The Rheged Centre visitor attraction near Penrith in Cumbria has been updated following an £18m revamp.

New features include a Hadrian’s Wall Exhibition – Discovering Cumbria and a giant 3D map, which tell the story of Cumbria’s history from the Ice Age, through the Celtic, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods to the arrival of the Vikings.

The exhibition was developed in conjunction with Hadrian’s Wall Heritage and the North West Development Agency.

Three new films have also been added to the existing art cinema screenings. Vikings: Journey to New Worlds informs visitors about the true identity of the Vikings as explorers, settlers and farmers. Africa – The Serengeti follows the incredible journey of more than 1.5 million animals as they travel 500 miles across the plains of the Serengeti plain, while Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk offers an insight into the world of skydiving and base jumping (parachuting from a building, bridge or cliff).

In addition, Rheged features a new Cumbria Information Centre to promote the county’s destinations to the centre’s 500,000 annual visitors as well as a Create Workshop where children can paint a piece of pottery.

The Rheged Centre is owned and operated by Westmorland.

The majority of the funding came from Westmorland Motorway Services, with the remainder from the European Regional Development Fund, English Partnerships, the North West Development Agency and Cumbria County Council. Details: www.rheged.com