Right out on the windy west coast of Cumbria is The Beacon, which has provided a well-used museum service for local families and visitors since it reopened in purpose built gallery spaces in 1996. It draws on rich collections – fine and decorative arts, social history, archaeology and natural sciences – that tell the story of the area, in particular the maritime history of Whitehaven. The interpretation is lively, with lots of activities for children.
Find out what happens when the boy cries ‘WOLF’ in this magical winter production.
from £10.00
Following the success of The Secret Garden in 2017, the team present another Frances Hodgson Burnett classic. Suitable for children aged 6+ and the perfect Christmas outing.
from £12.00
Find out how the first tourists to the Lake District (a time before mobile phones, specialist clothing and TripAdvisor reviews) experienced the area, in this fascinating new exhibition.
from £6.00
This art exhibit pays tribute to the often forgotten Women’s Timber Corps (1942), who took up axes and saws to help with the war effort.
free entry
Offering a brilliant blend of history, art and literature, this expanded exhibition at The Armitt, offers a revealing insight into the artist’s life and work.
from £4.00
Jingle all the way to the Father Christmas Tea Party at a magical winter wonderland.
from £7.50
The explosive Afro-futurist collective Onipa bring their high-octane live show to Brewery Arts in Kendal this December.
from £16.50
Light and Land explores the relationships between people and place in this beautiful exhibition, archiving the ever-changing social and environmental landscapes of Cumbria.
free entry
Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft, led by a membership of artists.
Florence Mine has been transformed into a centre for cultural activity, offering workshops, gallery space, cinema and music venue.
A cosy theatre, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment, in an exceptional setting on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
Calling steam train enthusiasts big and small! The Ravenglass & Eskdale heritage train is ready to transport you back in time.
The Muncaster Castle estate takes in a haunted castle, bluebell woods, Hawk and Owl Centre and more.
An historic and atmospheric country house complete with roaring fires and wood panelling and set in its own grounds.
Independent hotel in an idyllic setting.
A plaque on the wall confirms that this was once the school room of poet William Wordsworth and mutineer Fletcher Christian.
A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.
Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.
A snazzy wine and food joint, with a lovely terraced beer garden.
Keep warm with festive feasts, Hollywood stars and 90s nostalgia across the North's cinemas this December.
Provocative new writing, glitzy burlesque and big budget shows, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
It might be curl-up-with-a-book season, but there's lots to get out and about for and plenty of events where you can stock up on new reads.
Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.
Festive frolics, monstrous theatre and magical outdoor adventures all feature in our latest picks of things to do with the family.
While rainy late autumn may not be the most energising of seasons, there is plenty of new art to see and inspire this month!
We're unapologetically entering into the Christmas spirit here at Tours and Activities with some alternative festive fun.
The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North for the upcoming winter months.
