Tourist Information
There's so much to see and do we've added a second page of tourist information. Please visit page 2 for Castles, Museums, Gardens, and Art Galleries.
Irton Hall
Irton Hall is set within 19 acres of ground and 12 acres of mature parkland, lying at the foot of the majestic western fells of the Lake District National Park. The hall nestles in the junction of Wasdale, Miterdale and Eskdale which provides a spectacular backdrop and a very special location for expoloring this beautiful region, which is unspoilt by mass tourism.
Close by Irton Hall are nature reserves, fishing tarns and Seascale Golf. See Outdoor Pursuits. The Cumbrian Cycle Way is within 2 miles and there is access to the Coast To Coast long distance footpath at Ravenglass (4 miles) where there is also the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway. 15” narrow gauge railway, opened in 1875 to carry iron ore to the Furness Railway, now carrying passengers from the old Roman port of Ravenglass seven miles along the Eskdale valley to Eskdale. Trains are hauled by either steam or diesel engines and the journey lasts 40 minutes. Telephone 01229 717171 for details of departure times. Today the seven-mile ride has been described as "the most beautiful train journey in England".
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Steam trains daily open May to October. Haverthwaite station, near Ulverston, 2.5 miles from Newby Bridge. Engine shed, picnic area, shop and station restaurant. Telephone 015395 31594 for departure times and further details.
Potteries
Wetheriggs Country Pottery in the nearby village of Gosforth, pottery courses are available, or just purchase a piece from their shop.
Clifton Dykes near Penrith , off the A6 is open 10.30am - 5.30pm with pottery, museum, shop, tea room and restaurant. "Pots of Fun" allows visitors to create their own pots and ceramics.
Hornsea Pottery, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster. Pottery shop, gift shop, cafe and extensive leisure park with the rare breeds survival unit and children's farmyard. Open March to October 10am - 5pm.
The Pennine Pottery, Pottery, cafe and gift shop. Clargill Head House, Alston. Open 10am -5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. April to January.
Laburnum Ceramics is a Gallery in a cottage garden setting devoted to contemporary ceramics and glass with work from 60 artists on display. At Yanwath 3 miles south of Penrith off B5320. Open 10.00am - 4.30pm every day except Monday and Tuesday. Tel: 01768 864842.
Historical Monuments
Hadrian's Wall, is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. Forts, museums and events. Interactive visitor centre open March to October 10.00am - 5.30pm. 5 miles east of Brampton, signposted off A69 betweeen Carlisle and Hexham.
Shap Abbey, the ruins of The Abbey of St. Mary are located below Shap. founded in the 12th Century and originall housing the Premonstratensian Order of Monks, the Abbey fell into ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540. The Abbey lies in a picturesque valley by a stream and is an ideal spot for a picnic on a suuny day.
Other Attractions
Aquarium of the Lakes is on the southern shore of Lake Windermere near Newby Bridge. Open daily from 9am with undercover displays, the Otter Encounter and a Seashore Discovery Zone.
There is a large market attracting vendors and visitors from all over the North of England in Penrith at junction 40 of the M6. It is open 9am to 4pm every Sat and also incorporates a Car Boot sale area. Worth a visit for cheap meats, cheese, eggs, household items, clothes and garden plants.
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre is set within the walled garden and parkland of Lowther Castle, Lowther near Penrith. Open daily from 10.30am with flying displays at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm.
Highgate Farm and Animal Trail, Morland near Penrith. Open every day 10.00am - 6.00pm. A traditional farm mixed with rare breeds and more exotic animals. An adventrue play barn, sandpit, bale maze, free pony rides and Wendy Farm House. Picnic area, shop. Off the A66 three miles west of Appleby.
There is a large market attracting vendors and visitors from all over the North of England in Penrith at junction 40 of the M6. It is open 9am to 4pm every Sat and also incorporates a Car Boot sale area. Worth a visit for cheap meats, cheese, eggs, household items, clothes and garden plants. If you like a bargain then this is the place to be!
Rheged Upland Kingdom Discovery Centre is a celebration of the history and mystery of Cumbria and the Lake District. Encomassing a six storey giant cinema screen and innovative visitor centre with a breathtaking glass atrium, a restaurant and coffe shop. Located in Penrith, just off exit 40 on the M6 on the A66 to Keswick. Tel: 01768 868000.
The World of Beatrix Potter is an indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter's books with shop and tearoom. Located at The Old Laundry, Bowness-on-Windermere. Open April to September 10.00am to 5.30pm.
Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre is an all weather visitor attraction with sheep shows of 19 breeds of sheep and sheep dog handling demonstrations. Cumwest Visitor Centre with a shop and restaurant. Four shows daily from 10.30am - 3.30om. Easter to mid November. Located on the A66 - A5068 roundabout at Cockermouth. Tel 01900 822673.
Grizedale Forest Park where you can walk or cycle through the woodlands with Forest Sculptures along waymarked routes. Orienteering cours, sculpture playground, forest shop, exhibition and tea room. Located west of Winderemere Lake, south of Hawkeshead.
For more information on attractions in the area, visit www.information-britain.co.uk