IT’S SAFE to say that no one is having the summer they’ve planned for.

But it is the beginning of August on Saturday and we asked if any readers were planning something special by way of a day out.

With options to go abroad limited, people are looking to make the most of their ‘staycation’ time - with trips to local beauty spots and attractions across Cumbria now on the cards.

Many places have opened again, after a gruelling lockdown, with rules on social distancing in place.

So here, in no particular order, are your favourite places to go in Cumbria.

1 MUNCASTER CASTLE, RAVENGLASS

Situated among the western fells of the Lake District, Muncaster Castle was recommended to us by Kara Smallman.

She said: “I would recommend Muncaster Castle as when we were there two weeks ago lots of social distancing, hand sanitiser available, limited numbers etc.

“No access to the castle, but the gardens and owls are as beautiful as always.”

Gillian Hands said: “The bird of prey display is amazing and you can watch herons being fed, huge gardens, interesting shrubs and haunted castle.”

2 COASTAL WALK, WHITEHAVEN TO ST BEES

The wild and bracing stroll is recommended by reader Paul Ferguson.

He said: “I would definitely recommend a walk along the coastal path from Whitehaven to St Bees.

“I recently walked the path with my family including four year old boy.”

“There is lots to see including former mines and nature in its natural habitat.”

3 RAVENGLASS AND ESKDALE RAILWAY

Reader Emma Louise recommended this day out.

Spanning seven miles in the west of Cumbria, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known to many as La’al Ratty (little railway), it is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England.

The journey takes 40 minutes each way from Ravenglass and passes seven intermediate request stops.

The main season usually runs from March until October.

From Tomorrow (July 30) they will be running six trains a daily starting at 10.25pm with the last train from Ravenglass at 4.10pm.

4 AIRA FORCE, NEAR LAKE ULLSWATER

The waterfall, located just off Lake Ullswater, has been an attraction for visitors for 300 years.

This day out was recommended by Nicky Booth.

The rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and over in one 65-foot leap over the fells.

For those who fancy to venture further, a network of trails start from Ullswater lakeshore and head up to Gowbarrow summit, passing a number of picnic spots, and offering views out across the Lake.

5 BLENCOGO FARM ALPACAS, WIGTON

Another fun experience for the family during the Easter holidays is Blencogo Farm Alpacas, based in Wigton.

The alpaca fleece is put to good use, with much of it turned into yarn and then crocheted or knitted up into alpaca clothing and accessories.