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If we didn't have rain ...
..we wouldn't have lakes
Weather in the Lake District certainly isn’t boring. The phrase ‘all four seasons in one day’ applies here much of the time.
Rain can blow through in 24 hours, leaving clear, gorgeous light shows, gushing waterfalls and rainbows with amazing skies. But sometimes they do stay a while longer!
A walk in the forest
Or go find a waterfall ...
If you don't mind being out in a bit of rain,
... but its not suitable weather to head up the big fells, then try out some of the lower level and forest walks in the area. You can always come back to the cottage for a warm shower and a hot chocolate!
Rob has mapped out a number of local walks right from the door (with the maps in the cottage), including a walk past the church and into the forest which passes some of the famous Grizedale sculptures such as the "Lady of the Water", which looks even more spectacular in wet weather!
Trouble 't mill
But it is mainly inside!
Just "over the fell", this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. It is the only working bobbin mill left in the Lake District today.
The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with tours and an exhibition. Visitors can also see the journey from tree to bobbin first hand during production on the original belt driven machinery. A hands-on family trail with dressing up for children helps visitors to imagine what it was like to work at the mill.
Take a train to the Lake
Why not enjoy a trip on a full-size steam train – the Haverthwaite Railway runs between Haverthwaite and Lakeside on a short but sweet journey, taking you back to the wonderful steam age, nice and slow to enjoy the scenery.
Once you’re at Lakeside, the Aquarium of the Lakes is fascinating, with more than 30 naturally themed habitats, telling the story of the natural history of the Lake District, and hundreds of different species to look at. The wonderful otters have feeding time at 10.30 and 3pm.
Visit a castle or two
There are over a dozen national trust properties within a few minutes drive
Wray Castle, Ambleside; A real family friendly big turreted castle, with great views out to the Lake; space to run around and explore; and a small café. There are also beautiful lakeside walks from here should the weather brighten up. Holker Hall is just a few miles away towards the coast, or you could visit Brantwood, John Ruskin's home, ahistoric house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, Ruskin’s former home has a wealth of things to see and do for the whole family with regular special events including workshops, lectures and exhibitions.
Visit Miss Potter
"What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood?"
Why not go on the Beatrix Potter trail? Hill Top,Sawrey. is the house that made Beatrix Potter famous and you even get to have a peek into Mr McGregor’s garden. In Hawkshead there is the Beatrix Potter Gallery where you can step into the pages of your favourite Beatrix Potter tales. Or you could head over on the ferry to Bowness to visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
And another fine mess..
Well a fine old town anyway
For a less visited destination, Ulverston is a fine market town in the centre of the Furness peninsula, with old buildings and a labyrinth of cobbled streets. It is the birthplace of Stan Laurel, and home to the world’s only Laurel and Hardy Museum. There is also the new Lakes Glass Centre, which is home to Heron Glass, where you can watch the transformation of molten glass into spectacular works of art, and Cumbria Crystal, where you can watch the intricate hand crafted process of crystal making and engraving.
Have a little "Me time"
as if its not relaxing here already ....
On a wet day in the Lakes, what could be better than a lovely foot or back massage? The Beauty Rooms is a new salon based in the village of Hawkshead. You can have a half hour foot and leg massage to rejuvenate those tired muscles, or indulge in my favourite, a "Deeper than Deep" hot stones massage.
Escape to Victory ..
Can you think yourself out of the box?
Cliffhanger Rooms 4 miles away at Backbarrow were the first Escape Rooms to open in Cumbria in 2016 and are currently ranked the No1 Escape Rooms winning the coveted “Best New Tourism Business” awarded by Cumbria Tourism in 2017.
All the Escape Rooms are family friendly and are unique as they are not part of any franchise.
Take in a Show
And maybe stroke a cat whilst you are at it....
Zeffirellis in Ambleside is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts while there is a Studio Cinema that shows the latest arthouse and niche film productions with live satellite links to world class events of Opera, Ballet and Theatre in the neighbouring Fellinis.
Make some chocolate
In case you are not already sweet enough ...
At Hawkshead Chocolate Factory you can have a unique and interactive experience for children or the whole family that is truly unforgettable. You will make delicious chocolate creations and best of all, everything you make is yours to take home including the apron and hair net.