The region of Kendal and the southern end of the English Lake District has a different character to it's more popular sister destination to the north. The landscape is gentler, with small villages and towns such as Cartmel appearing more traditionally English and genteel than the rugged stone architecture of the fellside. This difference is reflected in the visitor attractions here, such as Leven's Hall, famous for the topiary in it's gardens, and the beautiful Holker Hall, a neo-Elizabethan mansion just a short distance from the sea.
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Situated near the historic village of Cartmel in the south lakes and only a short distance from the sea, Hollker Hall is a fine neo-Elizabethan mansion. Discover over 400 years of history inside this beautifully preserved house which has been handed down through generations of the Cavendish family. The gardens contain 25 acres of immaculately kept woodland and formal gardens - a stunningly light and elegant example of Victorian design.
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Sizergh Castle is still inhabited by the Strickland family for whom it was built in the middle ages. There are many walks from the castle to dramtic viewpoints overlooking Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells, and the garden includes two lakes and a superb rock garden. Tour the castle's oak panelled rooms to discover more about it's history and take in the portraits, fine furniture and ceramics accumulated over centuries.
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Levens Hall and Gardens is famous for its amazing topiary which is some
of the oldest in the world. The grade I listed gardens date from 1694,
and through a combination of circumstance and love they have survived
in their original design. You can enjoy produce from the estate in the Bellingham
Buttery, and explore the contents
of the house itself, which was used as a residence from the 1590's and
contains wood carvings by Italian craftsmen and Elizabeth the Firsts
coat of arms.
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Lakeland's Wildlife Discovery Centre is a unique and exciting blend of
exotic wildlife and interactive 'hands-on' displays, which take you
through 3,000 million years of evolution and follow the development of
life on Earth - from magic molecules to mischievous monkeys. Exhibits range from chameleons to computers, from fossils to fossas and
include some of the world's most threatened species which are kept here
as part of international breeding programmes.
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The Lakeland Motor Museum and Campbell Bluebird Exhibition contains
over 30,000 motoring related exhibits including many rarities,
tastefully presented in a former Shire Horse Stables and courtyard
setting. The Campbell Bluebird exhibition pays tribute to Sir Malcolm
Campbell and his son Donald, who between them captured 21 world land
and water speed records for Britain.
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Learn about the way Cumbrians lived and worked over the last 250 years,
with a visit to the Museum of Lakeland Life at Abbot Hall in Kendal, on
the edge of the English Lake District. Walk down an Edwardian street
scene, and visit an eighteenth century kitchen. Permanent displays
contain collections linked to the Arts and Crafts movement, Swallows
and Amazons author Arthur Ransome and Victorian costume.
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Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum's fascinating collections include local
archaeology, history, geology and a natural history collection from
around the globe. There is also a changing programme of temporary
exhibitions and displays, events, walks and talks. Children and
families are warmly welcomed with hands-on exhibits, worksheets,
activities during school holidays and a branch of the Young
Archaeologists' Club.
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Racing at Cartmel dates back to 1856, but it is almost certain that
racing has taken place here since the middle of the 15th century, when
monks of the nearby priory entertained themselves by racing on mules.
With its rich history and location on the Holker Estate, Cartmel offers
a sense of uniqueness and charm unrivalled on the racing circuit.
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The ancient market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is just inside the south
east boundary of Cumbria. Here the pretty River Lune passes through a
rocky channel leading to the famous old Devil’s Bridge. Mentioned in
the Doomsday Book of 1086, Kirkby Lonsdale holds a 13th century market
charter, and possesses many 17th and 18th century buildings. The Vale of Lune was greatly admired by the painter Constable, and Turner painted landscapes in and around the town.
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The Lakeland Climbing Centre offers a unique opportunity to experienced
climbers and beginners alike. Get your first taste of climbing, on a
beginners course, taster session or with an experienced friend. If
you've progressed beyond this stage, you'll find they have one of the
best indoor facilities anywhere. The centre also runs a wide range of
outdoor courses and activities.
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