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.
