Leisure

Museums and Private Galleries in the Lake District

The Lake District boasts a wealth of art galleries, museums and private collections. Visit the home of one of England's best-loved poets, William Wordsworth, discover a rich military heritage at the Aviation & Military Museum and enjoy one of the many unique galleries dotted throughout the area.

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  Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum

  The home of William Wordsworth between 1799 and 1808, Dove Cottage also witnessed the creation of Dorothy Wordsworth's renowned Grasmere Journals. Now home to over 90% of Wordsworth's surviving manuscripts, as well as a collection of his contemporaries' work, the museum is one of great literary and historical significance. So follow in the footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Sir Walter Scott and William Hazlitt and pay a visit to this famous cottage.

  Opening hours - 9.30am-5.30am daily. Closed throughout January.
  Further information - www.wordsworthtrust.org.uk Tel: 01539 435544

  Other museums and private galleries

  Abbot Hall

  Venerated private gallery housing contemporary and historical collections in a Georgian Villa

  Opening hours - 10.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday
  Further information - www.abbothall.org.uk 01539 722494

  Museum of Lakeland Life

  Award-winning museum featuring recreated period Lakeland rooms and workshops

  Opening hours - 10.30am-5.00pm Monday to Saturday
  Further information - www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk Tel: 01539 722464

  Aviation & Military Museum

  Museum charting the country's military history, with guided tours available

  Opening hours - 10.30am-5pm daily
  Further information - www.rafmillom.co.uk Tel: 01229 777444

  The Quaker Tapestry

  Featuring hand-crafted panels that recount Quaker life through the centuries

  Opening hours - 10am-5pm Monday to Friday. 11am-3pm Saturday
  Further information - www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk Tel:01539 722975

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Stately Homes and Castles in the Lake District

With over 1,700 listed buildings, many of which are open to the public, the Lake District is the perfect destination for those with a love of historical architecture. Visit grand stately homes like Mirehouse and Dalemain, or explore the battlements at Muncaster and Sizergh Castle.

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  Holker Hall and Gardens

  The home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, Holker Hall is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Framed by the Lakeland Hills and only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands, this grand neo-Elizabethan mansion dates back to the 16th century. After a guided tour of the house, explore 25 acres of formal and woodland gardens modelled in the Victorian fashion, and sample locally produced delicacies in the Food Hall.

  Opening hours - Opening hours vary seasonally please visit www.holker.co.uk for more details.
  Further information - www.holker.co.uk Tel: 01539 558328

  Other Stately Homes and Castles

  Muncaster Castle

  Residential castle featuring elegant Himalayan gardens and owl centre

  Opening hours - Opening hours vary seasonally please visit www.muncaster.co.uk for more details
  Further information - www.muncaster.co.uk Tel:01229 717614

  Levens Hall

  Elizabethan mansion with world famous Topiary Gardens

  Opening hours - Opening hours vary seasonally please visit www.levenshall.co.uk for more details
  Further information - www.levenshall.co.uk Tel: 01539 560321

  Alnwick Castle

  Medieval fortress which is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland

  Opening hours - 10am-6pm daily
  Further information - www.alnwickcastle.co.uk Tel:01665 511100

  Blackwell

  Arts and Crafts House designed by M H Baillie Scott

  Opening hours - 10.30am-5.00pm
  Further information - www.blackwell.org.uk Tel: 01539 446139

  Hutton-in-the-Forest

  Historic house surrounded by the medieval Forest of Inglewood. Guided tours of the grounds available

  Opening hours - Opening hours vary please visit www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk for more details
  Further information - www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk Tel: 01768 484449

  Mirehouse

  Historic house with links to Wordsworth and Tennyson

  Opening hours - Opening hours vary please visit www.mirehouse.com for more details
  Further information - www.mirehouse.com Tel: 01768 772287

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Lake Cruises in the Lake District

Take in beautiful Lake District scenery aboard a sightseeing lake cruise. Set off and explore the Lakes in a traditional rowing boat or join a party aboard a magnificent steamer. Hop off at one of the many jetty stops for a relaxing lakeside picnic.

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  Coniston Cruises

  Explore beautiful Coniston Water on a 1920s style boat with a difference. Powered by solar panels and boasting low pollution electric motors, these traditional timber launches offer an environmentally friendly way of touring this scenic lake. Let a knowledgeable crew member teach you the names of the surrounding fells and discover the 'Wild Cat Island' of Arthur Ransome's famous books. Take a Sundowner Cruise in the evening or go ashore at one of the many jetties and take a walk along the lakeside paths.

  Opening hours - Sailing times vary please go to www.conistonlaunch.co.uk for more details
  Further information - www.conistonlaunch.co.uk Tel: 01768 775753

  Other Lake Cruises

  Keswick Launch on Derwentwater

  Cruise the third largest Cumbrian lake or hire a rowing boat and explore by yourself

  Opening hours - Sailing times vary please see www.keswick-launch.co.uk for more details
  Further information - www.keswick-launch.co.uk Tel: 01768 772263

  Windermere Lake Cruises

  Boats depart from points dotted the length of this large lake. Private cruises are available.

  Opening hours - Sailing times vary please see www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
  Further information - www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk Tel: 01539 443360

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