at the end of each day, head home tired but happy

There’s so much fun waiting to be had in Cumbria and the Lake District, you’re going to have trouble cramming it all in.

The area is just perfect for families with children of all ages, from babies to big kids. And the first attraction is the landscape itself. We like to think of it as one big adventure playground, so wherever you are and wherever you go, there’s somewhere to explore. From nature trails to public parks, paddling in one one of the lakes or rockpooling along the coast. There’s an adventure around every corner.

 
The Lakeland Maize Maze

Award-winning attractions

The family-friendly Muncaster at Ravenglass and Mirehouse at Keswick were both crowned as deserving winners in the Cumbria for Excellence Awards 2007.

A-maze-ing attractions

The Lakeland Maize Maze has two mazes to find your way around, complete with trail quizzes. There’s also indoor karting, a soft play climbing wall, mini tractors and a pet corner. At the Max Meadowvole Maze at Muncaster, you turn into a tiny meadowvole for the day to find your way through the giant meadowland.

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Family Events and Festivals

The whole of Cumbria offers a platter of events geared up for the whole family. Here are some of the highlights for 2008.

Kendal Torchlight Carnival 12th September, Come and line the streets as the vibrant carnival atmosphere descends on the town once again for its celebrated evening procession of floats, musicians, costumes and classic cars. Where? Kendal.

Festival of Fools 25-29th May, Cheer the jesters, applaud the jugglers, laugh at the street entertainers and generally acclaim the spirit of tomfoolery at Muncaster Castle. Comedy Cabaret evening will take place on 24th May. Where? Muncaster, Ravenglass.

Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival 29-30th December, Don’t be a Scrooge, come and join in this spectacular free festival which sees the whole market town transformed with Dickensian splendour, activities, period costume, competitions, and stalls. Where? Ulverston.

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The Dock Museaum and Ravenglass Railway
family

Animal Magic

Animals are always a big hit with children and there are plenty of places to keep your mini zoologists happy. The Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre in Cockermouth you can see sheep, cows, dogs and geese in a live farm show and watch skilled sheep shearers at work.

At Duckys Park Farm , near Grange-over-Sands, meet pigs, goats and llamas, as well as Ducky himself.

Watch the flying displays at the World Owl Centre at Muncaster

Visit the rhinos, giraffes, tigers, lions, bears, lemurs and penguins at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton.

Trotters World of Animals near Keswick collection includes primates, antelope, zebra, buffalo, lynx, reptiles and the world’s smallest otter.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to the tropical hall and butterfly house at the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis near Milnthorpe, where bats, birds and butterflies are in free flight around you.

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Whatever the weather

Sometimes bad weather isn’t such a bad thing. With a host of exciting indoor attractions to discover, you might just find that you will be glad of a spot of rain from time to time. Here’s what to do when you’ve had enough of the great outdoors for one day, from family shows to childrens activity centres .

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