With the Easter break upon us and summer on the way it's worth a look on the Internet to get a taste of some of the many attractions on our doorstep. From contemporary art at Grizedale to giant lobsters at the Aquarium of the Lakes, there's a lot going on under our noses that's a challenge to anything available in our nearest cities and it's all in the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

http://www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk The Aquarium of the Lakes have a great website that gives you a taste of what to expect on your visit to the attraction. Make your way through the Aquarium's four different environments of River, Lake, Seashore and Bay and you'll be planning a visit in no time. Also worth a visit is the news section where you can read all about Nelson the giant lobster, as featured recently in the Gazette. There's also an excellent Ask the Expert' section for posting your own queries.

http://www.lakelandartstrust.org.uk A three for the price of one' website visit Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Blackwell: the Arts & Crafts House or the Museum of Lakeland Life. Learn about the history behind them, take virtual tours, or spend in an online shop. With the aid of drop down menus, these simple and pleasing websites conceal a wealth of information. Log on to find out about special events and plan a visit today.

http://www.grizedale.org A walk in Grizedale Forest is more interesting than your average woodland stroll. Pick up a guide to the sculpture trails in the shop, select a route and prepare for the unexpected. Sadly, despite looking great, the website doesn't seem to have been updated recently and it's none too user-friendly. However, for a taste of the variety of sculptures to be found on the woodland trails you can visit the Archive' section.

http://www.muncastercastle.co.uk Keeping both children and parents happy on a day out is a pretty difficult task. Luckily Muncaster Castle seems to cater for everyone. Young Harry Potter fans will love the Owl Centre and there's the Meadowvole Maze where you can discover how it feels to be just two-and-half inches tall. Adults, meanwhile, will be fascinated by the castle itself: a treasure trove of art and antiques that has been home to the Pennington family (and a few ghosts) for 800 years. Another simple to use site telling exactly what's on offer, plus visitor info and a section for coach and school parties.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk The National Trust's site is crisp, clean, easy-to-use and full of great landscape photography. At the homepage select Places to Visit' and simply click the North West area on the map for a rundown of all the National Trust properties both in this area and further afield.

Thisis site of the week: http://www.breweryarts.co.uk Want to know what's on at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal? Look no further than their very own website for the latest listings and information on films, art, dance, music, theatre and workshops. By the looks of it they've been booking some excellent acts of late. On the music front there's the Mark Radcliffe fronted Family Mahone, Manchester's Fingathing and the highly acclaimed Cinematic Orchestra, while in the theatre don't miss John Hegley or Island' by the Trestle Theatre Company.

April 16, 2003 14:30