Browsing attractions

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, Tel: 015394 35544, Email, www.wordsworth.org.uk

Wordsworth's most famous home where he lived from 1799 to 1808. This hub of art, literature and creativity has a programme of exhibitions and events from craft workshops, poetry readings and free children’s activities.

Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD, Tel: 016977 47602, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Standing high above a meander in one of the most picturesque locations, Birdoswald was an important base for some 1000 roman soldiers.

Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR, Tel: 01228 625600, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/carlislecastle

A massive medieval fortress founded to protect historic city of Carlisle in 1092. Hear about its role in sieges and stories about the ghastly prison.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, Tel: 015394 36269, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hilltop

Beatrix Potter's small cottage, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.

Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TH, Tel: 017684 84449, Email, www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

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.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD, Tel: 015394 41396, Email, www.brantwood.org.uk

Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.

Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE, Tel: 015395 60951, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh/

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.

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ, Tel: 01229 717614, Email, www.muncaster.co.uk

Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland fells. World Owl Centre home to over 40 species.

Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA, Tel: 015394 33250, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/

A Victorian mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Lake Windermere. Empty of original furniture, guided tours, children's activities, café, grounds extending to the lake.

Cark in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL, Tel: 015395 58328, Email, www.holker.co.uk

Family home to the Cavendish's, Victorian wing, glorious gardens and parkland, woodlands, food hall, gift shop and courtyard cafe.

Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HG, Tel: 01931 712192, www.lowthercastle.org

Gardens and castle abandoned for 70 years now being restored. 130 acres of gardens dating back to 17thC.

Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9RX, Tel: 01900 824805, Email, www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk

Wordsworth House and Garden was the childhood home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy.

Levens, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD, Tel: 015395 60321, Email, www.levenshall.co.uk

Elizabethan mansion and world famous topiary gardens designed by M Beaumont in 1694, fountain garden and buttery, licenced restaurant and gift shop.

Kirklinton, Carlisle, CA6 6BB, Tel: 016977 48292, Email, www.kirklintonhall.co.uk

Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QZ, Tel: 015394 35143, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grasmere

Swarthmoor Hall Lane, Swarthmoor, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQ, Tel: 01229 583204, Email, www.swarthmoorhall.co.uk

Swarthmoor Hall is a 16th Century country house set in beautiful gardens and grounds in 130 acres of farmland.Visitors comment on its sense of place – of the people who have lived here, its tranquillity and beauty.

Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE, Tel: 017687 72287, Email, www.mirehouse.com

Family-run historic house with strong literary connections. Live piano music and children's quiz in the house. Woodland playgrounds, heather maze, lakeside and poetry walk in the grounds.Great tearoom specialising in Cumbrian food.

A5087 Coast Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ, Tel: 01229 584029, Email, www.manjushri.org

Superb example of a romantic Gothic mansion with unique Kadampa Buddhist Temple dedicated to World Peace. Fascinating 1-hour guided tour of the house and Temple brings alive the history of the Priory since 1160. Beautiful woodland gardens.