Mere Glass Jewellery

Glass jewellery made on-site - that's the draw at Mere Glass Jewellery, tucked away near Cockermouth in Cumbria. You're watching craftspeople actually at work here, which beats most high street jewellery shops hands down. The pieces are proper stunners: rings, pendants, earrings all made from coloured glass that catches the light in ways mass-produced stuff just doesn't.

The workshop gallery setup means you can see the process happen. It's absorbing for the right kind of visitor - anyone who cares about how things are actually made, rather than just buying something off a shelf. Kids might find it interesting for twenty minutes or so, but it's really aimed at adults who appreciate craft work and want something bespoke.

If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Castle Guards Farm Retreat is closest at just over two miles - it makes a worthwhile morning visit between walks. The Lake District walks in this corner of Cumbria are outstanding, so you could easily slot an hour here before heading out to tackle Skiddaw or explore the lower fells.

Bring cash if you plan to buy anything. Admission details aren't clearly published online, so ring ahead or check their social media before you visit. Not a full-day affair, but the kind of stop that adds character to a Lakeland break - especially if you're the type who wants to go home with something genuinely local and handmade.