Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Blenheim Lodge

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.

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.

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.

Mawbray Hayrigg, Silloth, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 4LL, Tel: 016973 32020, Email, www.gincase.co.uk

This has something for everyone. The Farm Park has lots of friendly farm animals in 16 paddocks, large Playbarn with huge indoor play area and more; a Cumbrian Craftbarn and Tearoom.

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Otley House, Otley Road, Keswick, CA12 5LE, Tel: 017687 80042, Email, www.keswickdino.com

A living museum with live birds of prey, along with fossils and life size dinosaur models.

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.

The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BY, Tel: 017687 80700, Email, www.keswickbrewery.co.uk

A small family-run brewery set up with quality and environmental issues at it's heart. Brewery tours and shop available.

The Old Bank, The Promenade, Arnside, Lancashire, LA5 0HA, Tel: 01524 761762, Email, www.gallery-h.co.uk

Leading international contemporary and traditional design collections of fine art, furniture and jewellery pieces. Exhibitions are held throughout the year. Online shopping at www.galleryh.co.uk

Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, CA6 4QL, Tel: 01228 573056, Email, www.walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals, try out our exciting indoor and outdoor play areas and explore our nature trail. Our Curly Tails Cafe is open from 10.00 until 17.00.

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ, Tel: 01768 868000, Email, www.rheged.com

With 10 fantastic shops, 3 tasty cafes, pottery painting, indoor & outdoor play, a giant cinema screen, plus 5 exhibitions a year in our Gallery, 4 TIC pods and lots of family events in the school holidays, there is plenty to do at Rheged.

Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, 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.

Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, Tel: 01228 618718, Email, www.tulliehouse.co.uk

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent choice for a great day out for all of the family.

Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW, Tel: 017687 78469, Email, www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk

Whinlatter Forest Park is England's only true mountain forest. Rising to 790 metres above sea level Whinlatter offers spectacular views of the Lake District and into Scotland.

Waterhead Pier, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EY, Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than just a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch cruises, buffet cruises, corporate hospitality, public sailings, group travel.Steamers and launches sail daily throughout the year from Waterhead.

Low Sizergh Farm, Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE, Tel: 015395 60426, Email, www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk

National award-winning farm shop, tea room and craft gallery in a fabulous barn on a woking family dairy farm in the South Lakes.

Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BH, Tel: 01539 722975, Email, www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk

Explore 350 years of social history beautifully illustrated within 77 inspiring, colourful, modern embroidered panels. Shop, Cafe, audio guides, film, interactive displays, children's activities.

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.

The Coach House, Winder Lane, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7LE, Tel: 015395 58500, Email, www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com

A fascinating insight to the buildings of Lakelands yesteryear. Buildings made from local Coniston slate. Depict Cumbrian houses and farms all hand-made by Edward Robinson. Oriental garden.

Barn Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HY, 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.

The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0US, Tel: 017684 82229, Email, www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

The ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the lake District

Myers Farm, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 0SW, Tel: 01524 701601, Email, www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss

Nature reserve with special wildlife, nature trails with birdwatching hides, RSPB shop, visitor centre and tea room. A great day out.