports Centre	Leigh Groves Building, Rayrigg Road, Windermere Tel: 015394 47183	Canadian Canoeing, Dinghy Sailing, Kayaking, Keel boating, Open Canoeing, Windsurfing.
YMCA National Centre	Lakeside, Newby Bridge Tel: 015395 31758	Outdoor Education & Training; (Group Bookings).
General Interest
Adventure Days (AMI, AALA Member)	2ne Floor, 28 Finkle Street, Kendal Tel: 01539 720750 www.adventure-days.co.uk	Abseiling, Canoeing, Caving, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scrambling, Residential, Day Youth Groups, Schools & Families, Tuition.
Adventures	The Old School, Grizebeck, Kirkby in Furness Tel: 01229 889761 or 07974 390977 or 017687 76844 www.adventures.org.uk	Abseiling, Mountain Leadership Courses, Mountain Navigation, Mountain Walking, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Scrambling Trips, Overseas Adventures, Canoeing Watersports Adventures.
Adventure Learning	Sandy Ridge, Kendal Road, Staveley, Cumbria Tel: 01539 821919 www.climb365.net	Climbing, abseiling, scrambling, private guiding.
British Trust for Consevation Volunteers & BTCV	Brockhole, Windermere Tel: 015394 43098 www.BTCV.org.uk	Practical conservation work including, Bracken Cutting, Digging Ponds, Dry Stone Walling, Footpath Work, Planting Trees, Rhododendron Cutting, Tree Felling, Coppicing, Fencing, Woodland Management.
The Climbing Frog	Tel: 015394 8826 or 07867 510631	Climbing, Mountain Walking, Abseiling, Ghyll Scrambling, Caving.
Esteam Ltd	2 Cliff Terrace, Beast Banks, Kendal Tel: 01539 737968 Email: events@esteam.uk.com	Abseiling, Paintballing, Canoeing, Climbing, Teambuilding, Training, Product Launches, Hospitality, Conferences, Sailing, Archery, Waterskiing, Treasure Hunts.
The Greystoke Castle Estate	Greystoke Castle, Penrith Tel: 017684 83722 www.greystoke.com	Abseiling, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Falconry, 4 x 4 Off Road Driving, Patriot Games, Quad Treks, Team Games. Day courses only Tuition
Hawking Days	Kendal Tel: 01539 737937 or 7950 210585 or 017686 733667; Contact: Ryan.	Handling Harris Hawks & hunting with them for half days or full days bookings.
Holmescales Activity Centre	Holmescales Farm, Old Hutton, Kendal Tel: 01539 722147	Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Corporate Events, 4x4 Challenge, Leadership Projects, Paintball Games, Quad Bike Challenge, Team Building, Horse riding and a wide variety of outdoor event activities for groups.
Kendal Ski Club	Canal Head North, Kendal Tel: 01539 732948 or 733031 www.kendalski.co.uk	Dry Ski Slope. Open Sept - mid Spring.
Keswick Climbing Wall & Activity Centre	Southey Hill, Keswick Tel: 017687 72000 www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk	Abseiling, Assault Course, Canadian Canoeing, Ghyll Scrambling, Mountain Biking, Multi-activity days, Raft Building, Rock Climbing & Indoor Climbing. Team building, Individual taster sessions (tuition).
Knobblystick	Tel: 01539 737576 Email: info@knobblystick.com	Experienced hillwalking guides. Tailor made walking days out on the fells.
Mere Mountains	Tirobeck, Keldwyth Park, Windermere Tel: 015394 88002 www.lakesactivities.co.uk	Abseiling, Canoeing, Caving, Gorge Scrambling, Orienteering, Raft Building, Rock Climbing Initiative challenges, Leadership courses, Tyrolean pond crossing, stream scrambling, sea cliff traverse.
R & L Adventures	The Byre, Knotts Farm, Patterdale Road, Windermere Tel: 015394 45104	R & L Adventures offers Rock Climbing/Abseiling, Canoeing/Kayaking, Caving/Potholing, Ghyll Scrambling/Gorge Walking, Mountain Walking/Mountaineering, Summer & Winter. Activity & Challenge weekends, walking holidays, tailor made courses.
Rookin House Farm	Troutbeck, Penrith Tel: 017684 83561 www.rookinhouse.co.uk	Archery, Argo Cat, Conventional Clay Pigeon Shooting, Escorted Quad Bike Treks, Family Fishing, Go-Kart Rally Cross, Horse Riding, Human Bowling, JCB (adults only), Mini Quads, Off Road Go-Carts, Stalwart off roading, Zip wiring. Stag and Hen party weekends. Day courses
Summitreks	14 Yewdale Road, Coniston Tel: 015394 41212 www.summitreks.co.uk	Abseiling, Aquaseiling (adult only), Canadian Canoeing. Children's Adventure Days, Gorge Scrambling, Guided Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Orienteering adventure walks, Rock Climbing. Corporate Groups, day & residential.
Windermere Outdoor Adventure Watersports Centre	Activities Centre, Leigh Groves Building, Rayrigg Road, Windermere Tel: 015394 47183 or 07774 894846 www.lakesleisure.org.uk/windermere/windermere_home.asp	Canadian Canoeing, Kayaking, Keelboating, Orienteering, Sailing, Walking, Windsurfing. YHA Courses. Can Organise residential. Open all year.
Rheged	Rheged, Redhills, Penrith, Cumb ria, CA11 0DQ Tel: 01768-868-000 www.rheged.com	This has really bounced on since it first opened with a gigantic IMax cinema screen with some amazing specialist films, a superb international mountaineering museum, specialist shops, children's indoor play area, and 3 delicious eating areas all under one roof underground in part so that it is concealed. Car parking is free. The only things you pay for are the entrance fees for the museum and the Imax Theatre and of course your food if you choose to eat there. It is an atmospheric place and worthwhile place to visit especially if it is a rainy day.
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.
Faeryland (Boat Hire)	Red Bank Road at the bac of Grasmere Lake	Nice place to hire a rowing boat or pop in and use their cafe. Popular stopping place after a walk too as the views are very beautiful and restful on the lakeshore.
The Story Teller's Garden	Church Stile, opposite St Oswald's Church and Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread shop	Taffy Thomas tells wonderful stories to people of all ages
Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool	Tel: 015394 43243	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 "Earlybird" 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 www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk 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	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 England's Highest Mountain. Enjoy the freedom of open or cosy covered carriages. A Ticket to travel the full 14 miles 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.
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 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/ 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!