Bank Holiday Cumbria Days Out
The August Bank Holiday weekend has always been one of the busiest and most popular Bank Holidays to go away. It is in a prime summer month and also the last Bank Holiday before Christmas. The weekend is one of the last before children return to school and the timing of it is ideal for both tourists taking their first break of the summer or as a short get away for those who have taken a holiday earlier in the summer.
Getting away for August Bank Holiday in the UK is a great idea especially in 2010. The Sterling to Euro exchange rate is still fairly poor and with holidays and prices abroad rising, staying in the UK has been a popular choice this summer. A long weekend is an excellent choice if money is tight and a holiday for a whole week is unaffordable. Another reason could be or if the time off work cannot be had.
Cumbria - The Lake District is a great place to visit for a Bank Holiday weekend as it is easily accessible, has a wide range of locations, activities and places to stay and visit and offers something different from a city break or holiday abroad. Keeping children entertained is easy in the Lake District with such a broad range of Cumbria days out ideas. Listed below are a selection from across the region.
A World in Miniature, Houghton Hall, Carlisle
This truly amazing museum contains of one the world’s top three collections of quality miniatures, from remarkable 1/12 scale copies of antique furniture, paintings and china in beautiful room settings, to everyday items at sizes you just won’t believe! Made with breathtaking skill and craftsmanship and displayed with care and attention to detail, our museum is sure to thrill and delight collectors and the curious alike. We even have the world’s smallest teddy bear!
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, Cumbria
The Gallery is housed in one of Kendal’s most important buildings, a Grade I listed villa, on the banks of the river Kent. The galleries offer two floors of light-filled spaces in which to see art. The intimate rooms and tranquil setting are used to show British painting and sculpture, without pretention or overload, to uplift the spirits in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere. As well as a fine permanent collection, Abbot Hall is widely acknowledged as having one of the most imaginative and independently minded exhibition programmes outside London.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Blackwell is one of Britain’s finest houses from the turn of the last century. Designed by M H Baillie Scott, Blackwell was built between 1898 and 1900 as a holiday retreat for Sir Edward Holt, a wealthy Manchester brewery owner. The house survives in a truly remarkable state of preservation retaining almost all of its original decorative features, including the rare and fragile hessian wall-hangings in the Dining Room.
Coniston Launch 2010, Coniston, Cumbria the Lake District
Lake cruises and group charters on Coniston Water in the Lake District. Coniston Launch offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise and day out on Coniston Water in the Lake District. Regular services covering three different circular routes on Coniston Water. Stay on the boat for the full cruise or stop off at any of the jetties to catch a later boat back. Combine a boat cruise with a walk around the shore of Coniston Water
Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport, Cumbria
Native marine and freshwater fish in more than 50 carefully recreated habitats make up a sequence of informative displays that will captivate you. Careful contact with Rays and Starfish… silvery Bass dodging the crashing wave. Plaice hiding in the sand, Cuttlefish changing colour as they watch you pass… baby Seahorses so unbelievably small. Entertaining talks and feeding demonstrations from the staff and the Quayside Cafe is also open to the general public. Discover an array of gifts and souvenirs suitable for all ages in the Gift Shop.