Published at 15:40, Wednesday, 28 July 2010

SUMMER is well and truly underway – and for most young people the six weeks off school will be a chance to let their hair down and have some fun.

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But if your tearaways are in need of a little extra entertainment, take a look at the ultimate guide to summer activities both indoor and out.

HONISTER SLATE MINE – A fully guided tour into the mine itself is available several times a day, detailing the history and spectacular features of the mine. The tour shows the current workings of the mine and how a mixture of modern and traditional methods is still extracting the slate which was forming some 400 million years before Tyrannosaurus Rex was to stride the land. 017687 77230

CARLISLE CASTLE – Carlisle Castle is still a sight to behold. William Rufus founded it in 1092. It’s had a few famous guests in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here. 01228 514880.

WORDSWORTH HOUSE – At Wordsworth House in Cockermouth you can meet the servants, help them with their daily jobs and cook historic food in the working Georgian kitchen. Do a trail or computer quiz, try on costumes or play with the sort of toys William and his sister Dorothy may have had. Art and craft activities, storytelling and competitions run in the school holidays. Why not bring a picnic and have your lunch in the beautiful garden that inspired many of William’s poems? 01900 820884.

CUMBERLAND PENCIL MUSEUM – The famous pencil museum. Catch a glimpse of the world’s longest pencil. 017687 73626.

RHEGED – Rheged’s attractions include a giant cinema with a screen the size of six double-decker buses, a kids play centre and an international mountaineering exhibition as well as superb shops and fabulous food. 01768 868000.

RAVENGLASS TO ESKDALE RAILWAY – also known as the La’al Ratty, the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway runs for seven miles from Ravenglass in the Western Lake District through two of Lakeland’s loveliest valleys to Dalegarth station and visitor centre in Eskdale, nestling at the foot of England’s highest mountains. Steam trains operate every month of the year. 01229 717171.

THE BEACON – The Beacon, overlooking the beautiful Whitehaven Harbour, offers an interactive experience for all the family. Absorb yourself in the amazing views through the powerful telescopes in the viewing gallery, present your very own weather forecast in the weather zone and explore the lighthouse style building to discover local history through the ages using interactive touchscreens, sights, sounds, and smells. 01946 592302.

THE RUM STORY – The Rum Story – the Dark Spirit of Whitehaven – is set in the original shop, courtyards, cellars and bonded warehouses of the Jefferson family business in Whitehaven. Here you can find out about the story of the UK rum trade, which originally centred on the port of Whitehaven. 01946 592933.

TROTTERS WORLD OF ANIMALS – Trotters World of Animals – home to hundreds of friendly animals including traditional favourites, endangered species, birds of prey and reptiles. A great deal is under cover so rain need not spoil your visit. 017687 76239.

LAKE DISTRICT COAST AQUARIUM – 45 carefully themed and informative aquatic displays plus an adventure playground, radio controlled boats and mini golf. 01900 817760.

KESWICK CLIMBING WALL – A huge indoor climbing wall in the lake district catering for all ages and abilities. 017687 72000.

GO APE – Bring Out Your Inner Ape. Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer’s yes, you’re ready to Go Ape. 0845 643 9215.

COCKERMOUTH SCHOOL – Young people in Cockermouth will be able to learn how to make handbags or ‘ladbags’, become eco warriors and budding actors during the school summer holidays thanks to Summer Holiday Fun activities taking place on the school site. The activities will take place during selected dates throughout the summer.

These are designed for young people from the ages of 10 to 16 years and cost a subsidised rate of only £10 per day.

The activity days start at 10am through to 4pm on selected dates from the end of July and August. To make a booking, contact Rachael Sunley on 01900 829752.

THE WAVE CENTRE MARYPORT – is looking for budding stars to take part in its new summer theatre workshop culminating in a showcase performance.

From Monday August 16 to Friday August 27 participants will get involved in acting, singing and dancing, bringing together a fantastic “Songs from the Shows” performance.

Contact The Wave Centre for further details.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk