Named after Cumbria's Celtic Kingdom, there’s shopping, eating, theatre, a cinema the size of six double-decker busses, a cookery school, gallery exhibitions and a whole lot more at Rheged. However, this brilliant wet day venue is certainly not one of Cumbria’s best kept secrets so it’s best to get there very early on a wet day.

Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ. Grid Reference NY497282

Tel: 01768 868000

A great day out regardless of the weather, with a guided underground tour into the depths of the slate mine, visitors can take the Kimberley tour or skywalk on the Via Ferrata – a continuous cable walk that takes you higher than the London Shard.

Honister Slate Mines, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN. Grid Reference NY 20587

Tel: 017687 77230

Filled with the treasures of fine paintings and furniture John Ruskin collected during the 28 years of his life spent at Brantwood, the house is full of character and charm.  John Ruskin was a famous writer, artist and social reformer during his own lifetime and influenced many great thinkers and inspired art and ideas from the Pre Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts Movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State.

In keeping with the inspirational nature of its former resident, Brantwood offers a host of arty activities from exhibitions and watercolour workshops to glass fusing. A great way to visit Brantwood is by boat from Coniston boat landings. There are regular sailings to Brantwood’s jetty with Coniston Launch.

Brantwood House, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD. Grid reference NY372034

Telephone 015394 41396

The centre is situated in Keswick, and provides an indoor climbing area with slabs and overhangs, an indoor caving system (which conveniently comes out at the café) and its very own indoor ice wall! They have all the equipment you’ll need and experienced and friendly instructors.

They also have a wide range of courses available to suit all abilities including Rock climbing, Ghyll scrambling, caving and Via Ferrata.

King Kong Climbing Centre, Heads Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5EZ. Grid Reference NY 264234

Telephone: 017687 75907

Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in the small Lakeland town of Ambleside Hayes Garden World is the largest garden centre in Cumbria. Great for a visit whatever the weather it has a huge glass covered plant area, displaying a spectacular array of flowering plants. It’s not just for gardeners either, as they have a large pets and aquatic centre, an interiors store and outdoor living displays as well as a family friendly restaurant.

Hayes Garden World, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DW. Grid Reference NY376 036