Today sees the start of a brand new and hugely exciting Cumbrian attraction – submarine tours of the lakes. Research undertaken during the recent extensions of the National Park boundaries revealed that the huge caverns which exist under the Yorkshire Dales actually extend out and under the lakes and fells of Cumbria. It’s thought these caves have existed since the last ice age but were previously undetected having been filled with stones and gravel. The floods from Storm Desmond flushed through the cave network, opening it up for the first time in many thousands of years.
The first submarine will set off just before lunchtime today. The HMS Guzundamountins, which has been refitted locally, will leave from the Lakeside Pier at the south of Windermere at 11:59. The new venture is providing a welcome boost for the town and offers the opportunity for Trident submarines to be put to good use when the navy don’t need them for a while.
The cruise will head north along the lake before turning left passing under the Grizedale forest and emerging into Coniston Water. (See map) The submarine will surface for a tour along the lake and make a short stop for boarding at the boating centre, it will then resubmerge at the head of the lake, surface briefly in Esthwaite and dive again to reappear and drop people off in Bowness.
From Bowness it will continue north towards Ambleside. As it nears Low Wood Bay it will go down for its longest dive to pass through a very deep underground system of tunnels that extend the whole way to Ullswater and emerge from the rocks beneath Place Fell. From there it’s a just a short ride to Pooley Bridge at the north end of the lake.
It’s anticipated that the new attraction will prove quite a draw for tourists and an essential boost for the county. Windermere Lake Cruises are spearheading the venture and working in close partnership with Yeah Low Submarines. Their CEO, Ms Ayprul Fewell says, “It was surprisingly easy to get permission to do this – I mean who doesn’t want to see a Trident Submarine cruising along Windermere?”
Other Lake District campaigning organisations were equally laid back commenting “We don’t see how this is a problem – it’s underwater most of the time anyway – we’ve just asked them to ensure that all their weapons systems are disarmed as we’d hate to lose any of the steamers to an over excited toddler pressing the wrong button.”
A spokesperson for Windermere Lake Cruises says “The new attraction is not recommended for those with claustrophobia or strong feelings about nuclear defence vessels. We hope people will enjoy this new opportunity to explore the lakes, though we should remind people that there aren’t many windows on a submarine.”
Those wishing to book a submarine cruise, or a more traditional lake cruise, can do so by visiting the Windermere Lake Cruises website where you will also find some spectacular photos of the trial runs. (Trust me, you REALLY want to click that link!)
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No holiday in Britain comes with a rain free guarantee but that doesn't mean the day is wasted - here are 20 fab things you can do in Cumbria if the day turns out a little soggy. (Please click on links to visit the websites and check opening times, charges etc.)
Very easy to find, just off the M6/ A66 near Penrith. There's loads of parking, lots of shops, exhibitions, films and lovely cafes serving local food. Plus there's an adventure playground outside for kids when the rain eases off.
2. Boat tours
You can take a boat tour along Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater - there'll be an interesting commentary along the way and many of the boats even have a bar on board so you can sip a G&T while admiring the beautiful views.
The main museum has plenty to keep you busy for hours, then there's the separate Donald Campbell museum to explore. When you're done with all that, or if you just need a rest, there's an excellent cafe serving freshly cooked local food. (Check out special combined deals with Windermere Steamers)
Set in the most breathtaking location there's stuff to keep you entertained here whatever the weather - cave tours and a cafe when it's soggy plus high adrenaline action on the Via Ferrata if you're feeling brave!
Zeffirellis (or Zeffs as we usually call it) is a local legend. The perfect place for pizza and a movie - or music, or whatever else takes your fancy. There's a number of cinemas in Ambleside all under the same umbrella so check the webistes to see which one is perfect for you.
6. Go and see a waterfall
Colwith Force
Who cares if it's raining? Grab your waterproofs and go and splash in some puddles! Waterfalls are definitely at their best when it's been raining and many of them don't involve a big hike - check out Skelwith Force, Colwith Force or Lodore Falls. If you don't mind more of a walk then Stickle Ghyll and Dungeon Ghyll are well worth a visit, PLUS they come with the bonus of an excellent pub (The Sticklebarn) to dry off in afterwards.
7. Take a train around the coast
Did you know you can take a train the whole way around the Cumbrian coast? Hop on at Grange-over-Sands (or Arnside) and stay on the whole way around to Carlisle. Be sure to ask for the Round Robin ticket when you book then grab a window seat for one of the best train rides in Britain - fells on one side, stunning sea views on the other. 8. Check out our towns & cities
From Carlisle in the north to Kendal in the south (or keep going to Lancaster - yeah, I know it's not in Cumbria but it's a great city) we have loads of towns to keep even the most enthusiastic shopaholic entertained. Most folks find Ambleside and Bowness, but how about exploring Grange-over-Sands, Barrow or Whitehaven? There's tons more there than you think, plus loads of local shops selling locally sourced goodies you won't find anywhere else.
9. Climb the walls!
Let the kids climb the walls instead of you for a change - take them along to one of the indoor climbing walls at Ambleside or Kendal where you can wear them out, give them an early night and pour yourself a large glass of wine.
It's mostly free here - there's a shop packed full of every kind puzzle you can imagine and a Puzzle Area where the whole family can try solving puzzles. You only need to pay if you want to visit the World of Illusion and truly melt your brain....
11. Beatrix Potter
If you're into Beatrix Potter then there's 2 places you need to visit - Beatrix Potter World in Bowness and Hill Top in Near Sawry. The latter has the added benefit of being right next door to one of my favourite pubs in Cumbria - the Tower Bank Arms where you can enjoy home cooked food and a drink while you plan your next adventure. 12. Museums at Keswick and Kendal
There is SO much to do at both of these museums - loads to get your hands on, plenty to explore and fun tunes to play! 13. Chocolate Factory at Orton
Really - is there anyone who doesn't want to visit a chocolate factory? Divine home made, melt in the mouth, chocolates and great big steaming mugs of chocolate plus a menu that has more chocolate on it than a toddler with a king sized Mars bar. AND, did you know, that all chocolate consumed on holiday is calorie free? Honest it is...
Whitehaven is a much underrated place. It's one of only 52 Gem Towns in Britain, has breathtaking views across the Solway to Scotland and has The Beacon where, amongst other things, you can ride a Raleigh Chopper, play Space Invaders, read the weather forecast and run your hands over exhibits with big PLEASE TOUCH signs next to them. There's a cafe when you're done plus a fab chippy nearby and a great little town to explore too.
Where you can see fish, walk through underwater tunnels and watch diving ducks dive, learn about otters and handle snakes and giant snails. Your kids will LOVE it. You may not...
I have to be honest, I absolutely LOVE the pencil museum. Sadly the main museum was closed for a over a year due to the flooding from Storm Desmon BUT they are now OPEN FOR BUSINESS again! Pencils, and graphite in particular, were hugely important to this region and gave several words and phrases to the English language that we use today - things like the "black market" - plus they have a fab cafe too - what's not to love?
There's ALWAYS something going on here - films, live music, comedy, exhibitions - if I'm not up a mountain you can often find me here. There's a great bar and restaurant and it you fancy something different, check out their Warehouse films where they show classic and independent films which you can watch while sitting in big squishy sofas and enjoying a drink,
Another much underrated place - this is a superb gem of a museum, especially for anyone even remotely interested in ships. The small museum near the entrance traces the local history, but once in the large museum you can check out scale replicas of many of the boats built in Barrow, get involved in hands on activities and watch wonderful short films telling you all about the local natural and industrial history - and it's all FREE!
A castle with a properly colourful history - sitting right on the Scottish border this castle has changed hands more times than you've had hot dinners - as well as the usual exhibits there's plenty of interactive stuff and loads of family activities during the school hols.
Clearly the very best thing to do if it's raining is to buy one of our books and curl up in front of the fire! You can buy them directly from us here or they're available in all the local branches of Waterstones, plus Keswick Museum, Kendal Museum, Yew Tree Barn, Catstycam, Low Sizergh Barn and lots of other places.
And if you REALLY don't want to leave the house then you can download my book of short stories direct from Amazon right here, right NOW! 10 short stories, all set in real Lake District locations and all with photos and a guide at the end so you can plan your visit. Oh, and 5 star reviews. Yay!
Today sees the start of a brand new and hugely exciting Cumbrian attraction – submarine tours of the lakes. Research undertaken during the recent extensions of the National Park boundaries revealed that the huge caverns which exist under the Yorkshire Dales actually extend out and under the lakes and fells of Cumbria. It’s thought these caves have existed since the last ice age but were previously undetected having been filled with stones and gravel. The floods from Storm Desmond flushed through the cave network, opening it up for the first time in many thousands of years.
