Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Tirril Farm Cottages 

Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 017684 82356, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater

The tumbling waterfall of Aira Force, drops an impressive 65 feet and can be reached by strolling through ancient woodland and landscaped glades. The perfect place for a family and picnic.

Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HG, (2 miles, 3kms), Tel: 01931 712192, www.lowthercastle.org

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

Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TH, (6 miles, 10kms), 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.

Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF, (2 miles, 3kms), Tel: 01931 712 348, www.askhamhall.co.uk

Askham Hall has 12-acres of beautiful gardens (with an edible theme), an animal viewing area and a stylish rustic café.

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ, (1 miles, 2kms), 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.

Unthank, Nr. Hutton-in-the -Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TG, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017684 84538, Email, www.up-front.com

Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Changing exhibitions, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and puppet theatre.

Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017683 61893, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Tranquil, walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.

Little Salkeld, Nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1NN, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 01768 881523, Email, www.organicmill.co.uk

Historic watermill with organic tearoom, millshop and mill tours in a quiet beckside setting. Adult and children's baking and cooking courses.

Little Salkeld, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10, (8 miles, 13kms), www.visitcumbria.com/pen/longmeg.htm

Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).

Shap, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3QG, (8 miles, 13kms)

Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.

Penrith, Cumbria, CA10, (3 miles, 4kms), Tel: 01539 816300, Email, www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/

Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DW, (4 miles, 6kms)

Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.

Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NW, (2 miles, 4kms)

This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.

Robinson's School, Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT, (2 miles, 4kms), Tel: 01768 867466, Email, www.visiteden.co.uk

Gateway Tourist Information Centre providing an extensive range of information and services.

Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AA, (3 miles, 4kms), Tel: 01768 862488, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.

Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HB, (2 miles, 3kms), Tel: 017684 86450, Email, www.dalemain.com

A much loved historic family home, set against the grandeur and picturesque splendour of the lakeland fells and the surrounding parkland. Daleman has a delightful five acre plantsman's garden.

Pattinson Close, Hackthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HN, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 01524 761228, Email, www.kendalcalling.com

Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DR, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 01931 712767

Red Barn Gallery offers two exciting gallery spaces. Upstairs is devoted to contemporary painting and sculpture. Lower gallery showcases contemporary glass, ceramics and jewellery.