where to visit
shap abbey
shap abbey ,just the ruins of an abbey not a lot to see .shap abbey is in the distance in this photo
pooley bridge,ullswater
one of the most popular lakes,you can travel the lake on an ullswater steamer from pooley bridge to glenridding ,visit : www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
there is also pony trekking available at parkfoot trekking centre tel 017684 86696 or www.parkfootponytrekking.co.uk for more info on ullswater the tourist information centre in glenridding is open daily, easter - october 9.30-5.30 ,tel 017684 82414 or email ullswatertic@lake-district.gov.uk the tic in pooley bridge can be contacted on 017684 86135
shap church
st michaels church is at the north east end of the village,turn up by chip shop to get there .
haweswater
an overlooked but picturesque valley,created when haweswater reservoir was built flooding the village of mardale, you can drive to the end of the reservoir where there is a car park from where you can walk round to the other side of the lake and perhaps catch a glimpse of englands only golden eagle which nests nearby,for the more agile you could walk up riggindale on to high street and take in the stunning views,
lakeland bird of prey centre
the centre is a sanctuary for birds of prey set in a walled garden and parkland at lowther which is 6 miles north of shap just off the A6 ,it is open daily easter- october from 11.00-17.00 .flying shows are at 14.00-16.00 for more info tel 01931 712746 or email ibpc@btinternet.com
rheged
the rheged centre is just outside penrith open from 10.00-17.00 every day.housed under a unique grass roof rheged has cafes ,large screen cinema and exhibitions ,for more info visit :tic@rheged.com or tel 01768 860034
kennedys fine chocolates
based at the old school ,orton about 5 miles south of shap they make handmade chocolates in their small factory,has a coffee shop and home baking . tel 01539 624781
or www.kennedyschocolates.co.uk
penrith
market town 10 miles north from shap , supposed to be in the process of getting a huge new shopping developement , but at the moment its not got a lot to offer apart from one or two nice shops in the town centre ,no fewer than ten charity shops and a lot of zealous traffic wardens so beware the disc zones if you visit ,it also has a museum and remains of a castle , also has a golf driving range and a small 9 hole golf course ,more info : www.penrithgolf.co.uk tel 01768892167
for more info contact tourist information ,tel 01768 867466 or email pen.tic@eden.gov.uk open daily from easter to october .
appleby-in-westmorland
probably most famous for appleby fair the yearly gathering of gypsies and romany's which attracts thousands of visitors every june ,appleby also has a golf club for the sporty among you email secretary@applebygolfclub.com for details.
for more info on appleby email tic@applebytown.org.uk or tel 017683 51177
eden ostrich world
eden ostrich world is located at langwathby about 15 miles northeast of shap,it is open 10.00-17.00 daily from march-oct ,and through winter with reduced entry and hours ,great day out for the kids ,there is a pets corner ,riverside walk adventure area ,outdoor maze gift shop and of course ostriches as well as meerkats and much much more ,entry is adults£5.45 ,children(3-15) £4.45 ,family tkts available . more info : www.ostrich-world.com or tel 01768881771
kendal
kendal is about 16 miles south of shap on the A6 and is a much nicer shopping experience altogether than penrith, a pedestrianised centre(watch out for the buses though) ,with a varied selection of shops,also the indoor westmorland shopping centre with an indoor market,kendal also has a museum open thu /fri /sat -12-17.00 visit info@kendalmuseum.org.uk .
kendal has a climbing centre , more info at www.kendalwall.co.uk
there is also a dry ski slope info www.kendalski.co.uk
more info on cumbria can be found at www.visitcumbria.com and www.dmoz.org