Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Fellcroft Cottage 

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

Appleby & Carlisle, TR27 9AD, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 0845 3102458, Email, www.statesmanrail.com

A steam-hauled train over the Settle and Carlisle railway with sightseeing in Appleby or Carlisle.

Rail Route: Lancaster-Preston-Blackburn-Clitheroe-Long Preston

The Coach House, Winder Lane, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7LE, (6 miles, 9kms), 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.

Cark in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL, (4 miles, 7kms), 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.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD, (7 miles, 11kms), 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, (7 miles, 11kms), 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, (2 miles, 3kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

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

The Old Bank, The Promenade, Arnside, Lancashire, LA5 0HA, (7 miles, 12kms), 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

The Promenade, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HQ, (8 miles, 13kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

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

Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (6 miles, 10kms), 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.

Barn Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HY, (2 miles, 4kms), 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.

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.

Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TA, (0.2 miles, 0.3kms), 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.

Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (6 miles, 10kms), 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.

Airfrield Farm, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7LS, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015395 59293, Email, www.duckysparkfarm.co.uk

Children's open farm visitor centre.

Low Newton, Newton-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JP, (3 miles, 5kms), 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.

Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8NN, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (7 miles, 11kms), 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.

A5087 Coast Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01229 584029, Email, www.manjushri.org

Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach. Guided tour at 2.30pm on Weekends and BHs.

Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JT, (7 miles, 11kms), 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.

Victoria Hall, Main Street, Grange, LA11 6DP, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015395 34026

Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HJ, (8 miles, 13kms), Email, www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Situated on the shores of Windermere, Englands longest lake. Opposite the main steamer pier. Good range of local gifts, fully accessible. Wheelchairs available to hire.

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.

Haverthwaite Station, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, (0.6 miles, 0.9kms), 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