Things to Do in Cumbria
48 attractions and days out
Photo © Nick Gent, Google Maps
Cumbria's days out stretch far beyond fell walking, with Keswick and Windermere acting as bases for a cluster of activity providers offering everything from escape-room style challenges to outdoor treasure trails. The Keswick Spy Mission Treasure Trail and the Windermere Missing Excalibur Trail are good examples of how the county has turned its towns and lakeshores into playgrounds for puzzle-solving and adventure, while operators such as Crags Adventures and Live For Today Adventures Kendal cater for those wanting something more physical.
Further out, the quieter corners reward a slower pace: Ennerdale Water and the Buttermere Valley offer scenery rather than organised activity, ideal for pairing with a picnic or gentle walk. Appleby-in-Westmorland and Cockermouth make sensible stops for family-friendly outings like Hunt Fun Appleby in Westmorland, while Coniston suits those drawn to Pandemonium Pots and other underground or off-grid experiences. Choosing between them often comes down to whether you want a structured challenge or simply a memorable landscape to explore.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Mobile Adventure
Get the whole family active at this outdoor centre near Cockermouth, offering thrilling pursuits from rock climbing and scrambling to kayaking on the lakes.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Crags Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping at this action-packed activity centre in Station Precinct, featuring an onsite restaurant for refuelling after your adventures. Parking available nearby, though note accessibility is limited.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
Climb 365
Scale new heights at this Kendal climbing centre offering indoor walls and activities for all abilities, with onsite parking and wheelchair access making it easy for families to visit.
⭐ 4.9
Parks & Play Areas
Fitz Park BMX Track and Playground
Young thrill-seekers can race around a full-scale BMX circuit before enjoying the play equipment and grassy areas perfect for picnicking in Keswick's family-friendly park.
⭐ 4.9
Climbing & Bouldering
Lakeland Climbing Centre
Scale indoor walls at this family-friendly climbing venue near Kendal, offering routes for all abilities with onsite parking, toilets and refreshments available throughout your visit.
⭐ 4.9
Sightseeing & Attractions
Ennerdale Water Lake District
Discover this tranquil Lake District gem offering stunning natural beauty and countryside walks, though families should note that terrain limits pushchair and wheelchair access in some areas.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
White Platts Recreation Ground
This Ambleside recreation ground features a 9-hole mini golf course perfect for family fun, with full facilities including accessible toilets, baby changing rooms, nearby parking and snacks available on-site.
⭐ 4.8
Cycling & Bike Trails
Cyclewise Whinlatter Bike Hire & Shop
Rent bikes for all the family and explore scenic Whinlatter Forest trails, with parking, wheelchair access, dining facilities and baby-changing rooms all available onsite.
⭐ 4.8
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Whinlatter
Soar through the treetops at this thrilling Lake District adventure park, featuring elevated obstacle courses at 1000ft altitude plus exciting off-road Segway experiences for the whole family.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Whinlatter Forest
Explore scenic woodland trails and exciting play zones at this family-friendly forest park near Braithwaite, complete with dining facilities, picnic spots and full accessibility features.
⭐ 4.8
Adventure Golf
Foxy's Adventure Golf
Navigate a themed mini golf course at this Penrith venue where families can enjoy a fun round together, though note that access with pushchairs or wheelchairs is limited across some sections.
⭐ 4.8
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Greystoke and District Outdoor Pool
Take a refreshing dip at this open-air swimming facility in the heart of Greystoke village, complete with onsite parking, toilet facilities and snacks available to purchase during your visit.
⭐ 4.8
Climbing & Bouldering
Eden Rock
Scale indoor climbing walls at this Durranhill Industrial Estate facility offering challenges for various skill levels, with onsite parking and snacks available during your visit.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Solway Aviation Museum
Discover historic aircraft and aviation heritage at Carlisle Airport, where snacks are available and toilets provided, though accessibility is limited and picnics aren't permitted.
⭐ 4.8
Railways & Transport
Stainmore Railway Company Ltd
Step back in time at this heritage railway centre in Kirkby Stephen, where families can explore historic trains and railway memorabilia from a bygone era of steam travel.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Fell Foot Park
Nestled at Windermere's southern shore, this lakeside haven features expansive lawns, woodland trails and excellent facilities including a restaurant, making it perfect for family days out.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Eskdale Mill
Step back in time at this working water-powered corn mill nestled in the Lake District, where families can explore traditional milling machinery and watch grain being ground using centuries-old techniques.
⭐ 4.8
National Parks & Reserves
Fell End Nature Reserve
Explore scenic trails and observe native species at this picturesque nature reserve in Hale, complete with dining facilities and picnic areas perfect for family adventures.
⭐ 4.8
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Grizedale
Experience an exhilarating aerial obstacle course among the trees at Grizedale Forest, featuring challenging rope bridges, cargo nets and thrilling zip wires for adventurous families.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Wray Castle
Let little ones explore turrets and towers at this Lake District castle where they can play dress-up, hunt for treasure and enjoy spectacular views from the top.
⭐ 4.7
Farm Parks
Abbott Lodge
This working dairy farm delights families with 30+ homemade Jersey ice cream flavours, plus indoor and outdoor play areas, an onsite restaurant, and full accessibility features.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Aira Force
Experience the Lake District's spectacular 70-foot cascade plunging through ancient woodland near Penrith, with scenic trails perfect for family picnics and adventure.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Curious About Kendal
Explore the heart of this historic market town through an engaging visitor experience in Kendal's centre, complete with onsite dining to refuel during your family adventure.
⭐ 4.7
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
KendalWall Indoor Climbing Centre
Scale vertical heights at this indoor climbing venue in the Lake District Business Park, where specialist staff provide assistance and baby changing facilities are available for young families.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Bitts Park
A green space perfect for family picnics with a playground for children, though facilities are limited. Snacks can be purchased on-site and parking is accessible from Dacre Road.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Carlisle Cathedral
Marvel at nearly 900 years of history at this stunning medieval cathedral, where families can explore magnificent architecture and peaceful grounds. Wheelchair accessible with nearby parking and picnic areas.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Cumbrias Museum of Military Life
Explore centuries of regional military heritage through fascinating displays and artifacts housed within historic castle walls, with wheelchair access, family facilities, and onsite dining available.
⭐ 4.7
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Treetop Trek Windermere
Soar through the Lake District forest on 35 aerial obstacles at Brockhole, then zoom back to earth on an exhilarating 250-metre zipline for an unforgettable family adventure.
⭐ 4.7
Zip Wires
Zip World Windermere
Experience thrilling aerial adventures among the treetops, then soar across Lake Windermere on an exhilarating quarter-kilometre zip line—perfect for all ages from toddlers to grandparents.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Lakeland Motor Museum
Step back in time at this captivating Backbarrow collection featuring classic vehicles and over 30,000 motoring treasures, complete with restaurant facilities and full wheelchair access.
⭐ 4.7
Sailing & Kayaking
Windermere Canoe Kayak and Bike Hire
Explore Windermere's stunning lakeside scenery with canoe, kayak and bike hire from Ferry Nab's waterfront boathouse, offering active families outdoor adventures on water and land.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Millom Discovery Centre
Discover the fascinating world of railways and mining through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and costumes that bring local heritage to life for curious young minds.
⭐ 4.7
Landmarks & Monuments
Furness Abbey
Explore the atmospheric ruins of this medieval Cistercian monastery set in Cumbria's scenic Vale of Nightshade, with wheelchair access, onsite dining and parking making it ideal for families.
⭐ 4.7
Caves & Mines
Nenthead Mines
Explore Britain's highest village and venture underground to discover the fascinating world of historic lead mining in the North Pennines. This working heritage site offers guided tours with parking and refreshments available.
⭐ 4.6
Climbing & Bouldering
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Scale indoor climbing routes at this Lake Road venue offering vertical challenges for active families with older children, though access may be limited for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Grizedale Forest
Explore woodland trails and discover 40 art sculptures nestled among the trees, while soaking up spectacular fell views. Family facilities include a restaurant, picnic areas and full accessibility.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Ford Park
This 9-acre adventure playground near Ulverston delights young visitors with zip wires and climbing frames, plus an onsite café and full accessibility including baby changing rooms.
⭐ 4.6
Go Karting & Driving Experiences
West Coast Karting
Race around the track at this exciting karting venue on the Solway Trading Estate, with an onsite restaurant for refuelling after your high-speed session. Parking available but note accessibility is limited.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
The Dock Museum
Explore maritime heritage and local history at this accessible waterfront museum featuring family-friendly exhibitions, an onsite restaurant, and full facilities including baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Muncaster Castle
This historic Cumbrian castle offers families sprawling grounds perfect for picnics, indoor play spaces, and year-round special events, plus wheelchair access and onsite dining options.
⭐ 4.6
Railways & Transport
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Journey through stunning Cumbrian landscapes aboard this charming narrow-gauge railway, travelling from the coast to the foothills of England's highest peaks with family-friendly facilities throughout.
⭐ 4.6
Railways & Transport
South Tynedale Railway
Experience scenic narrow-gauge steam train journeys through stunning Pennine countryside, with family facilities including an onsite restaurant, parking, accessible amenities and baby changing available throughout your visit.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Talkin Tarn Country Park
This sprawling 165-acre lakeside retreat near Brampton offers families ancient woodlands and peaceful meadows to explore, with wheelchair access, an onsite restaurant and scenic walking trails around its stunning glacial waters.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
The Beacon
This cultural venue on West Strand offers museum and gallery experiences for families, though visitors should note limited facilities including no wheelchair access, toilets, or baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.5
Historic Houses & Gardens
Wordsworth House and Garden
Step into the Georgian birthplace of England's beloved Romantic poet William Wordsworth, where period rooms and beautiful walled gardens bring 18th-century Cumbrian life vividly to life.
⭐ 4.5
Aquariums & Sea Life Centres
Lake District Coast Aquarium
Discover colourful tropical fish and fascinating sea creatures in specially designed habitat displays at this Maryport waterfront aquarium, complete with an onsite restaurant for refreshments.
⭐ 4.5
Indoor Soft Play
Wacky Warehouse - Owl & Pussycat
Let youngsters burn off energy at this indoor play haven on Hindpool Road, featuring climbing frames and slides for children up to 12 years old, plus an onsite restaurant and full facilities.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
The Rum Story
Discover the fascinating history of Caribbean rum and its connection to Britain at this interactive museum experience, complete with onsite restaurant. Wheelchair accessible venue with full facilities including baby changing and parking available.
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