at the end of each day, head home tired but happy
There’s so much fun waiting to be had in Cumbria and the Lake District, you’re going to have trouble cramming it all in.
The area is just perfect for families with children of all ages, from babies to big kids. And the first attraction is the landscape itself. We like to think of it as one big adventure playground, so wherever you are and wherever you go, there’s somewhere to explore. From nature trails to public parks, paddling in one one of the lakes or rockpooling along the coast. There’s an adventure around every corner.
Award-winning attractions
The family-friendly Muncaster at Ravenglass and Mirehouse at Keswick were both crowned as deserving winners in the Cumbria for Excellence Awards 2007.
A-maze-ing attractions
The Lakeland Maize Maze has two mazes to find your way around, complete with trail quizzes. There’s also indoor karting, a soft play climbing wall, mini tractors and a pet corner. At the Max Meadowvole Maze at Muncaster, you turn into a tiny meadowvole for the day to find your way through the giant meadowland.
Family Events and Festivals
The whole of Cumbria offers a platter of events geared up for the whole family.
Kendal Torchlight Carnival 12th September, Come and line the streets as the vibrant carnival atmosphere descends on the town once again for its celebrated evening procession of floats, musicians, costumes and classic cars. Where? Kendal.
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival 29-30th December, Don’t be a Scrooge, come and join in this spectacular free festival which sees the whole market town transformed with Dickensian splendour, activities, period costume, competitions, and stalls. Where? Ulverston.
Make your visit to Cumbria a memorable one. Before you visit why not buy your attractions tickets online. Our eshop also has over 100 books and guides for you to choose from including the famous Wainwright pictorial guides to help you plan and get the most out of your holiday. If you are looking for a gift or special treat then the experiences section may have just what you are looking for.
Around the county
Whether you're looking for fun, food or festivities, you'll find a huge array of family events and activities across the county:
From early history to modern day, The Beacon in Cockermouth offers fun and learning for the whole family.
Upfront Gallery is a beautifully converted 17th Century farm building with a puppet theatre, exhibitions and a vegetarian cafe.
The Brewery Arts Centre has cinema and workshops galore as well as gardens, cafe and restaurant.
Grizedale Forest Park is a wonderland of walking and cycling trails, Go Ape and sculpture trails in the forest.
Tullie House offers art and culture, bringing Carlisle's history alive.
Kendal is also home to the award winning Quaker Tapestry exhibition which celebrates life, people and events across the centuries.
Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre is home to interactive exhibitions, an adventure playground, shop, cafe and Lakeshore access for all.
Whatever the weather
Sometimes bad weather isn’t such a bad thing. With a host of exciting indoor attractions to discover, you might just find that you will be glad of a spot of rain from time to time. Here’s what to do when you’ve had enough of the great outdoors for one day, from family shows to childrens activity centres.
