School’s Out ! February Half Term in the Lakes

Our #CulturalConcierge, Jeanette Edgar, has pulled together a quick list of events and activities to get in the diary ready for February Half Term – wherever you base yourself and whatever the weather.

We’d recommend that you check the website of the venue and prebook tickets if needed. Being prepared makes for a great day out.

Family Theatre

‘You Choose’ Brewery Arts, Kendal. Sat 19 Feb

Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows) bring you a brand new interactive musical show for all the family. But in this show – YOU CHOOSE what happens!

You Choose courtesy of Brewery Arts, Kendal

Pinocchio, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. Mon 14 – Wed 16 Feb 

Stuff & Nonsense add their hallmark hilarity, cleverness, puppetry, music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers, and extraordinary physical tricks, to their most ambitious production to date. Three funny men, Grandfather, Father, and Son tell tales of growing up; one of them used to be Pinocchio and it turns out he’s had quite a life.

Circus Spectacular, The Forum, Barrow-in-Furness. Fri 18 Feb

Join them for the greatest show on earth! Featuring international circus acts, amazing magic & lots of laughs. Top-class artists bring skill and suspense with their acts, but they also bring comedy and drama to make one truly unhinged experience.

Family Exhibitions

Paddington: the story of a bear, Tullie House Museum, Carlisle. Until Sun 20 Feb

More than 60 years on his stories still delight people of all ages around the world. So, don your hat and duffle coat, grab your suitcase for a marmalade sandwich-fuelled trip down memory lane. A family-friendly exhibition developed by the British Library featuring books, documents, film clips, original artwork, and interactive areas. Lose yourself in your own Paddington adventures and stories.

Paddington, London.

Wrecked! Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere. Until Sun March 20

An immersive family experience that reveals what lies beneath the surface of Windermere and what treasures are found on the lakebed. WRECKED! highlights the opportunities we have to limit the environmental impact on the lake and creates a pathway to help protect the lake for future generations. 

Windermere Jetty Museum c Lee Mann Photography

Family Craft Sessions

Tullie House Museum, Carlise.  Sat Feb 12-Sun Feb 20

Celebrate Paddington Bear’s residency at Tullie House with daily craft sessions. From Origami Paddington to Marmalade Slime, it looks like being a suitcase full of fun.

Family Outdoor adventures

Brockhole on Windermere – All year

Brockhole is the perfect ‘one-stop’ family day out. The grounds and lakeshore will be a buzz of activity – whatever the weather, as cover is provided! Activities such as kayaking, archery, laser clay, and Tree Top Nets can be booked, or hours can be spent out on the trails or orienteering courses or the free adventure playground. There is a brilliant cafe, two outdoor coffee and snack sheds, and the beautiful Gaddum restaurant as well as picnic spots if you bring your own. You’ll not go hungry!

Tree Top Nets at Brockhole Visitor Centre

Sizergh Castle, near Kendal. All year

Head to the woodland and try out the wild play area, or stretch your legs on a walk around the estate or the garden. Sizergh is home to lots of wildlife and the orchard is home to chickens and honeybees. The house is home to the Strickland family, who have lived here for 800 years and are now managed by the National Trust. You can enjoy finding out about them all!

Sizergh Castle in spring

Hawk and Owl flying displays, Muncaster Castle Gardens near Ravenglass. Sat 12-Sun 20 Feb

The Hawk and Owl Centre is home to a diverse range of birds for you to ‘meet’, from massive to minute and bizarre to familiar but all rarely seen up-close. There is a flying display each day.  Enjoy the gardens and castle too, and plenty of options for food & drinks.

Muncaster Castle Skyhunters Show

Take a look at our selection of Lake District cottages available to book for this February Half Term Holiday.