not so lazy days

Outdoor highlights

This June Barrow-in-Furness will once again be the venue for the British Kite Surfing Championships, Round 2. With the event held over three days there is plenty on offer for both spectators and kite surfers alike. Another of our June highlights is the famous Guided Cross-Bay Walk. One of the most celebrated walks in the UK, the crossing of Morecambe Bay is renowned both for its magnificent views and its inherent dangers. Booking is essential as this walk is only possible with a guide. Click her for a full list of June's outdoor activites.

food & drink highlights

This month we meet some of the Cumbrian food producers who hauled in the honours at the annual Fine Food Awards. The winning products form a fantastic taste guide to some of Cumbria's top artisan food. Plus why is Staveley fast becoming the foodie hub of South Lakes? Don't miss two upcoming events; the Holker Hall Festival and the Cumbria Food Lovers Festival, two great opportunities to get hold of some truly local and excellent food as the festival season kicks in. And if you have ever wondered why some lambs are black, you can find out here. Content provided by artisan-food.com.

Culture highlights

Prepare to be wowed as the summer's Lakes Alive season gets off to a flying start.  The WOW Factor combines a (literally) uplifting performance by the internationally-acclaimed company Transe Express, with the pyrotechnic genius of Walk-the-plank.  With music and acrobatics to warm you up as the light fades the WOW Factor offers an experience you will never forget. The WOW Factor is part of Lakes Alive 08, a new season of international outdoor performance events across the Lake District bringing inspiring events to inspiring places. For something a little more traditional check out this summers range of fairs, fetes and festivals.

Worried about rising fuel costs? Discover the quiet coast by rail

The Cumbria Coastal Railway runs the length of Cumbria's coast and reveals hidden seascapes and exciting, new views of the Lake District. Spend a few days here and you can walk beaches with only the breeze and the sound of seagulls for company or let the authentic maritime heritage of Georgian Whitehaven seep under your skin, helped by award-winning visitor attractions.

Glorious colours in the Himalayan Garden at Muncaster Castle will delight the eye and raise the spirits or walk the fells until your heart is truly content. Getting here by rail is so easy with the Cumbrian Coastal Railway easily accessible from wherever you live on scheduled services or make the journey extra special by travelling in style with a steam drawn train on a Kingfisher Rail Tour.