Attractions
The world of Beatrix Potter - meet Peter Rabbit and his friends in this exciting visitor centre. Beatrix Potter's characters are brought to life in this attraction which is open all year round. Tel 015394 88444. www.hop-skip-jump.com
Hill Top - Visit Beatrix Potters famous lakeland home and gardens, open to the public and owned by the National trust.
Brockhole and visitors centre - A great day out in beautiful landscaped grounds on Windermere lake shore, Adventure playground, Exhibitions, lake cruises, cafe and shop. Tel 015394 46601. www.lake-district.gov.uk
Rydal Mount - The grandest of Wordsworths homes, lived in from 1813 till 1850 when he died. The Grounds were lanscaped by the poet him self. open all year.Tel 015394 33002
Dove Cottage - Wordsworth lived here from 1799 to 1808 when he wrote most of his fine poetry. There are guided tours of the cottage. Also book and gift shop, tea rooms and restaurant. Reciprocal discount scheme with Rydal Mount and Wordsworth House. Tel 015394 35544. www.wordsworth.org.uk
Brantwood - Enjoy views of Coniston water and the old man at one of the most spectacularly sited houses in England, John Ruskins former home. Features exhibitions, including Ruskins paintings. Also bookshop, craft shop and restaurant, Garden and woodland trails. Open all year. Tel 015394 41396. www.brantwood.org.uk
Touchstone Interiors - Formaly The kirkstone slate gallery, Lakelands famous green slate works. Extensive showroom of contemporary gifts and slate products, plus cafe. Tel 015394 34002 www.touchstoneinteriors.com
Skelwith force - A beautiful series of river cascades in the River Brathey, can be found behind the slate gallery at Skelwith Bridge.
Rheged Discovery Centre - Europe's largest grass covered building with a spectacular underground visitor center. Contains exhibitions, local food and craft shops, restaurants and a giant screen cinema. Tel 01768 868000. www.rheged.com
Kendal Museum - Discover the history of Kendal and the lakes, including geology, plant and animal life information. Enjoy an interactive display bringing kendal castle to life. Displays include Roman artifacts and fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright's office. Tel 01539 721374. www.kendalmuseum.org.uk
Abbot Hall Art Gallery - Abbot hall is one of Britain's finest small art galleries, showing 18th century portraits, paintings of the lakes and also changing exhibitions. Childrens activity sheets accompany most exhibitions.
Museum of Lakeland life - This shows how people lived 200 years ago with displays including costumes, toys,victorian shops and a recration of Arthur Ransome's study. There is reduced admission for visitors going to both Abbot Hall and Museum of Lakeland life. Tel 015395 60321. www.abbothall.org.uk
Levens Hall - A fine Elizabethan mansion with wonderful topiary gardens. On Sundays and Bank Holidays enjoy a display of steam traction engines. Tea room and gift shop. Tel 015395 60321. www.levenshall.co.uk
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis - Acclaimed wildlife centre which takes you on an enjoyable journey through the animal world! perfect for a rainy day! Tel 015395 63027. www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk
Stott Park Bobbin Mill - Enjoy one of the best preserved 19th century working mills. Learn the fascinating story of the cotton industry by taking the free 45 minute tour. Tel 015395 31087
Grizedale Forest Park - Fun for the whole family! Features internationally famous sculptures work along beautiful woodland trails, forest shop, exhibitions, picnic areas, adventure playground, bike hire and tea rooms. Tel 01229 860010
Windermere Ferry - A good way to view Belle Isle and the lake, takes cars and passengers across windermere lake. Open all year.
Wrynose and Hardknott - Are the steepist passes in lakeland. Very exciting with hairpin bends and sheer drops. Take it slowly, use passing places and remember that cars coming up have right of way.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - The most beautiful train journey in England, Trains carry passingers 7 miles from the old roman port of Ravenglass along through Eskdale to Dalegarth station, hauled by either steam or diesel engines. Tel 01229 717171. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
