There is plenty going on in the Lake District over half term this week. If you’re staying in Lake District cottages in Keswick you might like to try one of the following that I’ve picked out that seem of particular interest.

The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick are pulling out all the stops and have something for everyone for most of the week. I was particularly taken by "How the Koala Learnt to Hug". It looks as though there are some great characters telling great stories, sing-along songs, superb games and lots of hugging. The Reggae Beavers sound particularly interesting!

Keswick is also hosting a Lantern Parade (free). Starting at the Market Square in Keswick the parade takes you to the lakeshore for a celebration of fire and music.

Following on the light theme, Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake is organising an evening procession with a touch of magic. Five ethereal figures will beckon Keswick’s residents to follow them through the streets in search of light. This event starts at the Market Square in Keswick.

If it rains during half term, Rheged (between Keswick and Penrith) is always a good option being an entirely indoor venue. Mokykidz is back and is aimed at children from 3-12. An energetic dance fitness program, it will be sure to rid any excess energy the kids may have. And then on there are two Mad Science Shows during the week, the kids will love it (and the adults).

If you are staying in one of several Keswick cottages in the area you might also be interested in creating the Chinese New Year with watercolour pencils at The Pencil Museum (by the Bond Museum in Keswick). You can make your own Chinese Dragon Mask under the inspiration of Steve Abbot, the resident Family Artist. Demonstrations are

free.

My final Keswick offering is a day at Trotters World of Animals which is about 15 mins from Keswick, near Bassenthwaite. During the Feb half term they are organising Leaping Lemur activity week in aid of Lemur Conservation in Madagascar.

The keepers will be giving daily talks and there are quizzes, colouring, crafts and a leaping lemur competition – can you leap further than their lemurs. This is in addition to all the other things that you can do every day at Trotters – it’s one of my favourite places to visit in the Lake District.

If you’re not staying in Keswick, there are still plenty of things happening throughout the rest of the Lake District. For those of you staying in Eskdale, Wasdale or Haile, the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven is showing Oliver from 22 to 26 February. This is a 35 minute drive from Eskdale and Wasdale.

Or you might be interested in a guided walk up Coniston Old Man and/or Dow Crag. Arrampica Vertical Adventures can meet you in Coniston on selected days to guide you up there. Only 30 mins from Eskdale.

I was also quite interested in "Help with Hawfinches" at Sizergh Castle near Kendal. Although it is an hour from Eskdale, Hawfinches are very shy birds and so any opportunity to see them is a real treat. Sizergh Castle has a nationally important breeding site so is well worth a visit.

If you and the family are interested in nature then Grizedale Forest are following a nesting theme over half term. You can make your own mini bird’s nest, learn about nesting boxes and follow a nest trail. Entry is free although there is a small charge for some activities. Grizedale is about equi-distance from Keswick and Eskdale, being about 45 minutes from both.

Staying in Lake District cottages is the best way to make the most of your break and get out to visit these great activities.