Things to do when visting the Lake District

The Lake District well known for its natural beauty and wide variety of outdoor activities, also offers a wealth of superb visitor attractions, festivals and events for all the family.

Step back in time at one of South lakeland's historic house or fascinating museums, relax on a lake cruise or stream railway or follow in teh footsteps of great literary characters like William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin, who lived in the South lakes and whose homes you can visit.

Children can come face to face with animals from around the world at two wildlife centres, an aquarium and a sheep and wool centre or enjoy a magical indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter famour characters. the whole family can explore deep underground in a late mine too.

If you are looking for a souvenir of your visit there are working potteries, photographic, art and craft galleries, design studios and plenty of other shopping opportunities.

For those who want to get active, there's a climbing wall, leisure centre and high wire experience in Grizedale Forest!

These are just a few ideas for great days out in South Lakeland. Select any of the attractions in the list below for full details of what the area has to offer. Click on the description to link to the web site for the attraction.

Aquarium Of The Lakes - Discover the secret world of the lakes at Britain's biggest freshwater aquarium. See pike, otters, British sharks.

Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead - Orginal artwork for her children's "tales"

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House Nr Bowness on Windermere

Brantwood, Coniston - The former home of John Ruskin is the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District

Dove Cottage and Museum Grasmere - Beautifully preserved home where England's finest poet William Wordsworth wrote his best loved poetry.

Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery - Fish the largest stocked lake in the North West from bank or boat (own or hire)

Fell Foot Country Park, Nr newby Bridge - Discover thls Lakeside victorian parl, just the place for families to enjoy access to Windermere, with boat hire, picnic area and adventure play ground.

Go Ape, High Ropes Forest Adventure, Grizedale - A challenging course of rope bridges and tarzan swings

Hayes Graden World, Ambleside - one of the country's finest garden centres

Heaton Cooper Art Studion, Grasmere

Hill Top, Near Sawrey - Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her famour children's stories in this small 17th century farmhouse. It has been kept exactly as she left it.

At night you might wish to visit one of the more unusual threatres in the UK at theatre by the Lake

Or if you wish for a quiet lake cruise you have numerous ones to choose from:

Windermere

Coniston

Keswick

Ullswater

Don't worry about remembering the above for your holiday. All properties contain full details on attractions.