HALF term is fast approaching, and here in Cumbria, there are a great number of delicious child-friendly restaurants and eateries to dine out at.

Here at the News & Star, we asked readers on both our Facebook and Twitter pages, to give their recommendations for the best places to head to in the county.

In no particular order, here are the best places, mentioned by you, our readers.

1THE KELLBANK, GOSFORTH,SEASCALE

The restaurant, located in the west of the county, offers a variety of dishes.

Victoria L Murray said: “Kellbank in Gosforth, food is lovely and there’s a staffed playroom, facepainting etc. on Sunday and the carvery was gorgeous too.”

2 THE WILD OLIVE, GOSFORTH

The eatery, based at Croft Foot Cottage, serves up a range of traditional Italian cuisine.

Rosey Richardson posted: “The Wild Olive in Gosforth is a favourite of ours, good child’s menu and a separate playroom.”

3 THE BOWER HOUSE INN, ESKDALE

Nestled in the Eskdale valley, The Bower House Inn is situated four miles from the Cumbrian Coast.

The venue is not only childfriendly, but dog friendly too.

Dogs are welcome in the bar, in the beer garden and in some of their rooms.

News & Star reader Victoria LMurray said: “We also liked the Bower House at Eskdale.

“Lovely food and good outdoor play areas for the kids.”

4 CROWN INN, POOLEY BRIDGE

The pub, located north of Lake Ullswater, serves a children’s menu, with plenty of activities to keep them busy.

Reader Michelle Coggins recommended this to us.

She said: “The Crown Inn has a riverside garden with ducks and swans.

“It also has a kids menu, games and colouring books.”

5 THE AQUARIUM HARBOURSIDE CAFE, MARYPORT

Located to the west of Cumbria at South Quay, Maryport, it is open seven days a week.

Di Sharrock said: “The aquarium harbourside cafe in Maryport has lots to see and do inside and out.”

6 THE LAKE DISTRICT WILDLIFE PARK CAFE, KESWICK

The award-winning wildlife and safari park in Bassenthwaite houses more than 100 species of exotic animals at the 25-acre site.

Belinda Ward recommended the Cafe at the Lake District Wildlife Park over on our Facebook page.

Di Sharrock added: “Fab food!”

7 CIRCLE BAR AND GRILL,CARLISLE

The bar and grill, on Lowther Arcade, was recommended by reader Sarah Washington.

The restaurant offers a main menu, along with a vegan menu.

8 VILLA BIANCA RESTAURANT B&B, PENRITH

The Italian restaurant and hotel, on Corney Square, Penrith, is family-run, was praised by reader Sarah Washington.

The eatery serves up a variety of delicious dishes.

9 LAKELAND GATE, CARLISLE

The ‘laid-back family pub’ is located just off Warwick Road in Carlisle.

Noeline Egdar voiced her support for the family restaurant on our Facebook page.