Top 10 Family Days Out: Cumbria

Get ready for some fun days out and activities with the kids in Cumbria!

Lockdown had us all itching for some summer adventure, and with restrictions lifting it's time to get back out there and have some fun. From history museums to trips across one of England's most famous lakes in the Lake District, here is a curated list of the best family activities to do with children in Cumbria.

Image © Gary Bendig on Unsplash

Explore the Peter Rabbit Gardens and walk through the classic books on the sensory trail. Children will love pointing out the characters from their favourite stories and seeing the fantasy world come to life.

COVID-19 Precautions: Face coverings are mandatory for those aged 11 and over.

Price: Child ticket £3.70, Adult ticket £7.20. Family deals are available.

Parking: The nearest parking is pay and display on Rayrigg Road.

Food: The cafe serves healthy homegrown food for takeaway.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing areas.

Located in Keswick, the Derwent Pencil Museum takes you on a journey from graphite to greatness as you visit the birthplace of the pencil. Who knew such a simple object could have such an intriguing history?

COVID-19 Precautions: Please book by phone before you visit.

Price: Child ticket £3.70, Adult ticket £4.60. Family deals available.

Parking: There is a car park on the grounds of the museum.

Food: The cafe is currently only selling cold drinks to takeaway.

Facilities: There are toilets on site.

Image © Visit Cumbria

Containing exhibitions about the history of Cumbria, as well as a shipbuilders gallery with accurate models of the boats, this museum is full of fun activities for the kids that will make a wonderful family day out.

COVID-19 Precautions: All visitors are requested to wear masks while inside and follow the new one-way system.

Price: Free admission, donations welcome.

Parking: The car park is free of charge for the first three hours.

Food: The Bridge Cafe, inside the museum, serves hot food and drink.

Facilities: There are toilets inside the museum.

Children will love The Tullie House Museum's wide range of exhibitions, fusing history, nature and art under one roof. Be sure to schedule in one of their special activities like 'Discover and Create Sundays' or'Storytelling Tuesdays'.

COVID-19 Precautions: All visitors must wear a mask when indoors.

Price: Adult ticket £10, children go free.

Parking: It is recommended that visitors use the Castle Car Park just a short walk away.

Food: There is a cafe with a self-serving salad bar and homemade treats.

Facilities: There are toilets inside the museum.

Image © Carlisle Castle

Visiting the iconic castle is one of the essential things to do in Carlisle for families. Travel through time as you explore the medieval fortress and learn of how the castle was defended in times of peril.

COVID-19 Precautions:  Please book your tickets online as the Castle currently has limited capacity.

Price: Child ticket £6.40, Adult ticket £11.20. Family deals available.

Parking: Parking at the castle itself is prioritised for disabled visitors. There are other public car parks nearby.

Food: There is nowhere here to purchase food or drink.

Facilities: There are toilets available on site.

It's not hard to feel inspired as you walk through the well-tended and flowery garden that gave rise to so many of Wordsworth's iconic poems. His well-preserved home brings history back to life with stories from the Georgian era that your children will love to imagine taking place before their very eyes.

COVID-19 Precautions: This venue is not open for business quite yet, but keep an eye out for their return.

Price: Child ticket £4.40, Adult ticket £8.80. Family deals available.

Parking: Guests can park in the nearby pay and display car parks.

Food: There is nowhere to buy food from here.

Facilities: Toilets and baby changing facilities are available.

Image © Biljana Martinic on Unsplash

This aquarium has many water-based exhibitions for you and the kids to enjoy, from the interactive shark and ray pool to the hide and seek octopus tank. Make sure to schedule one of the daily talks or live fish feedings into your visit!

COVID-19 Precautions: The aquarium currently has a limited capacity, so expect queues and don't forget your facemask!

Price: Child ticket £6, Adult ticket £9.50. Family deals available.

Parking: There are several pay and display parking areas nearby.

Food: The Harbourside Cafe is open for business.

Facilities: There are toilets inside the aquarium.

Image © Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Open from February to November, this working Lake District farm welcomes families with activities to do in any kind of weather. As well as farm animals this attraction is home to furry friends like alpacas, llamas and ferrets, as well as a special maize maze. This adventure is a must for families who love nature and outdoor attractions!

COVID-19 Precautions: Please book your ticket online.

Price: Child ticket £7.95, Adult ticket £8.95. Family deals available.

Parking: There is parking available on site.

Food: There is a restaurant on site.

Facilities: There are toilets for visitors.

Image © Matt Brown on Flickr

One of the best things to do in Windermere for families, kids will love this amazing voyage across England's largest lake. Choose one of three departure points to take an hour-long, circular water cruise around the scenic sights of Cumbria's Lake District.

COVID-19 Precautions: There is ticketed seating, reduced capacity and extra cleaning on all cruises. Face masks are mandatory.

Price: Child ticket £6, Adult ticket £12.

Parking: The car park costs £5 for the day.

Food: There is nowhere to buy food here.

Facilities: There are toilets on board the boats.

Visit England's largest indoor go karting track and learn to race like the pros! Suitable for children aged eight and up this fun activity is perfect for those with a need for speed. With professional karts and expert guides even beginners will have a good time.

COVID-19 Precautions: All bookings must be made in advance.

Price: Child ticket £15, Adult ticket £20.

Parking: There is parking nearby.

Food: There is no food available to buy on site.

Facilities: There are toilets for customers in the building.