Looking for the perfect family day out this summer?
Whether you want to relax in beautiful gardens, go for a paddle in a lake or take a tour through a majestic castle, you'll find some of Cumbria's premier attractions below.
Walby Farm Park
Looking for the ultimate family day out this summer? Walby Farm Park is bursting with adventure, whatever the weather! From circus performances and dinosaur encounters to meeting Paddington™, enjoying foam parties, panning for gold, getting lost in the Maize Maze, and exploring the new flower fields – there’s something new to discover every day.
With animal encounters, acres of indoor and outdoor play, and plenty to keep the whole family entertained, it’s the perfect place to make unforgettable summer memories.
Book a day ticket or go all in with a summertime pass for unlimited visits until 3rd September.
Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 4QL
Web: walbyfarmpark.co.uk
Tel: 01228 573056
Email: info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk
Make the most of the summer holidays with two unforgettable Lake District experiences.
Start your adventure at Brockhole on Windermere, the perfect family day out. From archery and adventure playgrounds to garden trails and water sports, there’s something for everyone. Relax in the gardens, grab a bite at Joey’s café, or take in the views with a paddleboard or kayak session on the lake.
Then head to Coniston Boating Centre, where you can take to the water with ease. Hire a motorboat, canoe, kayak, or SUP and explore one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, no experience needed. It’s peaceful, scenic, and easy to book.
Whether you want high-energy activities or just time to unwind on the water, Brockhole and CBC are your go-to destinations this summer.
Book now and make it a summer to remember.
Web: lakedistrict.gov.uk
Tel: 01539 724555
Email: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Discover the world of John Ruskin, celebrated Victorian writer, artist, and social reformer, at his former home Brantwood located on the eastern shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District.
Brantwood is open to visitors as a historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts. Explore the life and character of its most famous resident through displays, exhibitions, curator talks, activities and trails in the house, RHS Partner gardens, and 250 acre fell-side estate.
Throughout the Summer there will be family activities in The Loft (free with admission) and every Wednesday join us for Wild Wednesdays (booking essential). Discover the bird hide, bug hotel and find all of the animals on our animal trail.
Treat yourself to a selection of savoury treats, cakes, ice cream and refreshments in The Terrace Café, while taking in the beauty of the gardens, lake and mountains beyond and enjoying the Lake District at its best.
Pay once and visit free all year. Under 16s free and dogs welcome on leads in the café, loft and gardens.
The Brantwood Trust, East of Lake, Coniston LA21 8AD
Tel: 015394 41396
Email: hello@brantwood.org.uk
Seasonal. Local. Lakeside. Choose from three different menus and settings. Explore gardens, meadows, and shoreline. Tie in with a lake swim, paddle or sauna. Gather friends or family for lunch, dinner or drinks overlooking the lake and fells.
Open every day. And everyone’s welcome – no need to stay!
Whether stopping by for lunch or dinner, make a memorable day of it by tying it in with lake water sports from our private jetty. Have a swim in the lake, hire a paddleboard or kayak for a couple of hours, or try the latest option – wing foiling, brand new for summer 2025 (with beginner lessons starting on a stand-up paddleboard).
Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria
Tel: 01768 486442
Email: life@another.place
This year at Lowther Castle & Gardens, the theme in the shop and in the story trails which go up in the gardens during school holidays is wildlife. In February, the garden trail looked at the wonderful world of beetles. At Easter, there was a story about a lawn who was bored of being all green and in the end, transforms herself into a wildflower meadow.
For the summer, the theme – still embracing wildlife – is Kaleidoscope. In the shop, on top of a wide range of not very expensive but colourful animally, wildlife things, there are, yes, small kaleidoscopes for sale.
On top of this, everywhere you go in the gardens, you will see ribbons. When asked by passing visitors what the ribbons signify, the creative department - who have pinned them to summerhouses, bothies, the lost castle adventure playground itself - answer: “Fun!”
The team at Lowther looks forward to seeing you all and to sharing colour and fun throughout the school summer holidays.
Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2HH
Web: lowthercastle.org
Tel: 01931 712192
Email: info@lowthercastle.org
Big Kid Circus is bringing its spectacular show to Carlisle, delivering a thrilling experience for the whole family. This exciting event promises jaw-dropping performances from international artists, combining traditional circus magic with modern flair. Audiences can expect breath-taking aerial stunts, hilarious clown antics, daring acrobatics, and high-energy acts that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Set under a vibrant big top, the atmosphere is electric, filled with music, laughter, and awe-inspiring entertainment. Big Kid Circus, established in 2005, has become a favourite across the UK for its unique blend of family-friendly fun and professional performance. In Carlisle, the circus will be hosting multiple shows, offering flexible times for visitors to enjoy the magic.
Whether you’re a child or simply young at heart, this is an unmissable event. Come along to witness the wonder, cheer for the performers, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Web: bigkidcircus.co.uk
Tel: 077 66 55 22 11
Email: info@bigkidcircus.co.uk
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