Got family and friends visiting this Christmas and New Year? Struggling to think of what to do with them? There is plenty to see and do locally in that tricky festive period.

While many businesses close down for the Christmas period, Cumbria’s attractions are in ‘full steam’ with an activity to suit everyone from high kicks on a zipwire or braving the chilly waters of Windermere to more sedate activities such as a jazz brunch or museum visit.
Amongst the attractions open throughout the festive season are Windermere Lake Cruises, where daily departures between from Lakeside to Bowness, Brockhole and Ambleside offer a chance to escape the winter weather aboard the cosy vessels before exploring the Lakeland towns or taking a stroll around Brockhole and its attractions. The cruises run from December 26 right through the New Year. Within Brockhole is Zip World, a high action ropes, nets and zipwire course. Fun for all ages, it’s the perfect choice for burning off children’s excess Christmas energy in a fun and safe environment. Zip World is open from December 27-31.
On the other side of the lake, the impressive gothic style Wray Castle sits within extensive grounds.  Walks are aplenty with well waymarked routes for all the family, and great for four legged family members too. The castle grounds and café are open daily from December 26.
Sticking with Windermere, brave souls can literally bare almost all at the bracing annual New Year’s Day dip in Fell Foot Park. It’s free to take part, although advance registration is essential. 
For indoor adventures in the central lakes, both the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness and Wordsworth Grasmere with Dove Cottage offer opportunities to tune into some of Cumbria’s most famous and prolific literary icons. Both are open from Boxing Day, although Wordsworth is closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 
In the north lakes, Ullswater Steamers is running its ‘Around the Lake Cruises’, while Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is endeavouring to keep the Christmas spirit alive from Boxing Day until New Year’s Day with engines dressed up in full festive outfits and a free festive punch and mince pie for each full-line return ticket holder.
Finally, for a really relaxing end to the whole season, book into the Borrowdale Hotel’s New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch on January 1. Sit back, relax and be entertained with soothing jazz whilst enjoying a delicious buffet. 
More inspiration can be found at https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/