Brewery Arts Bar and Restaurant

There's a proper working brewery at the heart of this operation in Kendal, and the bar and restaurant attached to it gives you a straightforward reason to spend an afternoon that way. You get to see how they actually make the stuff - grain to glass - and then sit down to eat and drink it while it's still fresh. That's the appeal, really. The place pulls in locals and visitors equally, which tells you something about whether they're doing it right.

It works best for anyone who enjoys a pint and decent food without the faffing about. Not fancy, but honest. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate seeing the kit in action; families with older kids find it interesting enough for an hour or so. Younger children might get restless once the novelty of "beer is made here" wears off.

There's no admission charge as far as most people know - you pay for what you eat and drink. Allow a couple of hours if you want the full experience without rushing. Kendal itself is the obvious base, and if you're camping nearby - the Kendal Camping and Caravanning Club Site is barely a mile and a half away - it's the sort of place you'd walk to for an evening out rather than drive. The Windermere sites are a bit further out, but still accessible if you're staying in that part of the Lake District.

Go on a quieter evening if you can. Weekends draw crowds, and the place loses some of its appeal when it's rammed.