A classical steam journey for kids of all ages, a feast of films and a real bird’s eye view… these are all included in Cumbria Tourism’s Top 10 ideas for February half-term fun…
1. Got a good head for heights? Try some full-on adrenaline: Discover your inner adventurer by spending your day on the giddy heights of Via Ferrata Xtreme, a truly exhilarating mountain experience in the heart of the Lakes featuring vertical climbs, cliff edge ladders, a Burma Bridge and cargo net crossing. Honister’s Via Ferrata experiences allow the average person (aged 10 years+) the opportunity to go higher and further than they imagined possible – and you don’t have to be a trained mountaineer to take part! www.honister.com
2. Steam along with Lakeland’s oldest scenic railway: Affectionately known as La’al Ratty, Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway (above) will re-open from Saturday February 9. Heritage engines haul trains of cosy covered and open-top carriages from the Lake District National Park’s only coastal village of Ravenglass, through two of Lakeland’s loveliest valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountain. You can just relax and take in the scenery together, pop into the little café at Dalegarth for a tasty lunch or hop on and off to experience the wealth of pretty walks and cycle trails along the route. Children under the age of 5 go free. Dogs are also welcome on board. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
3. Cook up a storm with cookery courses in a fairy-tale castle: Tiny aspiring chefs can take part in special Little Cooks workshops at Augill Castle near Kirkby Stephen. Kids aged 7-14 staying at the castle can enjoy a four hour feast of learning everything that’s fun about food; from growing it in Augill’s own kitchen garden and raising it (the castle has its own chickens and pigs) to preparing, cooking and eating it. The Little Cooks Courses run on February 9, 12 and 19 costs £65 per child, including meal and an apron to take home. The Valentine Little Cooks Course on February 14 costs £30 per child including sweet treats to take away. www.stayinacastle.com
4. Experience the best of world cinema in the heart of the Lakes: The 14th annual Keswick Film Festival (February 21-24) features 30 UK and international films, previews and UK premières whilst experiencing the stunning views of the Lake District. The main attraction is likely to once again be Hollywood actor John Hurt, star of The Elephant Man, Alien, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. www.keswickfilmclub.org
5. Sit back, relax and sail away: Leave the car at home with the ‘Cross Lakes Experience’ and create your own adventure in and around England’s most famous lake, Windermere. The flexible one day tickets are available Saturday February 16th to Sunday 24th. Passengers can take a relaxing cruise across Lake Windermere, from Bowness to Ferry House, followed by a Mountain Goat bus scenic tour – taking in Beatrix Potter’s home at Hill Top or the charming village of Hawkshead. www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
6. Keep an eagle eye on spectaular birds of prey with a guided ‘Hawk Walk’ : Join an experienced team for a ‘Hawk Walk’ in the Lake District National Park. You can experience these beautiful birds of prey first hand as they fly with precision through the trees, fly in and land gently onto your gloved hand. Hawk Walks can be arranged as an individual or family activity. www.predatorexperience.co.uk/hawk_walks.htm
7. Get interactive and bring Beatrix Potter’s tales to life: Families can search for Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor’s garden, explore Jemima Puddle-duck’s woodland glade and call at Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction re-opens on Saturday February 9 following refurbishment. Developments include an extension to the world-famous gift shop along with new touch screen technology and a High Definition film in the Virtual Walk part of the attraction – revealing more enthralling archive material about the vibrant Miss Potter – along with interactive fun and games for children. Adults £6.95, £3.65 for children or a family ticket costs £18.50. www.hop-skip-jump.com
8. Enjoy life down on the farm: Visit the Gincase Farm Park nested in coastal countryside between Silloth-on-Solway and the pretty village of Allonby, where the kids can meet a variety of farm animals. Time it well and you can feed the goats or lambs. There’s also an outside pen with rabbits and guinea pigs for children to cuddle, playground, animal barn, the new enormous ‘crazytown’ soft play area, pedal toys, and a pedal go kart track. www.gincase.co.uk
9. Step back into maritime history: The interactive Beacon is awash with Whitehaven’s maritime history – not only was the town once one of the world’s big players in seafaring, but it has links with the first US president, George Washington and was at the heart of the rum smuggling skulduggery. Kids can try out the moving deck, which simulates what it’s like being on board a ship. There’s also a Met Office Weather Gallery offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and an exhibition gallery over five different floors.Open Weds-Sat, 11am to 4pm and Sun, 12 to 4pm. It’s £5.50 for a day ticket for adults, £4 for concessions and £1.50 for kids under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk
10. Enjoy some lakeside fun on Windermere shore: Many visitors drive past the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole without realising what a great value day out it is for families. Brockhole is home to 10 acres of Thomas Mawson gardens which run idyllically down to Lake Windermere. It’s all free and is buggy and wheelchair friendly. The gardens also house an adventure playground and newly installed ‘tree top trek’ for ages 7+. What’s more you can head down to the jetty and catch a Windermere Lake Cruise up to nearby Waterhead. Entry is free (there is a parking charge). www.brockhole.co.uk
For further information about visiting the Lake District, Cumbria, visit www.golakes.co.uk
