local attractions

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

Dalton In Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8JR

Telephone: 01229 466086

The ultimate interactive animal experience where you get close to wildlife and can hand feed giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs and more. Aerial walkways and viewpoints bring you even closer to wildlife and the large restaurant overlooks the African Savannah.

Opening Times:

26th March - November 10am - 5pm Daily

November - Easter 10am - 4.30pm Daily

Admission Prices:

Adult £10.50

Child £7.00

World Of Beatrix Potter

The Old Laundry, Bowness On Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX

Step into the world of Miss Potter and experience all 23 of her magical tales brought to life using sights, sounds and even smells. Following a major refurbishment, the World of Beatrix Potter has even more to see and do! In an indoor recreation of the Lakeland countryside you will be able to call on Mrs Tiggy Winkle in her kitchen and identify the animal clothes hanging on the washing line, wander into the woodland glade to meet Jemima Puddleduck and the scary foxy whiskered gentleman and creep with Peter Rabbit through the garden and peep insude Mr McGregors greenhouse. There is also the chance to find out more about the fascinating life of Beatrix Potter with the "Tale Of Mrs Heelis" presentation and take a walk in her footsteps with the Beatrix Potter visual walks.

Opening Times:

Summer 10am - 5.30pm

Winter 10am - 4.30pm

Admission Prices:

Adults £6.00

Children £3.00

Steam Yacht Gondola

Pier Cottage, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AJ

Telephone: 015394 41288

Gondola is a rebuilt elegant coal fired steam yacht providing the most wonderful, nostalgic sailing experience. The original Gondola was first launched in 1859 and the present day Gondola reflects and brings to life the splendour and luxury of the Victorian era. Not only can passengers enjoy the stunning backdrop provided by the Coniston fells and its majestic lake, they can relax in the opulently unholstered saloons and marvel at the gentle gliding motion of this vessel. This graceful yacht is part and parcel of the history and heritage of Coniston and plies the lake every year between April and October. The Gondola operates a seven day service from Coniston pier to Brantwood jetty with round trips of approximately 45 minutes. On Saturdays, Gondola will call at Monk coniston jetty at the far northern tip of Coniston water. This will allow passengers the opportunity to combine a cruise on Gondola with a gentle ramble to the famous Victorian beauty spot, Tarn Hows. This new route will enable passengers to see Pier Cottage, Gondolas home and Donald Campbells base for Bluebird in the 50's and 60's.

All sailings are weather permitting. If the weather looks doubtful, please call 015394 41288 to check whether Gondola is sailing.

Opening Times:

1st April - 31st October Daily Last sailing 4pm

Admission Prices:

Adult £6.00

Child £3.00

Family £15.00

Fell Foot Park

Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8NN

Telephone: 015395 31273

Fell Foot park is a country park beside Lake Windermere. It offers substantial access to the lakeshore, fine picnic areas and rowing boat hire.Fell Foot Park boasts an impressive display of daffodils and rhododendrons in spring and summer and there are magnificent views of the Lakeland fells.

Opening Times:

All Year 9am - 5pm Daily

Shop & Tea Room

17th Mar - 29th Oct 11am - 5pm Daily

Duckys Park Farm

Airfield Farm, Flookburgh, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7LS

Telephone: 015395 59293

Duckys Park Farm is a childrens open farm and visitor centre with indoor soft play, outdoor play, education centre and animal interaction area. There are also go-carts, a bouncy castle, cafe and picnic area.

Opening Times:

1st May - 30th Sept 10.30am - 5pm Daily

1st Oct - 31st Dec 10.30am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday only

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day

Admission Prices:

Adult £4.50

Child £3.50 under 1 year free

Family £13.00

Honister Slate Mine

Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, CA12 5XN

Telephone: 017687 77230

The last working slate mine in England where you can take guided mine tours deep underground or browse the visitors centre. Enjoy home cooked food in Honisters Yew Tree pub/restaurant. Learn the history of the best and most beautiful Honister green slate. Join a mine tour and go deep underground, exploring the awesome taverns. Learn how the Victorian miners worked using hand tools by candle light. Those who dare and are over the age of 8 can go into the oldest part of the mines via the edge route!. See how we make roofing slate and maybe get to have a go.

Opening Times:

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm

Closed 22nd Dec 2007 to 15th Jan 2008

Admission Prices:

Vary dependent on the tour chosen

Lakeside And Haverthwaite Steam Railway

Opening Times:

31st March - 28th Oct 9.15am - 6.30pm Daily

Aquarium Of The Lakes

The Aquarium of The Lakes is a unique fresh water aquarium situated on the southern shore of Lake Windermere. Recreating the journey of a river from mountain top to sea, the Aquariums stunning displays bring you face to face with an array of life found in and around the Lakes. See Lakelands menacing pike, char, otters and giant carp. Discover the underwater tunnel complete with diving ducks and the Morecambe Bay displys with sharks and rays from around the Cumbrian coast. With plasma screen documentaries, film presentations, information boards, a childrens quiz trail as we as daily talks and presentations, the Aquarium of the Lakes is a unique all weather attraction.

The Lakeland Motor Museum

The Lakeland Motor Museum houses an extensive and fascinating collection extending to some 20,000 exhibits, including cars, motorcycles, tractors, bicycles, pedal cars amd engines plus perhaps the largest display of automobilia on public display in the UK. The Campbell Legend Bluebird Exhibition pays tribute to world land and water speed record breakers, Sir Malcom and son Donald Campbell. Highlights include full size detailed replicas of the 1935 Bluebird car and the famous Jet Hydoplane, Bluebird K7. There is even a replica of Donald Campbell's lucky mascot, teddy bear Mr Whoppit, together with continuous video detailing the lives, careers, failures and acheivements of these childhood heroes.

Opening Times:

3rd Feb - 28th Oct 10am-4.45pm

Lakeland Limited

Alexandra Buildings, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BQ

Telephone: 015394 88100

The original creative kitchenware store and "First Floor" Cafe.

Opening Times:

Mon - Fri 8.00am - 7.00pm

Sat 9.00am - 6.00pm

Sun 11.00am - 5.00pm

Hayes Garden Centre

Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DW

Telephone: 015394 33434

Set amidst breathtaking Lakeland scenery at Ambleside , Hayes Garden World is an attraction for all seasons. Renowned for an extensive range of quality gardening and leisure products, Hayes stocks the largest collection of bulbs and more varieties of outdoor, seasonal and house plants than anyone else in the UK. Every year they offer a dazzling array of Christmas displays, specially selected novelties and presents from all over the world. There is also a comprehensive selection of garden, conservatory and indoor furniture, traditional and contempory giftware and pots and planters to suit all tastes. The range of sheds, fencing, arbours and decking offer inspired outdoor living. There are also a selection of Spas and Saunas.

Opening Times:

Mon - Sat 9.00am - 6.00pm

Sun 11.00am - 5.00pm

Windermere Lake Cruises

The Promenade, Bowness On Windermerre, Cumbria, LA23

Windermere Lake Cruises offer cruises throughout the year between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside.

Admission Prices:

Adult £5.80 upwards

Ullswater Steamers

The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone: 017684 82229

Ullswater steamers offer 1 or 2 hour cruises giving access to some of the most beautiful walks in the Lake District. Howtown Pier gives access to may spectacular walks.

Admission Prices:

Adult £3.90 - £8.80

Child £1.95 - £4.40

Golf

There are numerous golf courses in the area:

Grange Fell:

Fell Road, Grange Over Sands.

Telephone: 015395 32536

Hillside golf course with magnificent views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding Lakeland mountains. 9 holes, 5278 yards, Par 70, SSS 66

Visitors can play Mon - Sat. £12 per day

Windermere:

Clearbarrow, Bowness, LA23 3NB

Telephone: 015394 43123

Enjoyable golf on a short, slightly hilly but sporting course in this delightful area of the Lake District with superb views of the mountains. 18 holes, 5122 yards, Par 67, SSS 65. Visitors contact club 7 days before play. £23 per day

Ulverston:

Bardsea Park, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QJ

Telephone: 01229 582824

Inland golf with many medium length holes on undulation parkland. The 17th is a testing Par 4. Overlooking Morecambe Bay the course offers extensive views to the Lakeland Fells. 18 holes, 6201 yards, Par 71, SSS 70. Visitors must telephone in advance and be a member of an accredited golf club with a handicap certificate. Visitors may not play on Saturday competition days or on Tuesday Ladies Day.

Lakeland Bird Of Prey Centre

Lowther, Near Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH

Telephone: 01931 712746

The Lakeland Bird Of Prey Centre is a sanctuary for birds of prey set in the walled garden and parkland of Lowther Castle. There are a large collection of hawks, eagles, falcons and owls from around the world. Flying demonstrations take place daily (weather permitting) and visitors can have the chance to fly a bird. The tea room serves home made cakes and scones, light lunches and snacks.

Opening Times:

April - Oct 11am - 5pm

South Tynedale Railway

The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB

Telephone: 01434 382828

Buy your ticket in the restored Victorian station building for a leisurely ride through the beautiful South Tyne Valley. The trains are hauled by preserved steam and diesel engines from Britain and abroad. The return trip to Kirkhaugh takes about 45 minutes. Alston Station provides a gift shop, and a cafe and the town of Alston is a five minute walk from the station. There is a permanent model railway exhibition of 6 layouts in different gauges plus hands on items for children and a fun quiz.

Opening Times:

August - Daily 10.45am - 4.45pm

September - Open weekends only, closed weekend of 29th & 30th

October - Open 27th and 28th

November - Closed

December - Open weekend only until 23rd

Admission Prices:

Adult - From £300

Child - From £1.50

Whitehaven Marine Adventures

Telephone: 07967 967038

Eco trips exploring the Lake District coast, something for everyone, fun, thrills and wildlife.

Admission Prices

Adult £20

Child £10

Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre

Low Wood, Windermere, LA23 1LP

Telephone: 015394 39441

Activities include waterskiing, wayfarer sailing, Bungee trampoline, kayak and canoe tuition, sit on top kayak hire, open canoe hire, climbing wall, rowing boat hire, motor boat hire and sailing boat hire.

Opening Times:

Easter - November Daily

Admission Prices

Dependant on activity

Lakeland Sheep And Wool Centre

Egremont Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria

Telephone: 01900 822673

The Lakeland Sheep and Wool centre is an indoor attraction so you can visit it what ever the weather! The centre offers a real hands on opportunity to meet many different breeds of live farm animals during the indoor presentation. You can discover how highly trained sheep dogs handle a flock, meet the cows and discover the origins of your daily pint of milk. There is a shop selling high quality woollen goods and gifts and a licensed restaurant.

Opening Times:

Farm shows take place at 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm Sun - Thur

Admission Prices
Adult £4.50

Child £3.50

Docker Park Farm

Arkholme, Near Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1AR

Telephone: 015242 21331

Docker Park Farm offers an educational and fun day out on a working farm where you can feed the lambs, take tractor rides, milk the "special" cow, visit the animals and there is also an indoor adventure play area.

Opening Times:

Feb - Oct Half Term 10.30am - 5pm Daily

Nov - Feb Half Term 10.30am - 4pm Weekends Only

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Hale, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7BW

Telephone:015395 63027

Enjoy a fascinating journey through the animal and plant kingdom. A unique blend of wildlife from around the world and novel interactive displays combine to make this a fun and exciting venue for all ages. Regular meet the animal sessions and keeper talks, tropical hall, butterfly hall, aquarium and sea life, cafe and gift shop.

Opening Times:

From 10am Daily

Beetham Nurseries

Pool Darkin Lane, Beetham, Nr Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7AP

Telephone: 015395 63630

Whether you are developing a new garden or maintaining an existing one, the staff at Beetham Nurseries will be able to advise you on what plants will thrive. There is also a gift shop with a huge variety of high quality, stylish gifts for the gardener and a range of houseplants and pots and tearooms.

Cars Of The Stars

Standish Street , Keswick, Cumbria

Telephone: 017687 73757

Featuring TV and Film vehicles including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, FAB 1 Thunderbirds Rolls Royce, Delorean, The James Bond Aston Martin, Knightriders KITT, Batmobile, Laurel and Hardys Model T, Mr Beans Mini, Del Boy's Reliant Van, Munsters Koach, Herbie the Lovebug, General Lee, The A Team Van, Noddys car and Starsky and Hutch Torino plus many other famous vehicles and motorcycles.

Opening Times:

10am - 5pm Daily

Weekends only in December

Abbeyhorn Horn Works And Factory Shop

Holme Mills, Holme, Lancashire, LA6 1RD

Telephone: 01524 77823877

Take a tour of the factory and see the horn store where huge sacks, stacked to the ceiling and crammed with great curving horns of African and European beasts. Then watch the Abbeyhorn craftsmen as they practise traditional methods of manufacture, many of which have hardly changed since 1749, to produce an exciting and beautiful range of kitchenware, shoehorns, walking sticks and gifts. Finish your trip with a visit to the factory shop where the array of hornware on sale varies from the practical and unique to the weird and wonderful!

Opening Times:

The factory is a working factory and therefore best visited during production hours, between Monday and Friday 10am - 3.30pm. Work stops for lunch between 12.30pm and 1pm.

The Lake District Attraction details listed are for information only and South Lakes Hotels Ltd accepts no laibility for any inaccuracy of information

Lakeland Maize Maze

Raines Hall Farm, Sedgwick, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0JH

Telephone: 015395 61760

The Lakeland Maize Maze is a great day out with lots to do. The arrow and rope mazes are very confusing but great fun, you can feed the animals, take a ride in Farmer Ed's Tractor or play in the recreation area which includes trampolines, slides, swing ball, goal posts, picnic area and bbq hire. If the weather turns for the worse there is an excellent selection of fun table top games, a soft play area with soft play climbing wall, indoor go karts and cafe.

Opening Times:

14th July - 16th September 10am-6pm Daily

16th Sept - 30th Sept 10am-6pm Weekends Only

Admission Prices:

Adult £4.75

Child £3.75

Family £16.00

Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery

The Boat House, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QF

Telephone: 015394 36541

Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres with deep basins to the north and south. Combined with extensive shallows, it creates a rich and varied fishery. Rainbow and brown trout and restocked weekly throughout the season. Winter fishing for the native population of speciment pike is legendary. Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery is a first class, well managed fishery with excellent facilities for boat or bank angling. Esthwaite Water in an ideal practice water for the competitive angler. Long drifts provide trueloch style fishing, while locating fish in the wind lanes can prove exciting. Methods includes fly, spinning and worm. Beginner or expert you will receive a warm welcome.

Opening Times:

9am - 6pm Daily

Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Telephone: 01539 531087

Take a trip back in time to Victorian England and encounter the infamous industrial revolution at this fascinating bobbin factory. Located in an idyllic woodland setting at the southern end of Lake Windermere, Stott Park Bobbin Mill provides a wonderful insight into the Industrial 19th century. Witness bobbins being made as they were 200 years ago and discover the history of the trade. Experience the free guided tour and hear about people who worked at the mill and how vital they were to the thriving spinning and weaving industry.

Opening Times:

1st April - 31st Oct 10am - 5pm Mon - Fri

Admission Prices:

Adult £4.20

Child £2.10

Ravenglass And Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone: 01229 717171

For 130 years steam trains have travelled through Eskdales unrivalled scenery towards Dalegarth and the foot of Scafell - Englands highest mountain. Start at Ravenglass, join the train and choose your carriage - fresh air open top, open sided or cosy covered ones at take the train to Dalegarth and the new visitor centre.

The Rum Story

Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7DN

Telephone: 01946 592933

Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical islands rainforest in the Caribbean - that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story. The journey traces the origins of Whitehavens dark trade to villages in Africa and the vile transportation of slaves to the Antiguan sugar plantations. There are stories of Blackbeard and piracy on the high seas, smugglers and Nelsons Navy. See the infamous punch houses, gangsters illicit stills, the Jazz Age and hear the tales of Whitehavens maritime past and the Jefferson family.

Opening Times:

10am - 4.30pm Daily

Admission Prices:

Adult £5.45

Child £3.45

Cumbrian Heavy Horses

Telephone: 07769 588565

This is a unique opportunity to ride a wonderful "heavy horse" - Clydesdale or Shire. The horses are polite, well mannered, gentle folk, quiet for beginners yet really waking up for an experienced rider. They are weell schooled and they not only gallop but jump too.The rides vary in pace, difficulty and scenery depanding on your experience level and the ride you are taking.

Low Sizergh Barn

Low Sizergh Farm, Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE

Telephone: 015395 60426

Explore the nooks and crannies of the late 17th century barn and see many products from the farm including organic milk, cheese, eggs along with homemade cakes and pies. The lower ground floor shippon gallery once housed the cows. Divided by huge slate boskins the stalls now display the work of local potters and artists. The barns oak roof timbers are on show from the first floor gallery with stylish natural fibre clothing, herbal skincare, toys and cards. The tea room cooks make good use of the produce on the shelves of the farm shop for the daily menu. You can watch the cows being milked every afternoon from the viewing window. Stroll on the farm trail, part of the Soil Associations Organic Farms Network. It follows a beautiful route through fields and woodland.

Opening Times:

Easter - 31st December 9am - 5.30pm Daily

Rheged

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Telephone: 01768 868000

Housed under a unique grass roof, Rheged is a suprising building of architectural merit, well worth a visit in its own right. Rhegeds shops reflect the region and its activities, its crafts people and producers, offering a choice not often found on many high streets. From a relaxed long lunch to a quick coffee and cake, Rheged offers fresh food with a distinct Cumbrian emphasis. Let off steam at Rheged with a wide range of challenging activities for children of all ages, designed to encourage learning through play and hands on creativity. Discovering Cumbria Exhibition and Information Centre, the permanent National Mountaineering Exhibition and a choice of seven exciting Giant Movies every day.

Opeining Times:

10am - 5.30pm Daily

Brockhole

Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LJ

Telephone: 015394 46601

Build your own dry stone wall, search for natterjack toads, or fly over the stunning Lake District landscape on a magic carpet - there is plenty for everyone to discover in Brockholes exciting exhibitions. The lakeside grounds and garden boast stunning views, as well as many unusual trees, plants and shrubs. Wildlife also thrives at Brockhole, as you will see when you take a look from the bird hide. There us also an adventure playground and games lawn.

Opening Times:

Daily from 31st March

Carlisle Racecourse

Durdar Road, carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 4TS

Telephone: 01228 554700

Fixtures for 2007:

Friday 12th October First Race 2pm

Thursday 25th October First Race 2.10pm

Sunday 4th November First Race 1.20pm

Monday 12th November First Race 12.50pm

Sunday 18th November First Race 12.2pm

Thursday 29th November First Race 12.50pm