Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Nibthwaite Grange Cottage

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 36269, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrixpottergallery

This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually changing exhibition of Potter's original artwork.

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015395 30153, Email, www.lakesaquarium.co.uk

Explore worlds of watery fun at Lakes Aquarium. Discover otters, pike, perch and char aswell as marmoset monkeys, caiman and British sharks and rays.

Barn Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HY, (7 miles, 11kms), Email, www.predatorexperience.co.uk

Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland by lake Windermere or the thrill of the Lakeland fells. Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Gift vouchers are available.

Cark in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL, (8 miles, 12kms), 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.

Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (5 miles, 7kms), Tel: 01229 860010, Email, www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk

Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The visitor centre includes the forest shop, Cafe in the Forest and Grizedale Mountain Bikes bike hire and shop.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD, (4 miles, 6kms), 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.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (6 miles, 10kms), 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.

Lakeside Pier Visitor Centre, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Steamers and launches sail daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. Additional summer routes. Timetabled services.

Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8NN, (5 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015395 31273, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover this lakeshore Victorian park on the east shore of Windermere. Just the place for families to enjoy access to Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.

Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AN, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015394 32733, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola

Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.

Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (5 miles, 7kms), Tel: 0845 6439215, Email, goape.co.uk/days-out/grizedale

Take to the trees and tackle an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides high above the forest floor. A great experience to share with friends and family, providing lots of thrills and laughs.

Low Newton, Newton-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JP, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015395 31498, Email, www.yewtreebarn.co.uk

The perfect place to find design-led crafts, jewellery, art, ceramics, furniture, accessories, cards and gifts. Featuring quality makers and designers, many from Cumbria.

Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TA, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 015395 30400, Email, www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.

A5087 Coast Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ, (8 miles, 12kms), 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.

Swarthmoor Hall Lane, Swarthmoor, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQ, (7 miles, 11kms), 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.

Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW, (6 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015394 41366, Email, www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk

There's something for everyone at Coniston Boating Centre, both on and off the water…

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015394 36541, Email, www.hawksheadtrout.com

Esthwaite Water is the largest stocked lake in the North West of England, offering renowned top of the water action in true loch style, set amidst breathtaking scenery. Tuition available. Tackle shop onsite.

Duddon Bridge, Nr Broughton in Furness, Millom, Cumbria, (8 miles, 12kms)

Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a long farm track from a minor road branching off the A595. Well worth the walk!

Ruskin Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8EH, (6 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015394 41533, Email, www.conistontic.org

Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JT, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 46139, Email, www.blackwell.org.uk

Blackwell is one of Britain's finest and most important houses from the turn of the last century, situated in a stunning setting overlooking lake Windermere.

Old Town Hall, The Square, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6JF, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 01229 716115, Email, www.lakedistrictinformation.com

Coronation Hall, County Square, Ulverston, LA12 7LZ, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01229 587120, Email, www.corohall.co.uk

Located just a few steps away from the Laurel & Hardy statue, in the entrance of The Coronation Hall, jointly operates the Coronation Hall box office.

Coniston Boatlandings, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AN, (6 miles, 9kms), Tel: 017687 75753, Email, www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally friendly way to enjoy beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.

Hawkshead Hill, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PW, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 015394 36451, Email, www.hawksheadhillbaptistchurch.org.uk/

The chapel is an historic Grade II listed building, recently renovated to create a light airy and friendly environment. Parking is available to the side of the adjoining cottage.

Haverthwaite Station, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 015395 31594, Email, www.lakesiderailway.co.uk

Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed restaurant, engine sheds, shop, picnic area