The 10 Best Museums in Cumbria, England

Established in 1836, this traditional ironmongers & hardware shop contains a wealth of original features, from the 22 ft mahogany counter and all the drawers behind to the unusual counter made of keys. Go through the rear door & step back in time. See the workshop dating back to Georgian times, office and more. Great for adults & kids alike.

Unique as one of only four puppet theatres constructed in England, with puppeteers bridges for marionettes and a pit for working rod puppets from below. The site lines are great for children, with all the rows of seats on a steep rake, allowing children to see over adults. All of our productions are written, designed and produced in our own on site workshops,staged with full lighting and musical scores and appeal to all ages. The theatre has an on site cafe and also an on site free entry art gallery with shop. Tables can be reserved in the cafe for groups visiting the puppet theatre and a children's menu is offered. We were awarded the Readers Choice Culture Award from Cumbria Life Magazine this year for our venue and last year won the "Sustainable Tourism Award" from Cumbria Tourist board for our"Eco" buildings and sound green business ethic. Many of our audience members have returned year after year to see our performances and after show meet the puppet sessions for photographs.

The gallery is now open. Thuline is a professional artist specialising in animal portraits, mainly farm animals and pet portrait commissions. In her studio-gallery she sells originals, prints and gifts with her animals on (cushions, aprons, coasters….). She runs small workshops, up to 6 people. These can be for individuals, families, businesses, friends... On location, she can work with bigger groups. These can be organised on very short notice. Or you can come and watch her paint. Thuline does demonstrations too. Thuline also exhibits originals and limited edition prints all over the UK and Ireland. There is a permanent showcase of her work in the Jumbleroom, Grasmere. “I observe animals, their shapes, gestures and mannerisms and in developing my ideas, I take them quite often out of their context. I like using bold colours.” Thuline takes online orders too.

In 1799, while on a walking tour of the Lake District, William Wordsworth saw Dove Cottage in Grasmere and decided to make it his home. He had known the valley as a boy, describing it as ‘paradise’. Within a few weeks, Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy had moved in and were busily furnishing the home and planning a garden. It was whilst living here that Wordsworth produced most of his best-loved poems, and Dorothy wrote her fascinating Grasmere journal. A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago. In this humble Lake District cottage, you can feel how a unique combination of people and place came together and changed poetry forever. You will need to book your ticket before you visit. To book tickets for a timed entry slot to Dove Cottage and the Garden-Orchard please visit our website.

Stories of boats and steam Museum reopening 28 May Café open daily 10am-5pm Heritage boat trips Part of Lakeland Arts

*Please check the website for Winter opening hours* An enchanting visitor attraction in the English Lake District where Beatrix Potter’s magical stories are brought to life in 3D. Learn about the famous Miss Potter, meet Peter Rabbit and step into Mr McGregor’s kitchen garden. Enjoy delicious treats in the Tea Room and browse the world-famous souvenir gift shop.

World famous attraction within the historic market town of Kendal in Cumbria. An award-winning, inspirational exhibition of embroidered panels telling stories of railways, revolutionary ideas and remarkable people. 350 years of social history, beautifully hand-crafted by 4,000 people from around the world. Facilities include, visitor audio guides in several languages, films, subsidiary displays, children's activities, garden, gift shop and cafe. Situated at Friends Meeting House in one of Kendal's finest Georgian buildings next to the River Kent. There is step-free access and a small visitor car park at the Stramongate entrance to the Meeting House. There is a Coach drop-off bay and bus station within 100 metres and Kendal train station within a five-minute walk.

Holker Hall is the home of the Cavendish Family who welcome visitors of all ages to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay and is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland, framed by the Lakeland Hills.

This quirky building in the heart of Hawkshead displays original watercolours and work by Beatrix Potter, from the National Trust collection. It's the only place you can step inside the famous tales and get up-close to the original illustrations.

Great exhibitions, activities and cafe in a glorious park setting by the river. Giant map, musical stones and loads for kids to do. Open daily 10-4