The long summer holidays are upon us and parents everywhere are facing that age-old conundrum, how do we keep the kids entertained?
To help, we’ve put together a selection of family-friendly activities happening around Cumbria from the end of July, including a trip back in time to the medieval era and some strange animals.
You can get to all of them by using Stagecoach’s buses.
Who wants to be stuck in a sweltering car anyway?
Bowness-on-Solway
On bus routes 93 and 93A the beauty of north west Cumbria is revealed as you head into Bowness-on-Solway.
The village is famous for being the western end of Hadrian’s Wall, site of the second largest Roman fort on the wall, Maia, but has much more to offer.
It overlooks the Solway Firth, famous for the Solway Firth Spaceman at Burgh Marsh also on bus route 93, it provides panoramic views of the Scottish coast.
It lies within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close by is the RSPB’s Campfield Marsh nature reserve.
Visit http://www.visitcumbria.com/car/bowness-on-solway
Tullie House
Carlisle museum and gallery Tullie House is not only on numerous bus route: 61, 62, 63, 67, 69, 79, 93, 104, 300, 400, 554, 600, 685 you can also hop on a train.
Tullie House always has loads to do for children and this summer is no exception.
The Once Upon A Planet exhibition runs until September 10 and features fun displays and activities to showcase the amazing diversity of life in Cumbria, engage the next generation in nature and inspire a love for the planet.
On July 27 and August 10 there are summer ceramics workshops and August 9 and 18 outdoor magic shows for children from magician Franc Karpo, all for children.
Visit http://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/events
Carlisle Castle
Heading over or under the road from Tullie House is Carlisle Castle.
On July 29 the castle hosts a Family Discovery Morning exploring the sights and smells of the medieval period.
Discover what life would have been like for those living at the castle and what their jobs really entailed during a tour of the keep and great defences.
You can also experience the smells of the period and dress up as your favourite medieval character.
Also on bus route: 61, 62, 63, 67, 69, 79, 93, 104, 300, 400, 554, 600, 685 or train.
Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on
Beacon Museum
Situated on the west coast in Whitehaven is the Beacon Museum.
Accessible by bus on routes 29 and 30 or train this is a museum like no other.
Sitting on Whitehaven harbour there is as much history inside as there is outside with the remains of the towns mining, trading and military past located around the museum.
Inside The Pirates of the Beacon Museum, an interactive experience for all the family, runs until August 29.
Dig for gold on Treasure Island and explore the jungle. Dress as a pirate and lead your crew as you raise the Jolly Roger.
Can you find the hidden pirate coin in the galleries?
You could be in with the chance of winning a Lego pirate ship and other prizes.
Visit thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk
The Puzzling Place
A trip into the Lake District and Keswick on bus routes X4, X5, 77, 77A, 78, 554, 555 and you’ll have to see it to believe it.
The Puzzling Place World of Illusion is home to the Anti-gravity Room, Ames Room, Hologram Gallery’ and ‘Eyelusions’ Exhibition.
It’s a fascinating, fun and social excursion into the wonderful world of optical illusion and the ideal place to be enjoyed and experienced with friends or family, however young or old.
Visit http://www.puzzlingplace.co.uk
Lake District Coast Aquarium
An overlooked gem on bus routes 30 and 300 Maryport is packed with history and attractions for all the family.
Undoubtedly one of the towns star attractions is the Lake District Coast Aquarium with more than 75 tanks housing over 2,000 residents including the shark and ray pool, shipwrec and deep reef, plus the latest SeaLab extension with microscope, lobster hatchery project, spectacular jellyfish breeding tanks and huge coral display that the kids can climb inside.
It’s not just about aquatic life. There’s a 14-hole crazy golf course and an adventure playground, cafe, gift and tackle shop.
Visit maryportaquarium.co.uk
Maryport Maritime Museum
Staying with Maryport and water, Maryport Maritime Museum will throw up some surprises.
Over two floors, the museum collection consists of objects, photographs and paintings relating to the maritime, industrialand social history of Maryport.
They tell the epic story of the White Star Line, including the Titanic, and the ship-owning families based in the town, including the Ritsons and the Hine families.
THE HERDWICK NEWS 