Sandscale Haws, a local beauty spot near Barrow in Furness

Otter enclosure, with viewing panel

Aquarium of the Lakes.  From mountaintop to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing journey of discovery.  More than 30 spectacular, naturally themed habitats show the diversity of life in the lakes.  Encounter playful otters, experience nocturnal activity of bank voles, water voles and many more riverbank dwellers.  The glass tunnels offer incredible views of the recreated Windermere Lake bed.  Open daily from 9am – 6pm (5:00pm winter) Closed Christmas Day.http://www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk Tel: (015395) 30153, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, LA12 8AS

Beautiful fruit bowl depicting Lakeland scene

Art Crystal, Grange-over-Sands.  One of only five master crystal engravers left in this country, you will delight at watching Patrick at work.  Whether simple designs, such as wedding or anniversary goblets with the happy couple’s initials entwined or fantastic Lakeland scenes depicting the local beautiful landscape.  You can have a fine piece of crystal engraved while you wait at the studio for any special occasion.  Tel: 015395 35656.  Main Street, Grange-over-Sands.

 Piel Castle from Roa Island

Barrow-in-Furness
With the sea on one side, the Lakes on the other, Cumbria’s largest town enjoys an enviable location and an outstanding blend of things to see and do.  Visit the Leisure centre in Barrow’s park for family fun.  Attractions include Furness Owls and the award winning South Lakes Wild Animal Park.  With easy access to the lakes and great beaches, nightlife and shopping including nature and heritage, Barrow is a great place to visit. Don’t forget to visit Barrow’s Indoor Market, a Cornucopia of goods.  You can buy anything from a pin to household items, clothing and shoes, appliances, soft furnishings, toys, greengrocery, butchers, bakers and although no candlestick maker, you will have to visit Colony Country Store for candeles - it comes very close.  http://www.barrowtourism.co.uk Contact Barrow TIC for more information about the town. Tel:(01229) 876505

Barrow Superbowl Enjoy the fun and excitement of Tenpin bowling at Barrow Superbowl whatever your age or ability. Family tickets available, party packages for all ages and bowl-tastic party nights and much, much more.  Open all year, 7 days a week. http://www.super-bowl.co.uk Tel: (01229) 820444, Hollywood Park, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1YE

Skeet Shooting
Bigland Outdoors.  Located on Cartmel Peninsula. Bigland Outdoors is a centre of outdoor pursuits and sports.  Enjoy a family day out with a range of activities, including clay pigeon shooting or target practice, take an archery lesson in the morning and, after lunch at our lodge, spend the afternoon pony trekking or quad biking on tracks around the estate with spectacular view of the southern end of Windermere.  Other activities include coarse or trout fishing and 4x4 driving off road.  Tel: 01229 861517 or 0778 528478. 

View from Brantwood

Brantwood, Coniston.  Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, is the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District.  Explore Brantwood’s estate and gardens or experience contemporary art in the Severn Studio, Brantwoods bookshop, the popular Jumping Jenny restaurant and Coach House Craft Gallery.  www.brantwood.org.uk, Tel: 015394 41396

Broughton-in-Furness. Lying at the top of the estuary of the River Duddon, the fells and sea combining to create the spectacular scenery so beloved by William Wordsworth.  A Conservation area within the Lake District National Park, Broughton is a delightful mix of old fashioned village shops, pubs and cafes with quality accommodation.  A lovely rural area and well worth the visit. www. Broughton-in-furness.co.uk.  Tel Broughton TIC 01229 716115.

 
Cartmel Priory & Village The beautiful priory church of St Mary and St Michael stands majestically over the most enchanting of Lakeland villages, with its delightful range of genuine old world buildings. The famous Cartmel racecourse is near the centre of the village. Priory open every day except during services, guided tours available on Wednesdays in summer. http://www.cartmel.comTel: (015395) 34026 for Grange TIC

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.  Take time out to visit the home of the original and world famous Sticky Toffee Pudding Company in Cartmel.  Pay a visit to Driftwood for breakfast, lazy lunches and imaginative suppers from finest local produce and a wide selection of tea and aromatic coffee and freshly baked breads, delicious meals to take home made from highest quality fresh ingredients.  Unique gift items also available.  www.stickytoffeepudding.co.uk The Square, Cartmel, LA11 6QB Tel: 015395 36280.

 A selection of gift items available at the Store
Colony Country Store Nestled in the rolling hills of the Furness Peninsula, Colony Gift Corporation is home to the UK’s largest candle producer. On site Country Store is a true haven for shopaholics everywhere, with babies’ and educational toys, jewellery items and much more.  Excellent Café on site. Open All Year. 9am to 5pm Mon – Sat.  10:30am to 4:30pm Sun.  http://www.colony.comTel: (01229) 461102, Colony Gift Corporation, Lindal-in-Furness, Ulverston LA12 0LD

View of the temple

Conishead Priory A splendid Victorian Gothic mansion, now home to an international Buddhist centre and unique temple. Visitors can take a tour of the impressive new temple and the mansion itself or take a stroll though the shady woodlands to Morecambe Bay. Open - Easter – end October.  Weekends & bank holidays, Temple, Historic House, Gift Shop and Tearoom open 2 – 5pm.  Guided Tours from 2:30pm http://www.manjushri.org.ukTel: (01229) 584029, Priory Road, Ulverston LA12 9QQ

The Launch

Coniston Launch.  Sunshine Cruises.  Experience our Solar-electric boats.  Scheduled sailings include live commentary and call at 7 jetties.  Private charter is available.  See Wildcat Island of ‘Swallows & Amazons fame.  Enjoy the tranquil southern extremity of Coniston Water.  www.conistonlaunch.co.uk.  Tel 015394 36216

Coronation Hall – Ulverston.  The Coronation Hall is one of the principal buildings of Ulverston and offers an excellent entertainment programme, including performances by highly acclaimed touring companies in the fields of music, theatre, ballet and opera. Contact the Box Office for details about performances.  Tel: (01229) 587140, County Square, Ulverston, Cumbria

a selection of the fine table glasses and decanters

Cumbria Crystal, Oubas Hill, Ulverston.   A rare opportunity to visit one of the last working crystal factories in the UK.  Cumbria makes the finest quality English crystal on the market and is sold to top retailers in the UK and used by British Ambassadors worldwide. Open all year. http://www.lakesglasscentre.co.ukTel: (01229) 581385,

Steam Roller at the Gathering in 2006

Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place over the weekend of July 28^th and 29^th, based at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands.  The gates open at 9:00am and there is a lot to see and do, it features the Kangaroo Gymnastic Display Team, French market and much, much more to make it a perfect weekend.  With Free parking.

 View of the Castle in spring

Dalton-in-Furness
Come and visit the ancient capital of Furness and experience it’s extensive historical background. The 14th century castle (Open Saturdays Easter – September) built by the monks of Furness Abbey stands on the traditional market place in the shadow of the parish church of St Mary, one of the oldest parishes in the area. Visit Dalton Leisure Centre with family pool, gyms, sauna, squash courts and coffee bar. Dalton is the home of the areas largest tourist attraction – South Lakes Wild Animal Park. Tel: 01229 464000 Fax: 01229 464000

Dalton Crown Court. 

Dalton Crown Court.  Affectionately called ‘The Old Police Station’, located on Market Street in Dalton-in-Furness, has now been restored and hosts a popular café, a Visitor Information Point and small gift shop and tourist information material.  Open 10:00am to 4:30pm 6 days a week.  Free Internet access if using the coffee shop.  Tel: 01229 466097

Top floor of the museum, local artist exhibition area.
The Dock Museum  Explore the fascinating history of Barrow-in-Furness in this spectacular modern museum built over an original Victorian graving dock. The galleries and dockside site include an excellent film show, special exhibitions gallery, coastal walkways and adventure playground. - http://www.dockmuseum.org.uk 
Tel: (01229) 876400, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PW

Visitors arriving for a fun filled visit at to Ducky’s Park Farm
Ducky’s Park Farm, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands.  A warm welcome awaits you at Ducky’s Park Farm visitor centre.  Visitors to the farm can have close contact with a large variety of animals, with special times set aside to meet the residents.  There is plenty to do whatever the weather, so don’t let the rain keep you at home.  www.duckysparkfarm.co.uk.  Tel: 015395 59295.

Fell Foot Park No matter what time of year, whether you just want to savour the magnificent colours and scenery of Lakeland or partake of the many activities for young and old, Come and explore this Victorian park at the southern tip of Lake Windermere.  A great place for the family, with boat hire, children’s activities and adventure play area. Open all year. 9:00am to 5:00pm http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: (015395) 31273, Newby Bridge, Cumbria LA12 8NN

View of the Abbey
Furness Abbey Discover one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore the soaring ruins of red sandstone and soak up the grandeur of this almost 900-year-old site. Located in the peaceful Vale of Deadly Nightshade valley, explore the majestic remains of the Abbey using the audio tour. Open All Year. (Winter- closed Monday & Tuesdays) http://www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: (01229) 823420, Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Grange park cherry trees in Spring

Grange-over-Sands. Genteel Grange-over-Sands is an excellent example of a prosperous Edwardian seaside resort.  Steeped in elegance and charm, this is the perfect place to indulge in a very English pastime, a leisurely stroll along the fine promenade or a walk in the ornamental gardens and then take afternoon tea in one of the many cafes. Tel: Grange-over-Sands TIC on 015395 34026 for information on festivals.

 
Gleaston Watermill Where the heck is Gleaston Watermill? You'll find us down the lanes, in the country. Visit this impressive fully restored watermill and learn about local rural life. Enjoy fabulous home cooking in the Dusty Miller Café; the scones are unsurpassed in the area! Open All Year Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays http://www.watermill.co.uk
Tel: (01229) 869244, Gleaston, Ulverston LA12 0QH

The Garden in late spring-early summer

Graythwaite Hall Gardens.  Designed in 1889 by Thomas H Mawson this spring garden offers tranquillity and interest.  A combination of the informal woodland garden with a wide variety of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and woody shrubs and the more formal areas of the Ladies Walk and the Dutch garden with its original topiary will delight the visitor. . www.graythwaiteholiday.com.  Telephone 015395 31248

The Hall in winter, a sprinkle of snow turns the gardens into a frosted winter wonderland.
Holker Hall & Gardens Cumbria's premier stately home, owned by Lord & Lady Cavendish and their family, has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The beautiful 25 acres of national award-winning gardens are classed amongst the best in the world. Gardens open 1^st April – October 28 Sunday through Friday 10:30 – 5:30, closed Saturday.

Hall Open 1st April to June Sunday to Wednesday – July & August, Sunday to Friday – Sept to October 28 Sunday to Wednesday 11:00am to 4:00pm.  Food Hall, Café & Gift Shop 10:30 to 5:30 7 days a week.
www.holker-hall.co.uk Tel: (015395) 58328, Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL

Lakeland Miniature Village.  A fascinating insight into the buildings of Lakeland’s yesteryear featuring over 140 buildings faithfully hand crafted using local Coniston slate including such classics as Beatrix Potter's Hill Top. Open all year - 10am to dusk - http://www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com
Tel: (015395) 58500, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7LE

Donald Campbell’s racing car
Lakeland Motor Museum Enjoy a truly nostalgic Motoring Memories experience at the Lakeland Motor Museum with vintage vehicles, classic & curious cars, superb scooters and magnificent motorbikes plus the Campbell Legend Bluebird exhibition. Open 3^rd February to 28^th – 31^st March 10:30 to 4:00pm & 1^st April to 28^th October 10:30am to 4:45pm. http://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk Tel: (015395) 58509, Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Beautifully restored steam locomotives haul comfortable coaches from the Victorian station at Haverthwaite through the contrasting lake and river scenes of the Leven Valley to Lakeside, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Open from 31^st March – 28^th October 2007.  Special events throughout the year, Santa Special, Thomas weekend and Diesel Gala weekends. Phone for details. http://www.furnessrailwaytrust.org.uk
Tel: (015395) 31594, Haverthwaite Station, Nr. Ulverston LA12 8AL

Lanternhouse
Lanternhouse is an inspirational building, home of Lanternhouse International and a pioneering centre for community and celebratory arts.  A visit to Lanternhouse will introduce you to the craft of celebration from large-scale public events to private ceremonies. Open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm. http://www.lanternhouse.org
Tel: (01229) 581127, The Ellers, Ulverston LA12 0AA

Laurel & Hardy Museum
The world-famous museum devoted to Laurel & Hardy is located in Ulverston, the town where Stan Laurel was born in 1890. The museum is home to an amazing collection of memorabilia, including letters, photographs, personal items and furniture.  Ticket includes a visit to the cinema on site. Open all year except January. Tel: (01229) 582292, 4C Upper Brook Street, Ulverston LA12 7BH

Millerbeck Light Railway, once described as ‘Lakeland’s best kept secret’, is ready torun again at Easter for one of its occasional open weekends. The owners, with their small band of friends invite visitors to ride the journey of around a mile on one of the finest miniature railways in the country. There are some stunning views to be seen too in this beautiful part of the National Park. Situated in the charming hamlet of Staveley-in-Cartmel, a few hundred yards from Newby Bridge, you will be assured a warm welcome.  Open for Bank Holidays and special weekends, please contact telephone 015395 30113 for open days. Further press info: 07860 634392

The Ruskin Museum, Coniston.  The museum tells the story of Coniston in award-winning style:  ‘What is lovely in the life of Nature and heroic in the life of Men’ see through the lives and achievements of Coniston’s famous blue-eyed boys< John Ruskin and Donald Campbell.  www.ruskinmuseum.com.  Tel: 015394 41164

The Princess Selandia

The Princess Selandia.  The train ferry Sjaelland was built at Helsingor Shipyard and was launched on the 24th of November 1950 with the name M/F Dronning Ingrid (the Motor Ferry Queen Ingrid). After a long and busy career on the Storebaelt and on the Baltic she had to give up her Royal title in August 1979 and took instead the name "Sjaelland" or ‘Selandia’. Portraits of the Danish Royal Family can be seen in the ‘State cabin’ on board.  Now located and redesigned as a floating restaurant and popular beer garden, located at Barrow-in-Furness Town Quay.  The vessel welcomes families and groups on board whether for morning coffee, lunches, afternoon teas or dinner.  Talk a walk along the Quayside and then go on board for a delicious lunch.  www.theprincessselandia.com. Tel: 01228 835449

The park’s savannah area

South Lakes Wild Animal Park Europe's top tiger conservation centre. Take a unique safari on foot and see many animals wandering free in natural surroundings. Latest new facility opened in 2007 is the skyway to the Andean Bears. . Exciting news from the park this year is that they possible have to White Rhino’s expecting a happy event in 2008.  Sillan and Sentana, baby Giraffes were also welcomed in 2006, extending the current herd to 7.  Open All Year. Visit their website: http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
Tel: (01229) 466086 Crossgates, Dalton-in-Furness, LA15 8JR

Softwalker Show Factory and Outlet, Askam-in-Furness is the home of this small shoe factory, near the Railway line, producing the finest leather low impact walking shoes and sandals.  Their range now includes the Kalahari a revolutionary new health sandal.  Also available is custom fit for clients, to ensure that your shoes are perfect for you.  Visit the art gallery while you are there.  www.softwalker.co.uk Duddon Road, Askam-in-Furness, LA16 7AN Tel: 0800 093 2460

Stott Park Bobbin Mill Family fun at one of the best preserved genuine early 19^th century working mills.  Take the inclusive 45-minute guided tour and learn the fascinating story of the cotton industry, wooden bobbin manufacturing and the people who worked here. . This extensive working mill was begun in 1835 to produce the wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. Although small compared to other mills, some 250 men and boys (some drafted in from workhouses) worked here in often arduous conditions to produce a quarter of a million bobbins a week.

Details:

*Steam Days: Mon-Thu**Steam Days: Tue-Thu http://www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: (015395) 31087, Newby Bridge, Cumbria

Steam Yacht Gondola, Pier Cottage, Coniston.  Daily sales from Coniston Pier.  Enjoy the spectacular scenery from this unique and graceful Steamboat, rebuilt from the original Victorian Gondola – rescued from the bottom of the lake, by the National Trust.  The Yacht calls in at Brantwood.  All sailings depend on weather conditions.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola.  Tel: 015394 41288

Swarthmoor Hall.  Originally the home of Thomas and Margaret Fell, it was visited by George Fox – widely regarded as the founder of the Quaker movement – in 1652.  Fox married Margaret Fell 11years after the death of Judge fell in 1658, Fox returned to Swarthmoor periodically, but spent much of his time travelling in England, America and Europe.  The Hall, situated on the edge of Ulverston, is a 16th century Grade II listed building that tells a tale of people involved in the radical changes of the post-Civil Wars world, both in the UK and beyond. There is a fine collection of 17th century furniture and beautiful gardens to sit in.  Visitors in spring should not miss the purple crocus field by the hall.  Guided tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 2.30pm. http://www.swarthmoorhall.co.uk Tel: (01229) 583204 Fax: (01229) 583283, Swarthmoor, Nr Ulverston

Visitors will enjoy an old time shopping experience in the town ginnels and cobbled lined streets.
Ulverston
A friendly and historic market town with its own unique charm. There is a colourful street market on Thursdays and Saturdays and an indoor market 5 days a week. Birthplace of Stan Laurel, the town is full of specialist shops, cobbled streets and winding ginnels just waiting to be discovered. http://www.ulverston.net Tel: (01229) 587120 Ulverston TIC

Windermere Lake Cruises Cruise the length of England's longest lake and enjoy the ever-changing panorama of Lake Windermere. Steamers and launches sail daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside with connections for the steam railway.

Open All Year. Visit their website: http://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd, Winander House, Glebe Road,
BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE, Cumbria, LA23 3HE

Contact Telephone Number: 015394 43360

Other things to do....

Guided walks and overnight packages Outdoor activities www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk
Central and Southern Lakeland

www.lakelandgateway.info
"Friends" of the Sir John Barrow Monument http://www.sirjohnbarrowmonument.co.uk
Explore Low Furness

http://www.explorelowfurness.co.uk
Softwalker Shoe Centre

http://www.softwalker.co.uk
Tourism and Conservation Partnership

 http://www.lakespartnership.org.uk/
 

 http://barrow.furness.co.uk/
 
The Traction Engine Driving Experience (at Ring House)
http://www.steam-traction.com
The English Lake District http://www.the-lake-district.net

Accommodation:

Enquiries@graythwaiteholidays.com for cottages located in and around Coniston.
Ring House Cottages (at Broughton in Furness) http://www.ringhouse.co.uk/

home | what's new | order a brochure | towns & villages
attractions | accommodation | groups | events | cruise ships | getting here