Things to Do in Mealsgate

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.

Zoos & Animal Parks

Lake District Wildlife Park

Discover exotic creatures from monkeys to eagles at this accessible Cumbrian wildlife haven, where dramatic mountain views enhance your family's animal adventure at Coalbeck Farm near Bassenthwaite.

National Parks & Reserves

Buttermere Valley

Discover dramatic Cumbrian landscapes with cascading falls and scenic trails in this stunning valley, offering accessible facilities though some paths aren't suitable for pushchairs.

Historic Houses & Gardens

Mirehouse

This historic Lakeland estate near Keswick offers families woodland walks, adventure playgrounds and a puzzling maze to explore, plus beautiful gardens and meadows for outdoor fun.

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.

Adventure & Activity Centres

Paramount Amusements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Museums & Galleries

Derwent Pencil Museum

Discover the fascinating story behind pencil production at this Keswick museum, home to a record-breaking giant coloured pencil and hands-on creative workshops for all ages.

Sightseeing & Attractions

The Puzzling Place

Step into a mind-bending world of optical tricks and holograms at this compact Keswick attraction, where gravity-defying rooms will have the whole family questioning reality.

National Parks & Reserves

Derwentwater

Discover stunning lakeside scenery at this iconic Lake District gem, perfect for family walks and wildlife spotting. Wheelchair accessible with pram-friendly routes available.

Climbing & Bouldering

Keswick Climbing Wall

Scale new heights at this outdoor climbing venue set in scenic Goosewell Farm, where families can tackle various routes while enjoying picnics between climbs, with parking and snacks provided onsite.

Horse Riding

Happy Hooves Riding Centre

Experience the countryside on horseback with lessons suitable for every skill level, plus pony experience days and beautiful trail rides through Penrith's scenic landscapes at this welcoming equestrian centre.

Caves & Mines

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Experience underground adventure at this fascinating Keswick attraction, where families can explore a recreated mine and learn about the region's industrial heritage through hands-on exhibits.

Indoor Soft Play

Magic Castle Adventure Playground

Let little ones burn off energy at this indoor play centre featuring soft play equipment, with an on-site restaurant and baby facilities to keep the whole family comfortable during your visit.

Adventure & Activity Centres

Brickstation

Bowling Alleys

Hollywood Bowl Carlisle

Strike up family fun at this Currock Road bowling centre offering ten-pin lanes plus arcade games, air hockey and pool tables, with an onsite restaurant and full accessibility features.

Museums & Galleries

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

This Carlisle museum welcomes families with accessible facilities throughout, including an onsite restaurant and picnic-friendly spaces. Discover engaging exhibits with convenient nearby parking and full amenities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Indoor Soft Play

Aztec Soft Play

Let little ones burn energy in Carlisle's multi-level indoor playground, featuring safe zones for babies through to pre-teens, complete with baby changing rooms and pushchair-friendly access throughout.

Laser Tag Arenas

Laser Quest Carlisle

Battle through futuristic arenas in this action-packed laser tag venue at Victoria Viaduct, offering wheelchair-accessible fun for families with older children and convenient onsite parking.

Castles & Palaces

Carlisle Castle

Step into 900 years of dramatic border history at this impressive medieval fortress, complete with dungeons, towers and an on-site restaurant for family refreshments.

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.

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.

Cinema & Theatre

Vue Carlisle

This seven-screen cinema on Botchergate brings Hollywood's newest releases to Carlisle families, with wheelchair access, on-site parking and snacks available for your movie experience.

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.

Swimming & Leisure Centres

The Sands Leisure Centre

A popular Carlisle leisure facility offering swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant and convenient parking, though families should note limited baby facilities.