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 | Cumbria Times A Voice of the Free Press |
1:01 AM 30th March 2024
lifestyle
From Bunnies To Egg Hunts And Trampolines To Sandcastles, Explore The Best Of Cumbria By Bus This Easter
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 and can have one less thing to stress over. And with fares restricted to £2 per journey, it won’t break the bank either!
The Beacon Whitehaven
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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.
The world of Beatrix Potter
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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.
Carlisle Castle
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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.
Easter international market Carlisle
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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. 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
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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.
Threlkeld to Keswick railway path
Photo: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/
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.
Wordsworth House & Gardens
Photo: National Trust
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.
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.