Newborn lambs, daffodils and chocolate galore mark the beginning of the Easter holidays for parents across Cumbria.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve pulled together our favourite activities to keep the kids occupied, whatever the weather. 

As an added bonus, every venue is accessible by Stagecoach bus, meaning you don’t have to battle the holiday traffic.

One less thing to stress over and with fares restricted to £2 per journey, it won’t break the bank either.

Easter craft workshop at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

Bus route: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29, 30
Bus stops: Lowther Street & Strand Street

Get your craft on at The Beacon Museum, as it offers an assortment of spring workshops for children. Participants can make their own cuddly pom-pom chicks, lambs and bunnies, as well as a colourful basket to carry them home in.

The workshops take place at 11am and 2pm on Saturday March 30, Sunday March 31, Monday April 1, Monday April 8, Tuesday April 9 and Wednesday April 10.

The sessions cost £7.50 per child and can be booked via the website.

Museum admission is not included in the price.

Lowther Castle, Penrith

Bus route: 509
Bus stops: Castle Entrance 

Spark your children’s imaginations in the Lost Castle, at Lowther Castle. Climb towers, cross wobbly bridges, and crawl through secret tunnels all built from wood for endless climbing adventures.

Let them be knights and explorers in this fantastic play space, nestled in the beauty of Lowther Castle’s grounds.

If you’re feeling a bit more seasonal, then while visiting why not take part in the castle’s Easter garden trail, Tales of the Golden Egg, which begins on March 23 and is free with admission.

There is a small Easter prize for all participants.

World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere

Bus route: 6, 508, 555, 599 & 755
Bus stops: St Martin’s Church / Bowness Pier 

Explore the magical world of Beatrix Potter with a whole host of Easter activities. Take part in a mini egg trail on March 30 and 31, and find all the eggs to win a prize.

Other events throughout the holidays include Peter Rabbit tea parties, the chance to meet Beatrix Potter’s animals, meet-and-greets with Peter Rabbit, and sculpture painting involving Jemima Puddle Duck or Peter Rabbit. Tickets for all events can be bought online.

Adventure Quest at Carlisle Castle 

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stops: 5-minute walk from The Market Hall

Enjoy a cracking adventure quest at Britain’s most besieged castle, between Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, April 14.

Hunt for clues in the grounds, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a chocolate treat. It costs £2 to take part in the seasonal quest, which is in addition to the entrance fee.

The castle itself offers a fascinating day out for families, as you discover its turbulent history with the Border Reivers, when it played hosts to kings and learn about the time spent in prison there by Mary Queen of Scots.

Stir in for the adults is Mary and George, King James was Mary’s son.

Easter International Market, Carlisle city centre

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stops: A 5-minute walk from Carlisle Bus station

Head into the city centre and enjoy an international extravaganza with a variety of authentic continental treats.

More than 40 traders will showcase unique wares from handmade jewellery to Fair Trade furniture and wood carvings and of course the famous Dutch Flowers on Tour.

But if it’s not a gift you’re after, all the family will be tempted by the mouth-watering display of international flavours.

From Greek gyros, hot macaroons, exotic burgers, crepes, handmade breads, salami and cheese are just a few of the treats being sold. It runs from Thursday, March 28 to Monday, April 1.

Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale

Bus route: 77, 77A, 77C
Bus stops: Honister Slate Mine 

If your children are a little bit older, then why not really give them an adrenaline rush this Easter, by taking part in one of the activities at Honister Slate Mine.

From a more sedate but fascinating underground mine tour to the opportunity to climb the mine, tackle the Infinity Bridge or take on the Via Ferrata Classic or Extreme.

If you dare. Whether looking to hide from the rain or get out and embrace the sunshine, the mine’s activities will create memories which last a lifetime.

Embrace the fresh air and take on the Threlkeld to Keswick railway path

Bus route: X4 & X5
Bus stops: Keswick Bus Station/Threlkeld 

When the sun is shining, there is nowhere more beautiful to get outside than Cumbria, and the Keswick to Threlkeld railway path is the perfect walking route for all the family.

Reopened in December 2020, it is accessible for all ages and abilities and has a car park at Keswick. It is 5km in each direction and follows the route of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway.

It weaves its way over the River Greta on some of the original Victorian railway bridges – keep an eye out for herons and dippers.

Easter egg hunt at Wordsworth House and Gardens, Cockermouth

Bus route: 77C, X4/X5, 600
Bus stops: Cockermouth, Main Street

Explore the childhood home and gardens of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, while making your own Easter discoveries. Pick up an activity pack from the welcome desk and discover creative Easter crafts, play at taking tea like the Wordsworth’s, try wild art and enjoy some lively games.

Once you’ve discovered the 10 activities hidden throughout the premises, secure your own egg at the end – these are Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, with the option of a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From egg. It runs from March 29 to April 10. Further information here.

Family Hub on the Harbour in Whitehaven

Bus route: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29 & 30 
Bus stops: Lowther Street & Strand Street

A new family-friendly hub will open its doors for the first time this Easter. Major refurbishment work has transformed Whitehaven Harbour’s Old Barclays Bank into one of Cumberland Council’s new Family Hubs.

Families are invited to drop in to the opening event, from 11am to 3pm, on Thursday, April 11, where there will be free fun activities and refreshments.

The hub will provide a range of family-based services in partnership with other organisations for families, children and young people aged 0-19– and up to 25 for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Friends of Egremont Castle Easter Event

Bus route: 30 
Bus stops: Main Street

Set in the stunning ruins of Egremont Castle the Friends of Egremont Castle are entertaining the little ones for free, Year 6 and below.

With the Easter Bunny hopping around and a tombola amongst other surprises.

Once you’re finished there you can head into the town and grab a bite to eat at Déjà Brew for a taste of Asia or head up to Emma’s Bakes for a sweet treat.

Easter Market at Workington’s Theatre Royal

Bus route: 29, 30, 51, 52 and X5
Bus stops: Bus Station

As they say in theatre always leave them wanting more.

This is a short and sweet market at Workington’s Theatre Royal on Saturday, March 30, running from 10-12.

With tea, coffee and homemade cakes with beautiful handmade items for sale and Easter crafts for the kids.

Not forgetting the egg dump at 11am, only £1 to enter.

All money raised goes directly to the theatre that puts on performances throughout the year from local groups to national performers.