Looking for something to fill the final four weeks of the summer holidays? Then look no further, because we’ve got ? super fun ideas to fill your summer, as recommended by young Cumbrians!
Take a trip on the La’al Ratty.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the La’al Ratty, provides you with the opportunity to take a trip throuygh some of Cumbrias most beautiful scenery, on a heritage steam engine.
Hit up some lakes.
Take advantage of having a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep and head to the Lake District. From Bassenthwaite to Buttermere, Wastwater to Windermere. Pack a picnic and head out for a walk, swim or sail, with 16 lakes to choose from you’ll never be bored.
Visit Muncaster Castle.
Muncaster Castle is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building, just outside of Ravenglass and the site is packed with fun activities to fill the day. Take a tour inside the castle, visit the owls and try not to get lost in the maze. But be careful, Muncaster is famously haunted!
Pop to St Bees.
Just outside of Whitehaven, is the lovely seaside village of St Bees. Go for a stroll, chill on the sand and, most importantly, grab an ice cream from Hartleys. The perfect sunny day out.
Visit Wray Castle.
Situated on the edge of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle is a beautiful gothic building, perfect for a family day out. Talks and tours run daily, and there’s plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. The Castle can be accessed by boat from Windermere, and we have it on good authority that they have excellent sandwiches.
Go for a stroll in Dodd Wood.
Dodd Wood is a beautiful forest located north of Keswick. If you fancy taking a peaceful stroll, Dodd Wood has four different trails for you to enjoy, with plenty of picnic areas and there are even viewpoints for you to see the incredibly rare Bassenthwaite Ospreys.
Check out the animals at Lake District Wildlife Park
The artist formerly known as Trotters, is an affordable summer adventure for all the animal lovers out there. The zoo has over 100 species of animals, and offers opportunities to pet and adopt the animals. The zoo is also dedicated to local conservation projects and protecting endangered species. We recommend checking out the Red Pandas.
Spend some time in your local park
You don’t have to travel far for a summer day out. There a plenty of beautiful parks across West Cumbria for you to visit. With Curwen Park in Workington, Fitz Park in Cockermouth and Castle Park in Whitehaven, to name a few. Plenty of fun and free adventures to be had.
See the sights at Lowther Castle
Lowther Castle is a stunning ruin close to Penrith. This historic masterpiece also has beautiful gardens for you to stroll around and an exhibition for you to find out the history of Lowther. Pro tip - take a young family member with you so you have an excuse to go on the playground.
Take the ultimate Cumbrian challenge and climb Scafell Pike
This one is a challenge not for the faint-hearted and we would absolutely advise against any amateurs taking on this challenge. But if your a keen walker, or a Wainwrights aficionado, then make this summer, the summer that you tackle this giant. At 978 metres above sea level, England's highest mountain is definitely a challenge for the experienced walkers amongst us.
There’s plenty of other things to do in West Cumbria, but we hope that this list gives you a headstart on filling those summer days.