Make a Day of It in West Cumbria
Make the most of your ‘staycation’ with these great days out right on your doorstep.
Not jetting off anywhere exoctic this year? There’s plenty going on to keep the kids busy for the whole six week holiday. With lots of great days out to be had in west Cumbria, we can’t promise that the sun will shine, but you’ll definitely have a great summer.
10p Swims in Allerdale
With the return of 10p swims across Allerdale, this summer is the perfect time to enjoy Workington’s brand new swimming pool.
The perfect anecdote for a rainy day, children aged 16 and under can swim for just 10p at the swimming pools in Workington, Cockermouth and Keswick, all of which are owned by the Allerdale Borough Council, who is funding the scheme. The offer continues throughout the school summer holidays, although dates, times and sessions will vary.
All participants must have a residents LAC card to take up this offer, which can be obtained from Keswick Leisure Pool or Workington and Cockermouth Leisure Centre.The offer is also available at Wigton Baths and at Netherhall Community Sports Centre in Maryport.
Craft Fair at The Beacon
Celebrate the season with a special summer festival over the August bank holiday weekend.
To round off the summer holidays, on Saturday 26 August, The Beacon Museum will host an end of summer festival, an outdoor craft fair, complete with demonstrations and performances. Free for everyone to visit, the event will be a showcasing of local artists and craftspeople and an opportunity to celebrate the success of the summer before the autumn fun begins. It is an outdoor event, but don’t worry if the weather doesn’t hold up there’s the brand new Beacon Portal centre to keep everyone dry.
Derwent Island Open Day
Take advantage of the rare opportunity to explore the intriguing Derwentwater Island.
Open to the public only a few times a year, the Open Day on Thursday 31 August allows adventurers to discover the reality of life on the island past and present, experiencing the gardens, grounds and amazing views. Paddle across the lake, under the expert eyes of qualified canoe instructors and on the island enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of Pocklington’s stunning, Georgian house.
First canoes leave the foreshore at 10.15am and then at 30 minute intervals until 2.30pm. Visits last approximately 2 ½ hours.
To book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Once Upon a Slime
Learn and laugh with slugs, grubs, mini-beasts and bugs at Bookends in Keswick.
Explore the world of creepy crawlies and create a free bug balloon at a special author event in the book shop on 18 August at 1pm. A former pupil of Keswick School, Fiona Woodhead has written and illustrated a fantastic series of children’s picture books about slugs, woodlice and bugs. Fiona will be signing books and helping the kids make slimy big balloons to take home.
For more information visit www.bookscumbria.com
Keswick Ghost Walks
Follow “The Lady”… if you dare.
A one for children ages 10 years and above, these ghostly guided walks will show you the darker side of the picturesque market town. Keswick has another history and it is one full of murder, intrigue and tortured souls. From the slate built houses to the surrounding lakes and fells, this is a town steeped in legend and mystery and if you’re brave enough, it makes for a fascinating discovery. Dogs are welcome on the walks, if they dare.
For full timetable visit www.lakelandhauntings.co.uk
Bop Up Binsey
What better way to view the Cumbrian coast than from one of the many fells that flank the Western Lake District.
However, if taking the family up Great Gable for a sarnie is a bit too much, the answer lies in Binsey. Not as dramatic as Sca Fell or as popular as Catbells, this green mound provides walkers with one of the most compelling views of the Lake District and the coast. With views of Scotland, The Isle Of Man and on a clear day the fells of Coniston this perfect entry level fell will make you truly appreciate how beautiful it is where we live.
Parking at Binsey Lodge (CA7 1HH) the short walk of 950ft on a clearly marked gentle path will guarantee not to disappoint, whether it be for a picnic overlooking Bassenthaite or admiring the sun setting over the Solway Firth. Weather permitting.
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