Not far from the centre of Bowness, looking out over the lake of Windermere, is the Arts and Crafts house of Blackwell. It’s an architectural gem, showing us a picture of life in the early 20th century. The acclaimed architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott designed the house which now holds regular exhibitions and events. There’s a tea-room and contemporary craft shop, and all are open every day from 10am till 4pm. You need to book in advance to tour the house.
https://lakelandarts.org.uk/blackwell/

The Windermere Jetty Museum, like Blackwell, is owned and run by Lakeland Arts. This superb, award-winning visitor destination is directly on the lake shore and is known as the most beautiful boat-shed in Britain. It tells the story of the boats and the people who built them, the very history of the lake itself, with fascinating exhibits inside and in the wet-dock.

Here you’ll see the industry and engineering of another age, while enjoying the best modern facilities. And, of course, a great café and gift shop. There are regular exhibitions and events, each day from 10 am. Check the website for full details:
https://lakelandarts.org.uk/windermere-jetty-museum

There’s no need to borrow small children as an excuse to visit the charming and creative World of Beatrix Potter attraction. Everyone, whatever age, loves Beatrix Potter and the characters she created. And here they are, in the centre of Bowness, in the same building as the delightful Old Laundry Theatre.

The characters from the books come to life in spectacular 3-D as you tour the exhibition, and then have a chance to buy the beautiful books, and models of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggywinkle and all the others. There’s also a themed café and – if the rain stops – a lovely Peter Rabbit garden. It’s open every day from 10am. And don’t you just love the name of their website: https://www.hop-skip-jump.com/

Even on a rainy day in Windermere you can explore England’s largest lake in comfort. Windermere Lake Cruises have steamers that carry passengers under cover every day. Some head to the north of the lake and the stunning mountain landscapes. Others cruise around the islands of Windermere. And you can take a cruise to the southern end of the lake and take a break on land.

Here at Lakeside you can visit the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. It’s a family run business where steam engines haul traditional 1950’s carriages through the countryside of the Leven Valley, leisurely transporting passengers to Lakeside Station, where those connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises.

At the Victorian Station you will find a tea room, gift shop, engine shed and woodland playground. The station welcomes dogs and they can ride the train for free

https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/
https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/

Not far away is the Lakeland Motor Museum which hosts a collection of over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century - cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia. There’s also local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and a picturesque riverside cafe, making this a great day out for the whole family.
https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/

Further west are two very distinctive and popular visitor destinations. The award-winning Muncaster Castle is where you can easily spend a whole day (or even stay over in the Coachman’s Quarters). The castle is still a lived-in family home, but you can explore inside and out. The castle is said to be haunted but we know you’re not scared!

Many different events and activities are staged here, with the popular hawk and owl centre, and a programme of round the year festivals. There’s a main-line station nearby, and plans are already under way for the return of the frightful Muncaster Express Ghost Train at the end of October. Check their website for all details.
https://www.muncaster.co.uk/whatson

And a little further west, that main line links up with the most popular mini railway of them all, the Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway. Known as Ratty, it’s a narrow-gauge line that runs up the beautiful valley of Eskdale to Boot station, where a turntable allows the steam engines to turn around for the homeward journey. There are cafes at either end, and some delightful little stations along the route to break your journey if you want to walk part of the way.

The Ravenglass Railway Museum tells the story of the Railway’s rich heritage and its interaction with the valleys along which it operates. There’s artefacts, steam locomotives, and hands-on interactive features, and it’s all free.
https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/

Now, we’re heading back east to the beautiful valley of Ullswater where steamers have been carrying passengers for more than 160 years. It’s a perfect way to see the stunning scenery with the high fells all around, and it’s possible to break your voyage and walk back from Howtown along the shore of the lake. Groups are welcome, and you can even arrange a private hire for a special event. https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/

North of Ullswater you will find Rheged, a massive multi-purpose destination created out of the Cumbrian landscape. There’s a cinema, galleries with top class exhibitions, shops, and a cafe and deli. There’s plenty of free parking, entry to the main building is free, and the place is very easy to reach just off the A66. https://rheged.com/

Head back west to Setmurthy near Cockermouth for a much more specific but totally thrilling visit to the Lakes Distillery. Whisky? Surely that’s Scotland? Not exclusively. As the team here themselves say, whisky at its best triggers an emotional response, “it is more than a drink. It shares that with landscape.... what you need for a distillery is access to lots of cold, clean water, space for storing the casks, and access to market. You could make whisky anywhere these requirements are met.”

You can book tours and tastings, and you can book a table at the classy Bistro restaurant. There’s also a shop, of course, and if your favourite tipple is gin, then there’s a treat for you as well. https://lakesdistillery.com/

How to while away a rainy afternoon or evening in the Lakes? At the newly restored and re-opened Royalty Cinema in Bowness. More than just film screenings, the Royalty now offers live mujsic, comedy, and afternoon tea dances. Details at https://www.theroyaltybowness.co.uk/

We end our rainy day tour in Grasmere, not just the home of the poet William Wordsworth, but a veritable shrine to his life and work, and a place of pilgrimage for all who love poetry. You can tour the tiny Dove Cottage where Wordsworth lived, and visit the excellent museum next door. There’s a garden, orchard, woodland, cafe and shop, and special events are staged throughout the year. Currently you can visit the Time Lab, an interactive studio laboratory where your memories become part of an ever changing artwork. Check their website and you’ll be amazed just how much there is to see and do.
https://wordsworth.org.uk/visit/