Things to do in Cartmel on a rainy day…

The Lake District is renowned for its wet weather, with rainy days often being the norm! Although we encourage you not to let the rain put you off, here are some indoor attractions in and around Cartmel for the days when heavy rain is really spoiling your outdoor plans…

• Cartmel Priory

Watch the rain fall from inside Cartmel Priory’s stunning Victorian stained glass windows. Exploring the priory’s interior is a perfect rainy day activity and great opportunity to soak up some history amongst fascinating architecture, colourful stained glass and ancient furnishings.  The church originates from between 1190 and 1220 and holds many historic treasures including the organ, which dates back to 1867, and the church bells, which originate from as early as 1661.

• Holker Hall

Holker Hall is the elegant family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, whose family have owned the hall for over 400 years. The hall is one of the finest houses in South Lakeland and boasts Victorian architecture, which was added to the house following a fire in 1871. The house is open to visitors to explore with no restrictions, with exceptionally interesting rooms in the house including the library, the drawing room and the dining room, which are filled with fine displays of antique furniture and art.

• Lakes Aquarium

Situated at Lakeside on the southern end of lake Windermere around 15 minutes away from Cartmel, the Lakes Aquarium is an indoor centre ideal for exploring wildlife and water whilst staying dry!  The aquarium is home to hundreds of different wildlife both local and exotic including species of fish such as Pike, Arctic Charr, Clownfish and Piranhas, mammals including otters and mice, and reptiles such as frogs and axolotl. Colourful groups of fish can be observed swimming over your head by walking through the aquariums glass tunnel; other interesting displays include a high waterfall plunging into a stream of salmon.