Rosie
Famous for its stunning views, mountainous peaks and breathtaking landscape, the Lake District is a popular holiday destination for hill walkers, climbers and those looking to escape city life and relish in the peace and quiet it offers.
But what about kids who might not be quite so keen on long walks in the countryside? We’ve found a wealth of things to keep kids of all ages busy. For starters, here are 21 of them:
- Wray Castle Explore the castle, dress up as a knight for the day, try the rope swings, build a den or enjoy the playground and grounds. Arrive by bus or car or in style by boat direct from Ambleside.
- Discover Wordsworth Learn about the Wordsworth family’s daily lives in Dove Cottage, wander through the hillside garden and explore the museum with its kids activities, family-friendly tours and explorer suitcases.
- Lakeland Climbing Centre Try indoor climbing at Kendal CrazyClimb. Take it up a notch with their Indoor Skyline Ariel or enjoy a taster session on their climbing wall.
- Lakes Aquarium On the southern shore of Lake Windermere, combine your visit to the aquarium with a lake cruise and arrive by boat. Walk through the underwater tunnel, watch otter feedings twice daily and meet reptiles and creepy crawlies in the rainforest.
- Fell Foot Lakeshore Park Try swimming, paddling and boating at the very southern top of Lake Windermere (rowing boats to hire Apr – Oct). Play in the adventure playground, which offers plenty of space for picnics, or eat in the Boathouse Café.
- Lakeland Miniature Village Enjoy the 100+ miniature buildings made from local Kinston slate including Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter. All made by hand.
- Leighton Hall Take a house tour and watch the free daily bird of prey display. There’s also a caterpillar maze, woodland trail, pirate and fairy dens, sand pit and lots of space to run and play.
- Treetop Nets Spend the day jumping on the 1500m² giant trampolines. Play in the walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting and suspended 9m off the ground. For 3+, open all year.
- Hire a boat on Windermere Offering seating for up to six people, this fleet of electric hire boats are a perfect way to spend time messing about on the water. As they are electric they are quiet so you can get up close to the abundant wildlife.
- The World of Beatrix Potter Experience the magical world of Beatrix Potter from Jemima Puddleduck’s woodland glade and Mr Tod’s underground home to Mrs Tiggywinkle’s kitchen and the Peter Rabbit Garden and so much more.
- Windermere Lake Cruises Take a cruise on England’s largest lake and see the magnificent scenery from the water.
- Rheged Enjoy the indoor and outdoor soft play areas, pottery painting workshops, a 3D cinema screen and a programme of children’s events every school holiday.
- Lakeland Motor Museum Set in the picturesque Leven Valley, the museum includes a collection of over 30,000 exhibits. Perfect for car and motorbike fans of all ages.
- Horse Riding at Bigland Hall Enjoy a lead rein ride around the estate. Suitable for beginners from age 4. There’s also an estate ride for those with a little more experience.
- Lakeland Maze Farm Park Open from Easter until September, young explorers can enjoy the mini maze, tractor rides, the chance to meet and feed the animals and the large indoor play area.
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway Enjoy a steam-train ride from Ravenglass, the Lake District’s only coastal village, through the hills and across the estuary. Family-friendly events are also held regularly throughout the year.
- Wildlife Oasis Enjoy the animals, birds, rodents, reptiles and aquarium in this all-weather attraction that’s perfect for families. Kids aged 7-15 can also become a junior zookeeper for the day.
- Wordsworth House Step back in time and take a walk around the historic birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth. Enjoy the house and walled gardens and the selection of hand-on activities for kids.
- Lake District Wildlife Park The wildlife park in the heart of the Lake District is spread over 25 acres and the animals are free to roam. Explore the parkland and see over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra.
- Muncaster Castle Explore the historic haunted castle and take a walk through the Himalayan gardens. Visit the playgrounds, the Hawk and Owl Centre and lose yourself in Meadowvole Maze.
- Threkeld Quarry and Mining Museum Learn more about quarrying and the geology of the Lake District. Take a guided underground tour (minimum age 5) and explore the tunnels in an artificial caving system.
Have you visited the Lake District as a family? Are there any family-friendly destinations or activities you’d add to the list?
