Lakeland Museum

The Lakeland Museum sits in Cumbria and tells the story of the region's past through objects, photographs and exhibits that span everything from Roman times through to the industrial boom. It's housed in a proper Victorian building, which adds to the experience - you're not just reading about history, you're surrounded by it.

What you'll find inside depends on what's on display at any given time, but the museum covers local life, industry, and the natural heritage that makes this corner of England so distinctive. It's the kind of place where school groups and curious adults alike tend to spend a good couple of hours picking through cases and reading the stories behind everyday objects from centuries past.

For families, it works well enough if your kids are interested in history rather than screens. Walkers using one of the nearby campsites - Kendal Camping and Caravanning Club Site is under two miles away, while Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site sits at 3.5 miles - might slot it in as a rainy-day plan or a morning visit before heading out on the fells.

You'll want to ring ahead or check their website to confirm opening hours and whether admission is charged, as details aren't readily available. Worth doing that before you leave the caravan or motorhome rather than turning up and finding it closed. If you're based at Lakeland Glamping or one of the other pods in the area, it's a straightforward trip into town and beats sitting around if the weather turns.