What to do and see in Lake District, England: The Best Specialty Museums

May 15, 2022 Enriqueta Cusson

Cumbria's valleys and fells (as the low mountains are known) are home to idyllic villages, high moorlands and picturesque lakes. Literary buffs will enjoy Wordsworth's Dove Cottage (go in March to see daffodils), and if you've got kids in tow, visit The World of Beatrix Potter. Or just enjoy a leisurely drive through beautiful scenery.
Restaurants in Lake District

1. J.B.Banks and Son Ltd

13-14 Market Place, Cockermouth CA13 9NH England +44 1900 822281 [email protected] http://www.jbbanks.co.uk/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 204 reviews

J.B.Banks and Son Ltd

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.

Reviewed By kevind889 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Just called in while visiting Cockermouth great little hardware shop and well stocked did not no about museum untill told by shop assistant great find museum is full of old machinery and tools loads of old locks guns spears and swords also old office area also lookout for large clocks well worth a visit and it is FREE yes FREE will call back when next in area.

2. JB Banks & Sons

13 _ 14 MARKET PLACE, Cockermouth CA13 9NH England +44 1900 822281 [email protected] http://www.jbbanks.co.uk
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

JB Banks & Sons

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

I must admit that I have a weakness for old shops, particularly hardware shops, and this one in Cockermouth is an absolute gem. I just popped in for a battery and was taken immediately by the sheer aura of the place. The old drawers behind the counter just beg to be explored, and the huge old L.S.D cash register is a thing of sheer beauty. It’s a shop well worthy of a visit and exploration, and I believe that they also have a bit of a museum.

3. Wordsworth Grasmere

591 Dove Cottage A, Grasmere LA22 9SH England +44 15394 35544 [email protected] http://wordsworth.org.uk/
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 893 reviews

Wordsworth Grasmere

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.

Reviewed By HowesMel

Wordsworth Cafe at Dove Cottage, Grasmere was an absolute delight. With a friendly greeting and scrumptious, freshly prepared food and great coffee it’s well worth a visit. The scones are dreamy!

4. Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories

Rayrigg Road, Windermere LA23 1BN England +44 15396 37940 [email protected] http://www.windermerejetty.org
Excellent
63%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories

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

Reviewed By 963avh - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Our second visit. Really interesting exhibits and stunning building in a stunning setting. Excellent cafe with amazing views. Easily catered for my Gluten Free diet. Money off voucher to visit Blackwell with receipt.

5. Ruskin Museum

Yewdale Road, Coniston LA21 8DU England +44 15394 41164 [email protected] http://www.ruskinmuseum.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Ruskin Museum

Set in the heart of Coniston, The Ruskin Museum tells the fascinating ‘Story of Coniston’ and the many heroes that have lived and worked here. It is a Museum for all ages with something of interest for everyone. FREE CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY - The 'CONISTON HEROES TRAIL' will help your children discover local history whilst having fun The Ruskin Museum is a place to discover and be amazed by: the sheer courage and endeavour of World Water and Land Speed Record holders Donald Campbell and his father Malcolm; the inspiration of Victorian polymath John Ruskin, his influence of on our lives today and the beauty of his drawings; the toil and resilience of the early copper miners and quarry men; the imagination of Arthur Ransome and his tales of Swallows and Amazons; the bravery of the first rock climbers, founders of the Mountain Rescue; and the creativity and dedication of the Langdale Linen and Lace makers.

Reviewed By chrisdaniells1 - Worksop, United Kingdom

Great little Museum with some genuine pieces all relating to Donald Campbell well worth a visit lots of good articles to read and also some good visual information

6. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

The Old Laundry Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BX England +44 15394 88444 [email protected] http://www.hop-skip-jump.com
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,726 reviews

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

*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.

Reviewed By iansabrinaroberts - Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, United Kingdom

What a lovely quaint museum dedicated to the stories of childhood memories Interactive section was very appealing to both old and young

7. Quaker Tapestry

Friends Meeting House Stramongate Stramongate, Kendal LA9 4BH England +44 1539 722975 [email protected] http://www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk/
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Quaker Tapestry

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.

Reviewed By louiselV7098RW - Slough, United Kingdom

Always worth a visit, I try to visit when I'm in Kendal! Staff are very helpful and informative! My favourite panels the scientists, health and the environment! I would recommend a visit!

8. Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Threlkeld Quarry, Threlkeld, Keswick CA12 4TT England +44 17687 79747 http://www.threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 273 reviews

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Reviewed By kaparobi - Reigate, United Kingdom

The museum is very interesting to find out about the geology of the area. Then a short walk up to the machinery for exploring. Followed by a nice little ride on the steam train and some panning for "gold"! Mine tour currently closed for Covid reasons but everything else open and measures in place. A good couple of hours well spent and good value.

9. Holker Hall and Gardens

Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL England +44 15395 58328 [email protected] http://www.holker.co.uk
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 631 reviews

Holker Hall and Gardens

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.

Reviewed By andrewhP8266OY - Carlisle, United Kingdom

Was extremely lucky with the weather, as we walked around the large deer park and then stopped off for a light lunch in the courtyard cafe. Nothing can be faulted, warm professional welcome, sign posted one way system to manage the old Covid, very friendly staff encountered at every point. Tasty food well presented and reasonably priced. The doggy station of free treats and water is the best set up I’ve seen in a long time. All in the shadow of the imposing Victorian wing, which all being well shall be reopened soon as restrictions are lifted. I used to live close by as a youngster and it’s reassuring to see that the area has not lost any of its charm.

Beatrix Potter Gallery Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS England +44 15394 36355 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrix-potter-gallery-and-hawkshead
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 651 reviews

Beatrix Potter Gallery

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.

Reviewed By dunnka - Birmingham, United Kingdom

What a fantastic little place this is, many interesting g things to see and read, a lovely in sight to the life to the brilliantly talented Beatrix Potter, Staff are extremely friendly and polite and very knowledgeable. Would def return and 100% recommended

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