When lockdown is finally over what is the first thing you will do?

It’s been almost a year since life as we knew it changed causing all of our favourite venues and places of significant interest to shut.

Non-essential shops are shut and live music is a distant memory.

However, with the emergence of the coronavirus vaccine there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cumbrians can begin to dream about life after lockdown and the amazing local places we will be able to visit once again.

From national parks to theatres, here are seven places in Cumbria we just can’t wait to visit once the pandemic is behind us:

The Lake District National Park

The Westmorland Gazette: The Lake DistrictThe Lake District

(Photo: Geograph/Zoe Blackbourn)

While the Lake District has remained open to the public and those who want to exercise, police have discouraged travel to the beauty hotspot if you don’t live near it.

The Lake District is also a staple holiday destination as it is home to some beautiful staycation accommodation such as hotels and bnbs, all of which have been forced to close their doors during lockdown.

Once the pandemic is over, we can freely visit the national park once again. Best of all, we can embark on the beautiful walking routes because we want to- not because it’s the only thing we are allowed to do.  

St Bees Beach

The Westmorland Gazette: St Bees beachSt Bees beach

(Photo: Geograph/Steve Fareham)

Last summer, national papers were covered with images of overcrowded beaches.

At some beaches, police were forced to step in and ask people to stay away from the most overpopulated  beaches on British shores.

After the pandemic, none of us will take a relaxing trip to the beach for granted again.

St Bees Beach, also known as Seacote Beach, is just one in Cumbria that you should be sure to visit in happier times.

If you haven’t walked along the coast, you need to add it to your bucket list.

It’s a bit of a wildlife hotspot, thanks to the RSPB Nature Reserve on Saint Bees Head which is home to a whole host of sea birds.

Theatre by the Lake in Keswick

The Westmorland Gazette: Theatre by the LakeTheatre by the Lake

(Photo: Geograph/Steven Craven)

The arts and creative industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic- they will need all of our support once life returns to normality.

Theatres have remained closed since the start of the pandemic, forced to cancel and reschedule performances for a later date.

Theatre By The Lake is just one place in Cumbria where we can go after the pandemic.

They already have a few shows lined up for the rest of the year- fingers crossed some of them can go ahead.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one performance to look out for. It’s a modern adaptation of the Oscar Wilde story and the performance runs from 16-31 March.

Hole in t’Wall pub, Robinson Pl, Bowness-on-Windermere

Are you desperate to get back in the pub and socialize with your friends?

While pubs were allowed to open for a time before lockdown, social distancing rules were in place and the vibe at the local boozer just wasn’t the same.

Any pub would sit comfortably on this list- but why not add this historic little venue to your list once it is allowed to re-open?

Hole in t’Wall is regarded as one of the oldest pubs in Bowness, dating back to 1612.

It even has a long list of celebrity visitors, including the famed novelist Charles Dickens.

The Dock Museum, Barrow

The Westmorland Gazette: The Dock MuseumThe Dock Museum

(Photo: Geograph/David Dixon)

Visiting somewhere educational might have been at the bottom of our weekend ‘to do’ list.

However, now many of us are craving some culture and would happily spend hours at a museum.

For those who don’t already know, The Dock Museum in Barrow is free to visit and focuses on the history of the town.

You can spot something new during every visit, making it the ideal place for repeat visitos.

The museum’s unique collections are gradually increasing and there are also new events and exhibitions taking place regularly.

Barrow Spa Therapy, Barrow

After the stress and worry of lockdown, many of us will be desperate for a massage and a facial.

Thanks to social distancing measures, spas were closed for the majority of last year meaning we have been unable to get our spa and massage hits.

According to Tripadvisor, Barrow Spa Therapy this is one of the top-rated places to visit in Barrow.

They offer a whole host of treatments and massage techniques.

Dalton Castle, Dalton

The Westmorland Gazette: Dalton CastleDalton Castle

(Photo: Geograph/Graham Robson)

This 14th century tower is currently closed.

It’s an underrated day out with the kids, especially if you are looking for a more educational day out with them.

The castle is home to a whole host of historic artefacts, including 17th century armour and paintings.

Plenty of events take place at the castle too, especially around big calendar dates and holidays such as VE day.

Where is the first place you’ll visit after lockdown restrictions ease?