Windermere Jetty Museum is launching its 2020 family exhibition, Swallows and Amazons For Ever! with brand new outdoor adventure activities. The exhibition celebrates the spirit of adventure captured in Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s tale Swallows and Amazons.
This summer, Windermere Jetty Museum is on a quest to get families to follow in the footsteps of Arthur Ransome’s intrepid explorers and discover more about the landscape and objects that inspired this iconic tale.
The exhibition’s highlights include a recreation of Arthur Ransome’s study, complete with original manuscript, keepsakes, typewriter and desk belonging to the author himself, as well as intricately designed props from the 2016 feature film. The exhibition also features a specially commissioned animation which brings the story of Swallows and Amazons to life for a new generation, created by Cumbria-based animator, Lou Kneath.
From August museum entry also includes an adventure trail of previously unchartered territory across the museum grounds, where visitors can discover pirate ships, tales of the boats, objects and the landscape that inspired Arthur Ransome’s stories. Become a sailing boat as you traverse through the wildflower meadow just like Roger Walker, learn how to read the wind to set sail, plan your very own adventure and see the landscape through new eyes.
Families can extend their Swallows and Amazons adventure by setting up camp on Wildcat Island where you can build a den on the lakeshore and discover new skills. These secluded picnic spots down by the lake are available to hire between 11am-1pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm and include…
- Your own private cove along Windermere’s shoreline
- Shelter from the sun or rain under repurposed boat sails
- Beautifully designed seating crafted from local materials
- A real charcoal campfire to toast marshmallows and warm your toes
- FREE GIFT for the first 30 bookings: a craft activity kit (normally retails at £15)
- Free museum entry for the whole group
- Adventure kit with everything an intrepid explorer might need
- Optional extras: Hot or Cold picnic.
Down at our boating pond, visitors can hire miniature versions of Motor Vessel Jane, one of the museum’s most popular boats. These remote-controlled motorboats are brilliant at weaving through an array of obstacles and are fun for all the family with spectacular views of Windermere.
Anna Saczek, Senior Visitor Experience Manager, said: “We’re excited to return this summer with an extended version of our 2020 exhibition, Swallows and Amazons For Ever!
“We have created new outdoor adventures around the museum to ensure social distancing and make sure visitors feel safe when they visit.
“Our gallery spaces and lakeshore cafe are open, so Windermere Jetty Museum offers the perfect day out for families coming to the region whatever the weather! The stories we tell are unique to Windermere and our lakeside location is undeniably beautiful.”
Windermere Jetty Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm and car parking is free with admission into the museum. For more information and to book tickets in advance visit windermerejetty.org or call us on 01539 637940.
