It has been an inspiration for writers and poets for centuries and today Cumbria and the Lake District are as beautiful and mesmerising as ever.
Whether you are planning to scale the Langdale Pikes, take a boat trip on Lake Windermere or simply wish to soak up the atmosphere of the Lakeland scenery, there's lots to see and do, and you can be assured of warm Cumbrian hospitality.
Cumbrian Tourist Information
www.golakes.co.uk
Dove Cottage and The Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere
Wordsworth's 400 year old home. Decorated in traditional style with original furniture and pieces owned by Wordsworth.
www.wordsworth.org.uk
Beatrix Potter Gallery, Ambleside
Gallery showing original book illustrations by Beatrix Potter.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, film theatre, gardens, adventure playground and information centre.
www.lake-district.gov.uk
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness
A magical indoor attraction that brings all 23 Beatrix Potter tales to life in 3D. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
www.hop-skip-jump.com
Hill Top, Ambleside
Beautiful 17th century house where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her famous children's stories.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Cars of The Stars Motor Museum, Keswick
A motor museum with a difference. It features vehicles from TV and film including Batmobiles, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and many more.
www.carsofthestars.com
Cumberland Pencil Museum, Keswick
Museum devoted to the history of pencil making. See the world's largest coloured pencil.
www.pencils.co.uk
Lakeland Miniature Village, Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating insight to the buildings of the Lakeland yesteryear. Over 120 buildings made from local Coniston slate.
www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
Discover the village in the hill. Named after Cumbria's Celtic Kingdom, Rheged is Europe's largest grass covered building and includes a cinema the size of six double decker buses, a major international mountaineering exhibition as well as superb shops.
www.rheged.com
South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Dalton-in-Furness
The ultimate interactive animal experience with rhinos, giraffes, lions, tigers, penguins and more.
www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
The Aquarium of the Lakes, Newby Bridge, Ulverston
A unique freshwater aquarium with over 30 displays showing otters, British sharks and rays. Incredible water tunnel with diving ducks.
www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk
Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
Stroke the rays and touch the starfish.
www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk
Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal
The North's premiere climbing centre for indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Experts or beginners.
www.kendalwall.co.uk
Fell Foot Country Park, Ullverston
Discover this lakeside Victorian Park on the East shore of Windermere. Just the place for families to enjoy a picnic and boat hire.
Tel: 015395 31273
Windermere Lake Cruises
Steamers and launches sail daily from various points around the lake offering breathtaking views of the Lakeland scenery.
www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Heritage steam engines haul open-top and cosy-covered carriages from the Lake District coastal village of Ravenglass to Eskdale.
www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
