You will find this little bakery at the very point where the lush and open Eden Valley suddenly ends, meets the Pennines and veers upwards (and out of Cumbria) over the notorious Hartside Pass, a dreaded moment of reckoning on the sea to sea cycle. Thankfully the Village Bakery is there to fortify those in need – with fresh breads and good food – and you don’t have to cycle there to try it.
Join Lake District White Water Rafting for an unforgettable aquatic experience in both the North and South Lakes.
from £59.00
Sublime Symmtery: William De Morgan examines the artist’s intricate designs on ceramic objects and the mathematical principles behind them.
from £0.00
Cross Lane Projects presents ‘Universal Bride’ from artist Lee Holden, winner of the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award 2022/23.
free entry
Claude Cahun’s captivating self-portraits are on display at Abbot House, celebrating the artist’s innovative, bold approach to art and life.
from £0.00
Abbot Halls unveils the work of Gilbert Spencer, in the first exhibition of the artist’s work in over 50 years.
from £0.00
Michael Rakowitz considers the impact of conflict and displacement in his show ‘The Waiting Gardens of the North’ at Baltic.
free entry
Join a team of expert guides to walk across the iconic but often dangerous sand flats at Morecambe Bay.
from £10.00
The Duke’s award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre is back with another super madcap family adventure. Summer is on its way.
from £16.50
Long Meg and Her Daughters is one of the finest and most prominent stone circles in the North of England, with myth and enigma at its core.
Lacy’s Caves are fascinating structures in an area marked with the indelible pick-axe of history, and they just so happen to be in a spot made for wild swimmers.
Close to the centre of Penrith, Bank House is a stylish family-run bed and breakfast, in a Victorian house with a traditional garden.
A few miles north of Penrith, Hutton-in-the-Forest is an exquisite country house, described by Simon Jenkins as “one of Britain’s top 100”.
A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.
A blend of historic and contemporary gives Penrith its edge, ancient tradition sitting side-by-side with trendy wine bars, hipster cafes and fine dining.
An independent cinema in the heart of town, the Lonsdale Alhambra is, for many locals, a treasure of Penrith.
Boasting an array of hot and cold food including homemade cakes, The Yard Kitchen is a café with a distinctly quirky feel.
Rich soups, salads, hearty meals and homemade cakes are freshly made using seasonal and organic incgredients whereever possible from this vegetarian takeaway bistro.
Upfront Puppet Theatre is located near Penrith, Cumbria and is one of only four authentic working puppet theatres in England.
Thacka Beck Nature Reserve is within easy walking distance of Penrith town centre, offering a quick retreat for local residents.
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
We've got lots of live literature to check out and plenty of other opportunities for writers and readers alike as the clocks go back...
From creative activities, poo-themed science and family theatre, check out our latest picks of fun things to do with the family.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North to visit in 2024.
