WE'RE almost at the end of January - and it feels like it won't be long until Spring begins to peep over the horizon.
But for now, it's grey, wet and chilly, and some people may be in need of a bit of inspiration to get them off the sofa. Here are some ideas to get you out the house this weekend.
1 Being both a hotel and spa, you’ll find it hard not to slip into complete tranquility at Armathwaite Spa. People go there for different reasons: some go for the watery-spa soak, others go for the exercise and invigoration provided by a personal trainer.
2 Tranquil with understated beauty, the Solway coast has miles of shoreline with an abundance of vistas to discover.
3 Pint? The Castle Bar in Cockermouth has a comfortable, rustic charm to it which would make anyone feel at at home.
4 Don't miss the new film from Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. 'Nightmare Alley' , starring Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette and Cate Blanchett has opened to rave reviews across the board. Get down to the Ritz cinema in Workington to see what all the fuss is about.
5 The Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport boasts a 14-hole golf course as one of the many activities; it's also a free activity that comes with every aquarium ticket. There’s a snug café to have a tea break in, as the aquarium has a lot to see!
6 Expert on the Kelly Walking Trails Chris Wadsworth says: "West Cumbria was important to Percy Kelly. You can follow in his footsteps with illustrated booklets to his work in a number of towns. The trails have been formed totally through Kelly’s paintings and drawings."
7 1,900 years old this year, seeing Hadrian’s Wall is a must if you live in Cumbria. It spans almost 80 miles coast-to-coast. Built by a force of 15,000 men in under six years, the World Heritage Site stretches from Ravenglass Roman Bath House across into Northumberland.
8 Do you love life on the edge? Then you'll find kinship with the Bowder Stone, the colossal boulder in Borrowdale which perches improbably on its end, forever tilting. Scale it using a set of metal steps.
9 There are many natural play areas for the children in Mirehouse, lots of messy adventure play you can join in with, and a bee wall which proves really popular with toddlers!
10 The hit show A Vision of Elvis returns to the Carnegie this Sunday. Online booking not available - check the box office for tickets.
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