After months of entertaining and educating the kids at home, bosses at the Senhouse Roman Museum are hoping the newly-reopened attraction can help reignite children’s interest in Cumbrian history and jumpstart their preparations for a return to school next month.

After re-opening to the public last week, bosses at the attraction near Maryport say they are already getting widespread interest from residents across the county who want to rediscover the little-known stories of life for ordinary people in Cumbria during the Roman occupation almost 2000 years ago.

Museum Manager Jane Laskey said “I think people have been itching to get out and experience museums and cultural attractions again. We genuinely have one of the most important Roman collections in Britain here in Cumbria and right now, people are very open to the idea of exploring those hidden gems on their doorsteps.

“With children returning to school in a few weeks, the education slant is an added bonus for parents who want to get youngsters thinking in a fun and informative way. We’ve certainly had plenty of interest not just from families in West Cumbria, but also from those in the south and east of the county who want to come and explore our spacious coastal site.

“There have also been enquiries from couples and older visitors who have cancelled foreign holidays this year and are looking for more unusual day trips.

“There’s an added appeal because we are in a dramatic location overlooking cliffs alongside the Cumbrian Coastal Way, giving people an easy, scenic walking route along the shoreline to Maryport Marina and other attractions like the Lake District Coast Aquarium and the town’s Maritime Museum.

"In the other direction, there is Silloth and the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).”

The Museum itself has put a number of measures in place to help manage the flow of people and by ensuring people book ahead and space out their visits, there is a real possibility of some ticket-holders having near-exclusive use of the Museum during their visit.

Jane adds: “Lockdown has given so many of us a greater appreciation for the world around us and made us think about how the way we live our lives. During the Roman Occupation, different cultures and traditions melded together and there some interesting parallels with our society today, which really do make you think.”

“I believe plenty of people who don’t see themselves as ‘average’ museum visitors will be surprised by some of the unique objects and fascinating stories they can discover here at Senhouse Roman Museum. There’s an outdated perception that museums are dry and dusty places with limited appeal, but that’s not true: museums are for everyone!

The majority of Senhouse Roman Museum is now open daily from 11am to 5pm. A one-way system is in place, with visitors asked to wear facemasks and respect the 2-metre social distancing rule. Entry to the Museum should be pre-booked online and visitors will be allocated a timed slot to explore.

The attraction has also achieved its official ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation to show it is following all the official Government safety measures and public health guidance.