Top ten things to do during Easter in the Lake District
Easter Sunday falls on 24th April, 2011, and spa hotels, guest houses and boutique hotels in the Lake District are planning for a busy season. With a wealth of great places to visit in the Lake District, including Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions, events and festivals. The Easter school holidays run between the 9th and 25th April, 2011.
The top ten family attractions to visit during Easter, in the Lake District include:
1.The Puzzling Place, Keswick
This unique exhibition is based completely on optical illusion, and provides great entertainment for all ages. Visitors can marvel at balls rolling uphill, and be amazed by some of the illusions, which seem to defy gravity. Not just for the kids, The Puzzling Place attracts visitors of all ages. www.puzzlingplace.co.uk
2.Underloughrigg and Rydal Mount Walk
If you are looking for a gentle stroll around Ambleside, enjoy the Underloughrigg and Rydal Mount Walk, which covers 2.5 miles, and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Made famous by Dorothy Wordsworth, sister of William, this walk covers some of the most beautiful countryside in the Lake District.
3.The Royal Wedding Flower Festival, Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle is combining Easter celebrations with the Royal Wedding, and May Day Bank Holiday, and offering visitors an 11-day flower festival. The Millom Flower Club will be decorating the castle, and daily garden walks with a family member or the gardener will also be on offer. Cookery demonstrations will also take place with local celebrity chefs. www.muncaster.co.uk/royal-wedding-flower-festival
4.Dove Cottage, Hawkshead
Home to William Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, Dove Cottage gives visitors a fascinating insight into the life of one of the Lake District´s most famous sons. Visitors to the cottage can also gain admission to the Wordsworth Museum and Gallery, and during the school holidays, the Foyle Room, opposite the cottage, is open for family activities. For more information, see: www.wordsworth.org.uk/visit/index.asp?pageid=151
5.Hill Top, Sawrey
Once home to famous children´s author, Beatrix Potter, Hill Top in Sawrey has changed little since her death in 1943. The author, famous for her Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck stories, left her house to the National Trust, on the condition that it was opened to visitors and was not altered in any way. Every room contains a reference to a picture in one of her tales, and this small house, allows visitors to see how Potter lived and worked during her time in the Lake District. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hilltop
6.The Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness
The Beatrix Potter Attraction is one of the most popular attractions in the Lake District, particularly among younger visitors. The tales of Beatrix Potter, including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Pudddleduck and friends, are re-created in this fascinating attraction, and children can interact with their favourite characters. www.hop-skip-jump.com
7.Windermere boat trips
Make the most of England´s longest lake, and explore Windermere by boat. A combined ticket includes a boat trip to Lakeside, a trip to the Haverthwaite Steam Railway, entrance to the Aquarium of the Lakes and return trip by boat to Bowness. Check out: www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
8.The Lakes Aquarium, Bowness
Providing a great family day out, The Lakes Aquarium in Bowness, recreates a journey below Lake Windermere, the Seashore Discovery Zone, The Overland Tank, The Tropical Rain Forest and the Virtual Dive Bell. This award-winning attraction offers plenty of fun for all ages, and also teaches visitors the importance of conservation. www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
9.The Museum of Lakeland Life
Situated at Kendal, Cumbria, the Museum of Lakeland Life takes visitors back through time for a fascinating insight into the life of Lake District residents, before the arrival of cars and railways. With unique customs and traditions, local Lake District residents had a tough life before the introduction of machinery, and this award winning museum includes a typical old Lake District kitchen, an incredible 17th Century four poster bed and a farmhouse parlour. www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk
10.Honister Slate Mine
The Honister Slate Mine is a group of slate mines and quarries located at the top of the Honister Pass. The earliest reference to quarrying at this location is from 1728. Entry to the visitor centre and factory trail is free, and there are plenty of car parking spaces. More adventurous visitors can see the mines from a tour underground or try out the Via Ferrata, which takes around 2-3 hours to complete. www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/visitor_information.asp
