itinerary ideas for a great day out...

If you are looking to plan a day out in the Lake District and Cumbria but are not sure what to do why not browse our pre-made itinerary suggestions. .

Culture in Cumbria - South Lakes

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Lots of Culture and plenty of heritage to be had in Cumbria - Have a look at some of the options to choose from.

Morning

The best place to start would probably be Museum Of Lakeland Life in Kendal. It shows how our Cumbrian ancestors worked, lived and entertained themselves in the changing social climate of the past 200 years. Head over to Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre; this multi-purpose arts complex presents a year-round programme of theatre, music, films, lectures and exhibitions, together with a range of amateur participatory activities including art and craft workshops, Cumbria Youth Theatre, and classes.

Brewery Arts Centre

Known nationally as a centre for world-class theatre, music, art and events, the Brewery has a 450 capacity music venue, three cinemas, two visual arts galleries, drama studio, darkroom facilities, meeting rooms, great restaurant/cafe/bar.

Lunch

Just outside Kendal is the National Trust's imposing medieval Sizergh Castle, with its beautiful limestone rock gardens which you can walk around. Nearby is Levens Hall, this magnificent Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th Century. The Grade I listed garden, dating from 1694 has survived well and the topiary is some of the oldest in the world and justifiably famous.

Sizergh Castle and Garden

Medieval House with Tudor additions surrounded by a superb garden and large estate. Has been lived in by the Strickland family for over 760 years. Learn about the Elizabethan carvings and contents of the castle, and the gardens.

Levens Hall & Gardens

Levens Hall is an Elizabethan mansion built around a 13thC Pele tower. The much loved home of the Bagot family, visitors often comment on the warm and friendly atmosphere.

Holker Hall and Gardens

Victorian stately home, set in 25 acres of stunning gardens and ancient deer park. Holker has its own cafe, gift shop and food hall, and hosts an annual programme of special events.

Afternoon

Kirkby Lonsdale is a historic market town in Cumbria and the pleasant drive is only thirteen miles south-east from Kendal along the A65. The town is a great tourist attraction with an excellent range of small speciality shops and many of the shops are in listed buildings which offer arts and crafts, plus there's a weekly market with lots of local produce to buy. There's also attractive 17th and 18th century inns and a fine Norman church. Admire the wonderful scenery from Ruskin's View. Spanning the River Lune is the 14th century Devil's Bridge with its graceful arches, steeped in legend.

Kirkby Lonsdale

Kirkby Lonsdale is in the beautiful valley of the River Lune on the fringes of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. A national winner of 'Britain in Bloom', the town has an excellent range of speciality shops.

Evening

Full circle brings you back to Kendal. If the weather is fine, why not take an early evening stroll upto Kendal Castle, probably late 12th Century, is now a ruin, but worth exploring. From here you can get brilliant views over the town and watch the sun go down over the Lakeland Fells.

Kendal

The town's old cobbled lanes and byways branch off the attractive main street and are peppered with quaint antique and speciality shops. You will also find a number of high street stores in the main pedestrianised shopping area.

Sizergh Castle and Garden

Contains some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, 14thC pele tower with original fireplaces, floors and windows. The 15thC great hall and other later additions contain English and French furniture, silver, china and Jacobite relics. Set in wonderful grounds with walks around the estate, this has been lived in by the Strickland family for over 760 years. Dogs accepted on public footpaths only.

key

Contact

Business Support
Tel: 015395 60951

sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk

View the Sizergh Castle and Garden website

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh/
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Venue

Sizergh Castle and Garden

Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE

LA8 8AE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh

See location of Sizergh Castle and Garden on Google maps. See location on Google maps. Map reference: SD 498878
Lat: 54.28336 Long: -2.77255
Five miles from the M6 exit 36, follow A590 towards Kendal then take A590 for Barrow-in-Furness and follow brown signs. From Lake District take A591 south then A590 towards Barrow-in- Furness

Ground floor of the castle, shop and most of the garden are accessible with a wheelchair. Mainly gravel paths. Recommended route path in the garden. Wheelchair and powered mobility vehicle available. Braille guide and handling items available. Picnic area in the car park. Children's quiz sheets. Sorry no backpacks or baby carriers in the castle. Groups and coaches accepted with advanced booking.