Brantwood
(tel 015394 41396)
(open daily mid-Mar - mid-Nov, Wed-Sun, Nov-Mar)
In a stunning setting overlooking Coniston Water lies Brantwood, the former home of the artist, writer and social reformer, John Ruskin (1819-1900). The white 18th century house is set in 250 acres of gardens laid out by Ruskin himself. Displays inside the house include his own paintings and drawings, together with his collection of art including drawings by Turner. The best way to arrive is by ferry across the lake from Coniston Pier, by Coniston Launch or the Gondola, a 19th century steam yacht.

Cumberland Toy and Model Museum, Cockermouth
(tel 01900 827606)
(open daily Feb - Nov)
Exhibits include toys from 1900 to the present day with model train collections, dolls, dollhouses and recreation of a 1930s toy shop.

Holker Hall, nr. Grange-over-Sands
(tel 015395 58328)
(open Sun-Fri, Apr - Oct)
Grand stately home surrounded by a deer park and splendid gardens. Lakeland Motor Museum features over 250 exhibits including vintage vehicles, classic cars, bicycles and motorbikes.

Levens Hall, Levens, nr. Kendal
(tel 015395 60321)
(open Sun-Thu, Apr - mid-Oct)
Elizabethan house featuring ornate plasterwork and oak-panelling, but most famous for its superb topiary garden laid out from 1694.

Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry, Abbot Hall, Kendal
(tel 01539 722464)
(open daily all year round)
Housed in the 18th century Abbot Hall in Kendal, the museum illustrates the working and social lives of local people throughout the past 200 years. Exhibits include weaving, farming, blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, local architecture and customs. Another room is devoted to the life of Arthur Ransome, author of the Swallows and Amazons books and the Art Gallery features paintings by Ruskin, Romney and Turner.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway
(tel 01229 717171)
(open daily end-Mar - Oct, 26 Dec - 2 Jan, half-term & weekends only Feb - Nov)
Narrow guage steam trains depart from the coastal village of Ravenglass to travel seven miles along the picturesque Eskdale Valley. Various walks along the route, picnic sites, cafes, 'The Ratty Arms' pub and children's play area at Ravenglass make this a great day out for the family.

Windermere Steamboat Museum
(tel 015394 45565)
(open daily Easter - Oct)
A fascinating collection of steam and motor-powered boats including 'Dolly', dating back to 1850 and raised from the bottom of Ullswater in 1962 after 70 years.

Wordsworth's Lake District

Dove Cottage, Grasmere
(tel 015394 35544)
(open daily mid-Feb - mid-Jan)
Wordsworth lived here from 1799 until 1808, during which time he wrote some of his most famous works here including "The Prelude". The well-preserved cottage, formerly an inn, contains his original furniture, personal belongings and original manuscripts.

Rydal Mount & Gardens, nr. Ambleside
(tel 015394 33002)
(open daily Mar - Oct, Wed-Mon, Nov - Feb. closed 3wks in Jan)
Wordsworth's 'most beloved home' from 1813 to 1850, now owned by his descendents. Displays include portraits, personal possessions and first edition works. The gardens were laid out by Wordsworth himself.

Around Rydal Mount and Grasmere are many footpaths and tracks followed by Wordsworth, who composed much of his poetry in the open air. The most famous beauty spot associated with the poet is Dora's Field, just below Rydal Mount next to the church of St Mary's. The springtime daffodils here were planted by Wordsworth himself.

Wordsworth House, Cockermouth
(tel 01900 824805)
(NT, open Mon-Fri Apr - Oct, Mon-Sat, July&Aug)
The poet's childhood home and garden, featuring some of his furniture and personal belongings. Tarn Hows One of the most famous beauty spots in the Lakes. View the tree-lined lake from the overlook or stroll around the paths in about an hour.

Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere
(tel 015394 88444)
(open daily all year)
Three-dimensional displays, films and videos featuring the Beatrix Potter tales plus tearoom and shop.

Hill Top, nr. Sawrey
(tel 015394 36269)
(NT, open Sat-Wed Easter - Oct)
Home of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, with gardens and shop.