Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
££·Bowness
Things To Do
The best experiences, attractions, and hidden gems
Bookshop CafeBrunch Spot
Bookends
£·Ambleside
This independent bookshop and cafe combination creates the perfect refuge from Lake District weather. Locally roasted coffee pairs beautifully with homemade cakes while you browse literary treasures and plan your next fell adventure.
Traditional PubLocal Legend
Hole in t' Wall
££·Bowness
This legendary 17th century pub squeezes into the tiniest of spaces between buildings in Bowness, earning its quirky name. Local ales flow freely while hearty Cumberland sausage and proper pub grub satisfy hungry fell walkers.
Country InnDog Friendly
The Famous Wild Boar Hotel
£££·Windermere
This atmospheric coaching inn dating from the 1800s welcomes muddy boots and wet dogs with equal enthusiasm. Excellent gastropub food and real ales create the perfect base for exploring the southern Lakes.
Boat TripsMust Do
Windermere Lake Cruises
££·Windermere·Windermere
England's largest lake seen from the water is a different beast entirely. The full-length cruise from Ambleside to Lakeside is magnificent.
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HeritageFree Entry
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Keswick·Keswick
A 5,000-year-old stone circle set against a natural amphitheatre of fells. Free to visit, impossible to forget.
HeritageNational Trust
Hill Top - Beatrix Potter
££·Near Sawrey·Near Sawrey
Beatrix Potter's beloved farmhouse preserved exactly as she left it, with her garden still blooming. Pure Lake District charm.
AdventureUnique Experience
Honister Slate Mine
££·Honister Pass·Honister Pass
England's last working slate mine offers underground tours, via ferrata and infinity bridge experiences high above Buttermere valley.
Heritage RailwayFamily Favourite
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
££·Ravenglass·Ravenglass
A narrow-gauge steam railway weaving seven miles through Eskdale. The journey is the destination on 'La'al Ratty'.
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Museum
The Rum Story
££·Whitehaven·Whitehaven
Whitehaven's rum-smuggling past brought vividly to life in the original 1785 warehouse. Tastings included, obviously.
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HeritageCultural Landmark
Wordsworth Grasmere
££·Grasmere·Grasmere
Dove Cottage and the museum tell the story of England's greatest Romantic poet in the landscape that inspired him.
Outdoor Adventure
Grizedale Forest
£·Hawkshead·Hawkshead
Mountain biking, Go Ape, sculpture trails and walking routes through ancient woodland between Coniston and Windermere.
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Family AttractionFamily Friendly
Lakes Aquarium
££·Lakeside·Lakeside
A journey from mountain stream to ocean floor at the southern tip of Windermere. The otter feeding is a highlight for all ages.
Culture & Food
Rheged Centre
£·Penrith·Penrith
A grass-roofed cultural centre near Penrith housing exhibitions, a cinema and an excellent food hall celebrating Cumbria's producers.