The Rheged Centre, Penrith

Well worth making the effort to drop in. The deli on the ground floor has both an excellent restaurant and lots of very tasty items for sale (cakes, sweets, fancy kitchen goods, wine, beer, etc). It's worth checking the website to see what's on too. The day we visited there was a dinosaur exhibition, which was good value. It was aimed at younger kids, but our two enjoyed it nonetheless. The top floor was given over to indoor crazy golf, and a bouncy castle. I can't remember seeing a lift, but there are ramps between each level, so pushchairs and/or wheelchairs should be okay. There's a dedicated soft play area upstairs and a toy shop too. Lastly, there's a play area outside should you need to run of your kids' energy before visiting. :-)

Not motorway services, but close to the M6. Very good food (slightly longer wait). Relatively cheap petrol. From the same people as the award winning Tebay Services. There is other shopping and activities, if you want to lengthen your stop.

Stopped in for a quick coffee and freshen up on a tour round the lakes. Service was fantastic and the lady who took our order was very jovial. We all paid separately and she was very efficient. Would recommend a look round if you have time.

Thank goodness for this place. Reminds me that I'm not living in a cultural void. Art, artisanal foods, outdoor gear, Korres beauty products, and the absolute best children's shop. It's the perfect place to spend a day thanks to the gallery, cafes, shops, and children's play areas. Although I wish management would notice that both the indoor and outdoor play areas need a good cleaning in the small spaces only little children fit into. Overall though it's a relief to have a modern, architecturally thoughtful space with lots of interesting things to do.

I stopped here and was pleasantly surprised especially of the local food that was on sale here. I certainly spent more than I was anticipating on the speciality breads and pies which were all very tasty. I will certainly go back even if it is off the beaten path on my next journey in that direction