Cumbria’s Westmorland & Furness region of The Lake District has announced a range of new attractions, including the world speed record Bluebird K7, as well as the reopening of Barrow’s refurbished Dock Museum.

Donald Campbell’s iconic hydroplane, the Bluebird K7, in which he set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964, has returned to Coniston in the Bluebird wing of The Ruskin Museum. Campbell was killed in his eighth world water speed record attempt in 1967 in the Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water. Bluebird was recovered between 2000 and 2007, and following restoration, the craft is now on permanent display, telling the story of the speed records.

Also in Coniston, Brantwood is the former home of John Ruskin, the nineteenth century writer and polymath. The historic house is a vibrant centre for the arts on the shores of Coniston Water where groups can explore the character of its famous resident through displays and activities in the house, gardens, and estate. Discounted house and garden tickets are available for groups of 10 or more, with free coach parking available.

Meanwhile in Barrow, The Dock Museum is undergoing refurbishment and will fully reopen in September. Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. Groups can explore the fascinating heritage of the area from cave finds, Viking treasure, Victorian life, and the Second World War, as well as Barrow’s long history building vessels – and still building submarines today.

To build a tour in the South Lakes, just a short drive from the Dock Museum, groups can view the impressive remains of Furness Abbey. The site has undergone a project to reinstate the night stairs which monks would have used for their night-time vigils. The new timber structure has been reconstructed and allows visitors to climb to the first-floor level of the monks’ dormitory and enjoy previously unseen views of the ruins of the priory. Groups of 11 or more receive a 15% discount, with coach parking available on site.

Onwards to the outskirts of Kendal, the medieval house of Sizergh also features a new Winter Experience for 2024 with a nature-themed light trail.

For more information on coach-friendly attractions in the region, and for help building tours in Cumbria, contact Francine on fbult@cumbriatourism.org.