Christmas & New Year Opening Times
December 23, 2024
Actually it does rain rather a lot but as the saying goes… ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing!’ And, we have lots of great ideas for spending fun filled rainy days in the Lake District.
While Cumbria does have a high average rainfall, we rarely get the boring, and often miserable, cloud and drizzle that often blights the southern and eastern parts of the country for weeks on end. The light quality is often fantastic, particularly during the autumn, winter and spring.
Weather transitions in the lakes can be fast-moving and one can occasionally experience all 4 seasons in less than 24 hours.
Family camping holidays in the rain bring back nostalgic memories for most of us but things have moved on significantly in the last 30 years…
All of our grass pitches have a central core of fine round pea gravel, virtually eliminating the bottomless muddy area that would have formerly passed as a pitch. Yet these pitches retain the greenness of the pitch once the tent is up.
Camping and glamping pods provide a simple alternative to tents and eliminate the need for erecting and packing away tents in the rain.
Our Glamping Burrows come with a soft sleep ledge, WC and a large covered deck so you can sit out and admire the awesome alpine view while staying dry! We have a range of glamping accommodation to choose from to suit families of all sizes.
Lowther Castle, Gardens and Adventure playground
An interesting venue. Pretty castle, extensive gardens with glorious views and a new childrens playground (2016)
Rheged – Penrith
Tel: 01768 868000
An award winning family indoor day out. Named after Cumbria’s Celtic Kingdom, Rheged’s attractions include a cinema screen the size of 6 double decker buses. This is an excellent wet day venue but it does get VERY busy, so if you are going, make sure you are there early.
The Puzzling Place – Keswick
Tel: 017687 75102
The Puzzling Place is a Tourist Attraction that opened to the public in Museum Square, Keswick on the 7th of July 2001. It is the product of two years work by local brothers Tim and Andrew. Their aim was to open a gallery style exhibition that was different to anything experienced before, both in content and the relaxed, informal ambiance of the place that couples education with the elements of fun and surprise.
Penrith Swimming Pool
Tel: 01768 863450
In case you were not wet enough. Climbing wall here as well. Make sure you ask for a parking voucher at reception.
Zeffirellis Cinema and Jazz Cafe Bar – Ambleside
Tel: 015394 33845
Two separate multi-screen cinemas showing the hot films of the moment. Chill out in the cafe bar before or afterwards.
Penrith Cinema
Tel: 01768 862400
Two screens showing the current films. Watch out for the traffic warden, this is Penrith, or what is left of it…
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction – Bowness
Tel: 015394 88444
Hop down the road to Bowness and see Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle and all their friends at the definitive Beatrix Potter Attraction in the English Lake District.
Windermere Steamboats and Museum – Windermere
Tel: 015394 45565
Windermere Steamboats & Museum offers a unique and historic collection of Steam and Motor Boats, Steam Launch Trips, Shop and Refreshments, “Swallows and Amazons” Exhibition and a Model Boats boat pond with frequent demonstrations.
The Armitt Museum – Ambleside
Tel: 015394 31212
A unique place combining Library and Museum, scholarship and fun, art and entertainment. The Armitt encapsulates all that is best about Lakeland and its people and preserves that essence for future generations to enjoy. This is achieved by the generosity of countless benefactors and volunteers who together have created the building, collection and exhibitions. The Armitt has a superb collection of books and manuscripts, drawings and paintings, memorabilia and archaeological objects relating to an extraordinary gallery of famous Lake District characters.
Honister Slate Mines – Honister
Tel: 017687 77230
A great day out. A fully guided underground tour into the mine itself is available several times a day, detailing the history and spectacular features of the mine. Via Ferrata. Now includes ‘Climb the mine’ which looks fun. http://www.honister.com
Dalemain House
Tel: 017684 86450
dalemain.com
Dalemain is one of the most beautiful and impressive stately houses in the North West of England. The Estate includes the house, the gardens, tearooms and is home to the famous Marmalade Awards.
Aquarium of the Lakes – Lakeside Windermere
Tel: 015935 30153
More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway – Lakeside Windermere
Tel: 015395 31594
Travel through time in the Lake District – ride on the train and help to preserve steam on one of the last Furness railway branch lines.
Pencil Museum – Keswick
Tel: 017687 73626
Journey through the history of pencils and pencil making, with in depth information on such topics as: the History of Graphite Mining in Borrowdale, including a replica of Seathwaite Graphite Mine, Machinery Displays, Video Shows of Pencil Making & Artistic techniques, Children’s Drawing Corner and free Competition, Brass Rubbings, Artists’ Workshops.
The Lakeland Plastics Shop – Bowness
Tel: 015394 88100
Visit the recession beating Lakeland Plastics shop for a spot of retail therapy. Discover kitchen gadgets that you never even knew existed! The cafe upstairs is fairly good.
Cedar Gallery – Bowness
Tel: 01539 448009
This is where we got the prints of Windermere by Jeff Sudders that decorate the lodge.
Hayes Garden World – Ambleside
Tel: 015394 33434
More than just a garden centre, more like a small town, Hayes Garden World attracts in excess of a million visitors a year, with exciting new ideas and imaginative displays to enthuse the keenest gardener and shopping enthusiast alike.
A Cookery Course – Lucy’s – Staveley
Tel: 015394 32288
Discover a whole new approach to the preparation and cooking of food, in particular food produced in Cumbria, with an emphasis on food that is ‘sourced locally and cooked globally’. Whether you wish to learn the basics for life, find a new direction or simply escape the day to day routine, you’ll be thrilled at what Lucy’s have to offer.
Ullswater Steamers
Take a tour of arguably the most beautiful lake in the country.
The Keswick Climbing Wall
Tel: 017687 72000
The Keswick Climbing Wall and Activity centre has covered activities that will burn off some energy on those days when the weather means you don’t want to be outside.
Watch Swallows and Amazons Videocast
On the free Quiet Site WiFi
Ahead of the BBC’s 12-part series of Swallows and Amazons, planned for 2010, you can learn about the writer and the setting for the iconic children’s books. The books are based on the sailing adventures of four friends on holiday in the Lakes during the 1930s. If it’s too wet to venture out to Coniston, why not log onto www.golakes.co.uk to watch the story of Ransome and the area, so your genned up for when the sun comes out.
The Lake District Coast Aquarium – Maryport
The new-look Lake District Coast Aquarium, has opened a new extension, the Wild Solway Centre, which is currently housing a shark exhibition and film. Other exhibits include fish and invertebrates in 50 displays and fish feeding demonstrations. It costs £5.75 for adults and £3.75 for children.
Greenlands Farm Village – Near Carnforth, Lancashire/Cumbria Border
This open farm launched in April 2009 and is ideal for rainy days because its shops, activities, café and vast indoor play area are all under cover. There’s opportunities to buy local produce, crafts, organic toiletries, wine and plants, plus there’s a pottery. If it’s fine you can brave the picnic area and have hands-on experience with the farm animals, including pygmy goats, Shetland ponies and miniature sheep.
Moresby Hall – Whitehaven
The elegant Grade I listed Moresby Hall has launched cookery courses this year following the completion of a demonstration kitchen. Each session will teach you to make a starter, main course, pudding, vegetable dish and canapés. It lasts four hours and the £50 fee includes a recipe pack, foodie gift and lunch.
Dubwaite Silver Meadows – Keswick
Well, it is a wetland nature reserve, which makes this new centre a perfect trip for a drizzly day. At the north end of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, this new centre has 70 acres of reserves teeming with native birds and wildlife. No wellies needed – you can make your way round on the eco-friendly boardwalk made from recycled plastic.
Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness
At the new Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Garden you can jump into the scene of one of Potter’s famous stories. Shelter in the green house and potting shed if it’s too wet, then nip outside in a dry window to explore the gooseberry bushes, fruit trees and rows of radishes, lettuce and carrots (the plant varieties adhere strictly to those familiar to Beatrix Potter). The rest of the attraction is indoors. It costs £6.75 for adults, £3.50 for children.
Theatre by the Lake – Lakeside, Keswick
This stunning theatre, with views over Derwentwater, Borrowdale and the Western Fells, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style. It has a host of summer productions this year.
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