Explore the county

The Lake District, The Solway Coast, Carlisle

Whilst you are here, explore Cumbria, our wonderful home county. We are in a unique location that allows you to explore the coast, The Lakes and Carlisle with complete ease. There is so much to see and do – you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Food & Drink

  • Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck –  pull up a chair and enjoy their deliciously prepared Cumbrian dishes all sourced from the finest local producers and drinks from a well-stocked bar. 
  • Sun Inn, Redial – a pub with PROPER pub grub!
  • The Grey Goat, Baggrow – a pub with a great selection of local real ales and fun acoustic nights.  
  • Midtown Milkhouse, Caldbeck – fresh milk and milkshakes from the cows at Midtown Farm. 
  • Bistro at the Distillery, Bassenthwaite –  a casual, modern, British restaurant at the Lakes Distillery using seasonal and local ingredients.
  • Bassenthwaite Station Cafe, Bassenthwaite– set in an old Oriental Express steam train, this cafe is perfect for a cake, cuppa and adventure. 
  • Shills, Cockermouth – tapas and sharing board in a relaxed environment. 
  • Aspava, Cockermouth – a great casual Turkish restaurant with a proper grill, mezze and great hummus!
  • Tithe Tap, Cockermouth – a cosy, speakeasy-style cocktail bar serving wonderful cocktails and great quality wine.
  • Lingholm Kitchen, Keswick – if you are over Keswick way, this is a great spot for brunch, lunch or a cake and a cuppa! Have a look at their vegetable garden whilst you are there as it was the inspiration behind Mr McGregor’s garden in the Beatrix Potter books.

Family Friendly Activities

 

Takeaways

Get Active

  • WatchTree Nature Reserve – a 205-acre fully accessible nature reserve just a stone’s throw away from us. Follow their trails, hire bikes and lookout for all the brilliant wildlife the reserve it home to. 
  • The coast – head to either Allonby or Silloth for beautiful beach walks overlooking the Solway Firth. 
  • Dodd Wood – a fantastic place to get some stunning views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will take you deep into the woodland and walk to the top of Dodd Summit for views across the fells. Keep your eyes peeled for Ospreys!
  • Binsey – a 1-2 hour walk, relatively easy fell walk for the whole family. Head to the Lakes Distillery afterwards for lunch. 
  • Bassenthwaite Lake – the closest lake to Blaithwaite. If you have your own canoes, paddleboards or kayaks, take them down to Bass for a water adventure. Also a great lake if you fancy doing some open water swimming. 
  • Whinlatter – head to Whinlatter to follow their walking trails (we love the Gruffalo trail!) or try your hand at some mountain biking. 
  • Skiddaw – a big Wainwright fell, not for the faint hearted, but a wonderful all-day walk with a heck of a view!
  • Catbells – one of our favourite family walks. It is a decent challenge for kids (and adults!) but not unmanageable.
  • Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path – recently reopened, this 5km flat trail is great for walking, biking, mobility scooters, buggies and wheelchairs.

Local Attractions

  • Mirehouse, Bassenthwaite – a beautiful family run historic house with gardens, lakeshore and woodland playgrounds.
  • Wordsworth House and Garden, Cockermouth– a National Trust site, step back to the 1770s at William Wordsworth’s childhood home.
  • Carlisle Castle, Carlisle – in the heart of Carlisle, explore the medieval castle rooms, discover a turbulent history with the exhibition, and walk some of the castle walls
  • Hadrian’s Wall – enjoy parts of the Birdoswald Trail and discover some of the county’s Roman history.

Rainy Day Ideas

  • Lakes Distillery, Bassenthwaite – one for the grown-ups! Enjoy a distillery tour, tasting and even an afternoon tea.
  • The Cumberland Pencil Museum, Keswick – the home of the first pencil, discover the journey of graphite and pencil from its humble beginnings as a cottage industry to modern day production.
  • Theatre by the Lake, Keswick – fancy a night at the theatre? Keswick’s own award-winning theatre on the shores of Derwentwater is the place to go!
  • Tuille House, Carlisle – a museum and art gallery which houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences. 
  • Solway Aviation Museum, Carlisle  – based at Carlisle Airport, a museum with a collection of aircraft, aviation artefacts and displays reflecting Britain’s position as a world leader in aircraft design and innovation.
  • Keswick Climbing Wall, Keswick – not the weather for outdoor climbing? Not to worry, Keswick Climbing Wall is a great place for indoor climbing.
  • Fusion Trampoline Park – trampolines, inflatable assault courses, ninja courses and more. Fusion is great for both kids and adults alike!
  • Total Enigma – we love the UV crazy golf here! The escape room is fun too.

Useful Numbers

Check the weather before you come!