Visit Cumbria with the Let’s Go Culture project

Cumbria is one of our favourite places to visit as a family and we have made so many incredible memories there together over the years. This weekend we returned to Cumbria in partnership with the Let’s Go Culture project to learn more about indoor family attractions across Westmorland & Furness. The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council and whilst the Lake District is better known for outdoor pursuits and the beautiful scenery, Cumbria is rich in both culture and heritage and has so much to offer to families as a result.

Where to stay?

When it comes to accommodation Cumbria offers a host of beautiful hotels, B&B’s, rental properties and campsites and choosing just one property can be a difficult choice. We stayed at 4* Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa which is perfectly located on the edge of Lake Windermere in the centre of Bowness with exceptional facilities including a stunning restaurant, relaxing spa, a private jetty and lakeside moorings.

Visiting as a family of five we loved having interconnecting rooms which gave us so much space to relax and enjoy our surroundings whilst still being able to enjoy that special time together to make memories. Our meal in the restaurant was incredible with locally sourced produce perfectly cooked and impeccable service, all whilst having panoramic views out across the lake. I was also hugely impressed by the spa and leisure facilities where I enjoyed a luxury pedicure and a back, neck and shoulder massage. It was exactly what I needed after a long day exploring and I will definitely return for a weekend break or a spa day with friends.

Where to visit? 

Kendal Museum 

Our first attraction in partnership with the Let’s Go Culture project was Kendal Museum, founded in 1796 and one of the oldest museums in the UK. Kendal Museum boasts a unique mix of natural history and archaeology with everything from taxidermy to ancient artefacts, all of which is incredibly interesting to look at. Throughout the year you will find events and workshops as well as seasonal trails for the children to take part in which is such a fun way to incorporate learning with play. You will also find a shop, a cafe and a play area. We loved hearing more about the new developments for 2024 where Kendal Museum will be branching out to hold more community events, host weddings and open a brand new building which will be home to over 2000 taxidermy birds and a real hands-on experience.

Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther Castle & Gardens is one of the best family days out we have experienced in Cumbria where there is so much to see and do for all ages. Lowther Castle has a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century and we enjoyed learning more about this in the exhibition, the Story of Lowther. Outdoors you will find the ruins and the stunning gardens and woodlands where they hold seasonal trails which the children enjoyed taking part in. But the real attraction for kids is the Lost Castle, one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds, where you could literally spend the entire day relaxing as the kids entertain themselves before grabbing a bite to eat at the cafe or takeaway where they have delicious home-cooked food.

Rheged 

Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes and the perfect meeting spot or fun place to visit during a stay in the Lakes. We found they really cater to families with fun live shows throughout the year, a new indoor play area and a children’s menu in the new cafe before enjoying a family-friendly movie at the giant-screen cinema. The children took part in a DecoPatch workshop where they each decorated a photo frame in the Making Space to take home. I love the relaxed atmosphere of Rheged where you can just chill-out, sit back with a hot chocolate or a slice of cake and enjoy some time together. We will definitely return on our next visit!

Lakeland Motor Museum 

Just minutes from Lake Windermere you’ll find the Lakeland Motor Museum which promises a great day out for all ages. With over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport through the twentieth century, you’ll find cycles, motorbikes, motor cars, fire engines and automobilia. The kids absolutely loved the period shopping displays and admiring the cars where as we loved reminiscing about the cars from our childhood that our parents had drove or they’d told us about in stories. As much as Harry loved this museum at 9, his Grandad would have loved it in equal measure. In a separate building was a whole exhibit dedicated to Bluebird, something the children have been fascinated with over the last few months and followed the renovation with interest. It was amazing for them to see the exhibit in person and definitely somewhere we would return to as a family.

Dock Museum

We had a great time at the Dock Museum where you can find out all about Barrow’s maritime history and the people and industries that have shaped the area. There are exhibits with local artists and World War 2 plus quizzes for the children which was a really fun way for the to learn more and they enjoyed the selection of prizes at the end. The building itself is so impressive, suspended in the original dock and really gives this museum the wow factor. In the coming weeks the Dock Museum has some exciting new developments with a new amphitheatre as well as new state-of-the-art technology. We are looking forward to seeing the updates on our next visit.

Zipworld Windermere 

Although not part of the Let’s Go Culture project, if you do find you have some spare time and the weather is good, Zipworld Windermere is such a great way to burn off some energy with the kids. Located at Brockhole just a short drive from Bowness, Zipworld offers high octane, adrenaline packed activities from the tree top nets to the high ropes course as well as fun ziplines on the way down. Adults and children over 7 years of age can take part in the full course and it’s recommended to book online to avoid disappointment, especially at busier times.

We had such a great weekend in the Lakes exploring each of these attractions with the Let’s Go Culture project and it has really opened our eyes to how many family attractions that Cumbria has to offer. With the great British weather we often find ourselves looking for indoor attractions and whatever the weather, there is plenty to keep kids, and grown-ups, occupied. Have you visited any of these attractions in the Lakes?