Cumbria Tourist Attractions

Honister Slate Mine

Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN
Tel: 017687 77230     Web: www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk

The last working slate mine in England. Learn the history of the best and most beautiful Honister Green Slate. Fully guided tours into the mine are available. Those who dare and are over 1m30cm can try own Via Ferrata! Free entry to visitor centre.

Winderwath Gardens

Winderwath, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AG
Tel: 01768 88250

This four and a half acre garden, which is privately owned by Jane Pollock, is the true essence of a plantsman's garden, with every aspect of its creation built out of respect and love for plants. The garden is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, and Saturday morning 9am-12 noon, March to October. There are picnic tables overlooking the pond.

Dent Craft Centre

Helmside Dent, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5SY
Tel: 015396 25400     E-mail: carrol@dentcraftcentre.fsnet.co.uk

The Gallery Converted from an eighteenth century Hay Barn creates a perfect setting for the display of watercolours, crafts and prints many by artists and crafts people of the Dales. Choose from an enticing collection including Nidderdale boxes, bird sculptures, walking sticks and wooden bowls. Handmade cards, silk flowers, wool tops, waistcoats and travel rugs in Yorkshire wool. Pottery and ceramics from local studios, original water- colours, prints, silver jewellery and creative metalwork and there is much more to see. Tea Room Enjoy morning coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, outside in the garden absorbing the beauty of the Dale, or inside by the fire in a delightful room adorned with tools of yesteryear. Home-baked cakes and cookies, teas and fresh ground coffee are a popular treat. Filled baps and homemade wholesome soups satisfy the hearty appetite. Then there is the delicious ice cream, made in the Dales of course.

Farfield Mill Arts & Heritage Centre

Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LW
Tel: 015396 21958

Open daily 10-4.30 Easter to October and weekends-only November to Easter (school groups and parties mid-week by arrangement). The centre comprises: An arts & crafts gallery with a changing programme of exhibitions. Workshops and studios for resident artists & craft workers. A permanent Heritage exhibition. Weaving room with some of the original Dobcross looms. JJ's at the Mill - our riverside coffee shop/restaurant. A well-stocked shop full of the work produced on-site as well as other locally-produced items.

Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre

Egremont Rd, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0QX
Tel/Fax: 01900 822673     E-mail: liz@sheep-woolcentre.co.uk

Here is a hands on opportunity to meet Cumbria's most famous residents. Visitors are guaranteed a wonderfully woolly experience as they are brought face-to-face with 19 different breeds of live sheep during the indoor presentation. Experience the skills of the sheep shearer, and in the 300 seat arena, you will be shown how highly trained sheep dogs can skilfully handle a flock. Entertaining, yes - but also both fascinating and educational. There is a restaurant, and a a shop stocking a wide variety of goods. Within the building is the Western Lake District Visitor Centre, which gives you an opportunity to discover why the Western Lakes and Coast is a very special part of Cumbria with its own distinctive character, history, landscape and culture.

Eskdale Historic Water Corn Mill

Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TG
Tel: 019467 23335     E-mail: eskdalemill@supanet.com

Situated in the beautiful Eskdale Valley, Eskdale Mill is the oldest working corn mill in England, dating from the 13thC. The 2 waterwheels are driven by Whillan Beck as it tumbles down from Scafell. Visitors can take refreshments in the lovely mill grounds, with waterfalls, millpond and wild scenery all around.

Wetheriggs Country Pottery Ltd

Clifton Dykes, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DH
Tel: 01768 892733    Fax: 01768 892722
E-mail: info@wetheriggs-pottery.co.uk

Visitors may see the old workings, the restored Steam Engine and the potters at work. There are pottery and craft shops, and a tea-room. In the 7 acres of beautiful surroundings, there is much to observe of the natural world; there is a newt pond, and a collection of rare pigs. There are children's play areas, and a 'have a go' area for children to throw their own pots, or paint models. Open daily, 10am - 5.30pm except Christmas holidays. Free admission.

Gleaston Watermill

Gleaston, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0QH
Tel: 01229 869244     E-mail: info@watermill.co.uk

Gleaston Water Mill is an imposing water corn mill that has been part of the local tradition for over 400 years. Located close to the ruins of Gleaston Castle, the present buildings date from 1774, with the impressive wooden gearing being original to the 1700's. Lovingly restored by the present owners, visitors to the mill will see the 18 foot water wheel and milling machinery operational most days. There are informative talks and tours throughout the season; a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of our predecessors. There are displays of discoveries from recent archaeological digs. The Dusty Miller licensed cafe-restaurant serves a superb selection of hot and cold food, homemade with local produce. The Pigs Whisper Country Store has a variety of gifts, mementos.and1000’s of collectable pigs.

Lake District Sheepdog Experience

Troutal Farm, Seathwaite, Duddon Valley, Cumbria, LA20 6EF
Tel: 01229 716235     E-mail: info@troutalfarm.co.uk
Web: www.lakedistrictsheepdogexperience.co.uk

One of the "most exciting" leisure activities for Cumbria and the English Lake District, providing you and your party with a unique and rewarding experience. Learn all about the fantastic Border Collie breed and experience the joy of handling one of our friendly and fully trained sheepdogs under instruction.

Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd

Winander House, Glebe Road, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HE
Tel: (015394) 43360    Fax: (015394) 40341
E-mail: mail@windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Web: www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Lake Cruise in the heart of the Lake District.

Ullswater Steamers

The Pier House, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US
Tel: 017684 82229   Fax: 017684 82669     E-mail: hello@ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Web: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is an award winning Lake District attraction celebrating their 150th year

Lakes Aquarium

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AS
Tel: 015395 30153    Fax: +44 (0)15395 30152    
E-mail: info@lakesaquarium.co.uk    Web: www.lakesaquarium.co.uk

The Lakes Aquarium is top of the list of where to go and what to do in the Lake District

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Borrowdale

Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Road, Keswick, CA12 5UP
Tel: 017687 73780 (Shop/info)    017687 74649 (Property office & fax)
E-mail: borrowdale@nationaltrust.org.uk

Spectacular and varied landscape around Derwentwater. This is the location of the Trust’s first acquisition in the Lake District, Brandelhow Woods, on the lakeshore. Total NT protection in the area today covers 11,806ha (29,173 acres), including eleven farms, half of Derwentwater (including the main islands), the hamlet of Watendlath and sites with literary or historical interest such as the Bowder Stone, Friar’s Crag, Ashness Bridge and Castlerigg Stone Circle, a free-standing megalithic monument of 38 stones near Keswick.

Buttermere and Ennerdale

Beckfoot, Ennerdale, CA23 3AU
Tel: 019468 61235    Fax: 019468 61235
E-mail: buttermere@nationaltrust.org.uk

Tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, encompassing three lakes. This area of 3588ha (8866 acres) of fell and common land includes the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater, seven farms and woodland, as well as lakeshore access to Ennerdale Water. The famous Pillar Rock can be found in the high fells to the south, and there are extensive prehistoric settlements on the fells south of Ennerdale. Fishing and boats are available on Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.

Talkin Tarn Country Park

Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1HN
Tel: 016977 3129

Talkin Tarn Country Park lies nine miles east of Carlisle and two mile south of Brampton on the B6413 Castle Carrock road. There is a 65 acre lake set amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland. The tarn is an ideal place for active recreation or a quiet stroll through the mature woodlands. The tarn is glacial in origin, being formed about 10000 years ago, and is fed by underground streams. You can sail, windsurf, canoe or hire one of the wooden rowing boats.
 

Fishing is available at the Tarn. There is a small camping and caravan site, and a permanent orienteering course is laid out around the park. The shop hires mountain bikes and there are suggested routes taking you through beautiful countryside. There is a 1.3 mile path round the tarn which is suitable for wheelchairs. The Boathouse Tea Room has superb views of the tarn, and a blazing log fire. An adjoining gift shop sells a wide range of items, many 'Made in Cumbria'. A variety of events are held throughout the year ranging from activity days and fun days to craft fairs.

Coniston & Tarn Hows

Boon Crag, Coniston, LA21 8AQ
Tel: 015394 41197 (Property Manager) 015394 41172 (Warden)    Fax: 015394 41197
E-mail: coniston@nationaltrust.org.uk

Landscape of fell, meadow and woodland around Coniston Water. The area looked after by the Trust covers some 2695ha (6660 acres) and includes twelve farms, the well-known Tarn Hows beauty spot with its magnificent views of the mountains, and Little Langdale, which shows several signs of early settlement, including the Thingmount (a Norse meeting place) by Fell Foot Farm. There is access to the lakeshore of Coniston Water.

Fell Foot Park

Newby Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8NN
Tel: 015395 31273    Fax: 015395 39926
E-mail: fellfootpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

This Victorian park, restored to its former glory, offers substantial access to the lakeshore of Windermere, where there are leisure facilities in season. Fine picnic areas and rowing boat hire make this property particularly rewarding for families. Spring and early summer bring impressive displays of daffodils, followed by rhododendrons, and there are magnificent views of the Lakeland fells.

Grasmere and Great Langdale

High Close, Loughrigg, Ambleside, LA22 9HH
Tel: 015394 37663    Fax: 015394 37131
E-mail: grasmere@nationaltrust.org.uk

Picturesque and varied landscape with Wordsworth connections. The area of 4925ha (12,170 acres) with ten farms includes the protection of the famous Langdale Pikes. It also encompasses the popular White Moss Common, the glaciated valley of Mickleden, a Victorian garden at High Close (currently being restored) and dramatic Dungeon Ghyll, as well as the bed of Grasmere lake and part of Rydal Water.

Hawkshead and Claife

c/o Unit 9, Scutcheon Buildings, Far Sawrey, LA22 0LQ
Tel: 015394 47997    Fax: 015394 47997
E-mail: hawkshead@nationaltrust.org.uk

Classic Lakeland village. The village is surrounded by beautiful scenery, much of which is owned by the Trust, including 4 miles of access along Windermere lakeshore from Ash Landing to Low Cray Bay. Claife Woodlands and the low-lying small farms between Hawkshead and Lake Windermere are typical of the area. Just north of the village is the Courthouse, which dates from the 15th century and is all that remains of the village manorial buildings (once held by Furness Abbey). Claife Station, on the west bank of Windermere, is a late 18th-century viewing station with glimpses of the lake. Wray Castle is currently let as a college, with limited access to the grounds and occasional access to the castle, tel. property office for details.

Ullswater and Aira Force

Tower Buildings, Watermillock, Penrith, CA11 0JS
Tel: 017684 82067    Fax: 017684 82802
E-mail: ullswater@nationaltrust.org.uk

Beautiful lake winding through a glaciated valley, and an impressive waterfall. Dramatic walks around Aira Force waterfall, renowned in Victorian times as a beauty spot, provide one of the highlights of the Trust’s ownership in the valley. This totals 5242ha (13,000 acres) of fell and woodland, and six farms (including Glencoyne, the largest). There is access to parts of Brotherswater and Ullswater, site of Wordsworth’s famous daffodils.

Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon

The Lodge, Wasdale Hall, Wasdale, CA20 1ET
Tel: 019467 26064    Fax: 019467 26115
E-mail: wasdale@nationaltrust.org.uk

Vast area of open country from wild Wasdale to the River Duddon estuary. Here the Trust owns England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater, which is surrounded by impressive scree slopes. Almost the whole of the head of Wasdale is NT-owned, including Great Gable and the famous historic wall patterns at the valley head. Lower down the valley is the wooded and tranquil Nether Wasdale Estate. Over 7000ha (17,000 acres) and eleven farms are covered. In neighbouring Eskdale, Trust protection covers extensive areas of fell, six farms and Hardknott Roman Fort. In the beautiful Duddon valley the Trust cares for almost 3000ha (7400 acres) and nine farms.

Windermere and Troutbeck

St Catherine’s, Patterdale Road, Windermere, LA23 1NH
Tel: 015394 46027    Fax: 015394 46027
E-mail: windermere@nationaltrust.org.uk

Fine varied walking country around popular Lake Windermere. This property includes the beautiful and secluded head of the Troutbeck valley, as well as several sites next to Windermere and six farms. One of these, Troutbeck Park, was once owned by Beatrix Potter and was her largest farm. Ambleside Roman Fort, tiny Bridge House in Ambleside and Cockshott Point on the lake at Bowness-on-Windermere are all popular places to visit. Footpaths lead from Ambleside over Wansfell to the Troutbeck Valley and offer high-level views and contrasting valley landscapes. A community Education Officer is based at the property and educational group visits and other activities can be arranged.

The Fairy Hills of Cumbria

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South Walney Nature Reserve

1 Coast Guard Cottages, Walney, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQ
Tel: 01229 471066     E-mail: southwalney@care4free.net

South Walney Nature Reserve has Europe's largest colony of herring and lesser black-backed gulls with around 30,000 pairs breeding on the 130 hectares and is one of the most important eider duck colonies in the country. Thousands of waders and waterfowl spend the winter months feeding and roosting on and around the reserve. In spring and autumn a large range of migrant birds pass through the site along with the occasional exciting rarity. Shingle beaches on the reserve hold an important and rich flora including yellow-horned poppy, sea kale, sea campion and biting stonecrop. On disturbed ground, such as around the gravel workings, there are spectacular displays of viper's bugloss, henbane, houndstongue and great mullein. The dunes are enriched by gull droppings resulting in domination by ragwort, thistles and nettles, all of which support an abundance of butterflies, moths and other colourful invertebrates.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Hale, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7BW
Tel: 015395 63027     E-mail: mail@wildlifeoasis.co.uk

The Wildlife Oasis is unique in Cumbria - half zoo and half museum it combines the opportunity of seeing exotic wildlife with interactive "hands on" exhibits. The collection of animals ranges from starfish to monkeys, and creatures such as poison arrow frogs, chameleons and flying foxes, which are rarely seen in captivity. For those rainy days there is the butterfly house and tropical halls, where the birds, bats and butterflies can fly free, and where exhibits range from a colony of leaf cutting ants to the worlds smallest monkeys, the pygmy marmosets.

South Lakes Wild Animal Park Ltd

Crossgates, Broughton Rd, Dalton-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8JR
Tel: 01229 466086     E-mail: office@wildanimalpark.co.uk

The Lake District's only zoological park is recognised as one of Europe's leading conservation zoos. The rolling 17 acres are home to the rarest animals on earth; they are participants in co-ordinated breeding programmes to save them from almost certain extinction in the wild. We have been called the most animal-friendly zoo in Britain because of our unique way of looking after the animals. Many have complete freedom to wander at will, such as lemurs, exotic parrots, kangaroos and wallabies.

Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre

Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH
Tel: 01931 712746

Situated in the walled garden of Lowther Castle, surrounded by unspoilt parkland, visitors are able to see over 150 falcons, hawks, eagles, buzzards and owls from this country and abroad. These delightful surroundings are a perfect backdrop to the birds displayed and flown in the sport of falconry, and that are exercised daily at the flying demonstrations. The birds are displayed inside the walled area, which provides an ideal location for the aviaries which are designed to suit each bird's individual needs. The flying birds are housed in weathering shelters, sat on blocks, falconry fashion. The birds are flown three times daily, weather permitting, a rare chance to see these magnificent birds flown free. There are tea rooms, and a craft and gift shop.

Eden Ostrich World

Langwathby Hall Farm, Langwathby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1LW
Tel: 01768 881771     E-mail: enquiries@ostrich-world.com

Eden Ostrich World is situated on a working farm in the beautiful Eden valley. The centre is also home to rare breeds of cattle, horses, donkeys, shire horses, outdoor pigs, goats, red deer, ducks and geese! The obvious attraction of the farm are the African Black Ostriches themselves. The farm runs a breeding program and between May and October it is possible to watch the chicks hatching from their (very large) eggs.

Aquarium of the Lakes

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AS
Tel: 015395 30153    Fax: 015395 30152

Open daily from 9am to 6pm (5pm Winter). Last admission 1 hour before closing.
Closed Christmas Day. Wheelchair access to all displays. Set on the shore of Lake Windermere at Lakeside, the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes is the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish. Over 30 naturally-themed habitats are home to everything from pike and mischievous otters to sharks and rays. Stroll along the re-created lakebed surrounded by carp and diving ducks in the giant walkthrough Windermere display. After visiting the Aquarium take the opportunity to enjoy the Café at the Quay and a wide range of delicious snacks and hot and cold drinks surrounded by breathtaking views across the lake…then browse in the quayside shops offering an extensive range of gifts and souvenirs to suit all occasions.

Lake District Sheepdog Experience

Troutal Farm, Seathwaite, Duddon Valley, Cumbria, LA20 6EF
Tel: 01229 716235     E-mail: info@troutalfarm.co.uk
Web: www.lakedistrictsheepdogexperience.co.uk

One of the "most exciting" leisure activities for Cumbria and the English Lake District, providing you and your party with a unique and rewarding experience. Learn all about the fantastic Border Collie breed and experience the joy of handling one of our friendly and fully trained sheepdogs under instruction.

Trotters World of Animals

Coalbeck Farm, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RD
Tel: 017687 76239     E-mail: info@trottersworld.com

With a collection of more than 500 animals, a day out at Trotters Animal Farm will give you an opportunity to pet both domestic and more exotic animals including 'Monty' the python and his reptilian friends. Set in 25 acres, there is plenty to see, including falconry displays, talks about the more exotic animals, milking demonstration and opportunities to try milking a goat yourself. Feeding the animals takes place several times each day and food can be bought to feed them at the shop. In the long barn you can see smaller pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits and visit mouseworld. There are also pony rides and tractor rides. Visit fantasy land where a combination of animated figures and live animals bring fairy tails to life. Picnic and rest areas are provided, and there is a restaurant and shop.

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