It’s famend for uplifting poets and artists, however there’s much more to find within the Lake District with youngsters than the attractive surroundings.
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
In fact, in case you’re trying to get outside on this beautiful slice of Cumbria, there are numerous child-friendly walks in addition to boat journeys galore on the lakes themselves – but in addition loads of Lake District household points of interest to find.
From Peter Rabbit to historic castles, animal points of interest and the possibility to journey on a heritage railway, listed below are my prime 26 issues to do within the Lake District with youngsters.
Contents – click on to leap to a piece
Take a ship cruise
You may’t go to the Lake District with out going out on no less than one lake, and there are an entire string of Lake District boat cruises to select from.
In addition to letting households discover the lakes from a distinct perspective, most cruises make a number of stops at piers and cities, so you may simply mix a ship trip with different walks and family-friendly points of interest within the Lake District.
You’ll be spoiled for alternative relying the place you keep, however for a number of the greatest boat cruises within the Lake District, strive the next.
Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston Water
This rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht is likely one of the most uncommon methods to discover the lakes.
Initially in-built 1859, the Nationwide Belief’s Steam Yacht Gondola is the oldest steam yacht within the north of England, operating three to 4 scenic lake cruises on Coniston Water per day.
In addition to getting a style of what life was like for rich Victorians on their pleasure cruises, there’s a commentary on the realm’s historical past as you take in the surroundings.
Nationwide Belief members get a ten% low cost with youngsters underneath 5 travelling free.
Prebooking is strongly beneficial and you may select a technique cruises topic to availability, or the complete lake cruise, which prices solely barely greater than the north or south lake stretch alone.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Windermere Lake Cruises run a number of each day cruises throughout England’s largest lake on each historic steamboats and extra fashionable launches.
You may select to embark at Ambleside, Brockhole, Bowness & Lakeside, with 10.5 miles of lake to discover and totally different routes taking you to a number of the lakeside points of interest. Not all routes run exterior the principle April to October season.
There’s commentary on board and you may also purchase ‘freedom of the lake’ tickets, which allow you to hop on and off, together with 48 hour choices, plus tickets together with points of interest or bus journey.
You may select shorter routes, together with a 45-minute sail from Bowness and a 50-minute route from Ambleside, in case you’re visiting the Lake District with toddlers – the Inexperienced Cruise route is especially good for households.
Ullswater Steamers
Ullswater Steamers operates one of many largest heritage boat fleets on the earth, and their cruises are even dog-friendly in case you’re visiting the Lake District with pets.
The boat journeys allow you to cruise across the lake in about two hours, or you may soar off to discover the totally different stops, together with the spectacular Aira Power waterfall.
There’s an open deck for sunny days, sheltered higher deck seating areas and indoor downstairs saloons when the climate isn’t so good, and bogs.
Watersports at Coniston Boating Centre
If you need a extra lively expertise than merely sitting on a ship, one other solution to discover the Lakes with youngsters is by collaborating in a number of the water sports activities on supply.
And Coniston Boating Centre is likely one of the greatest spots within the Lake District for household enjoyable on the water.
There are a number of choices for boat rent too, from a contemporary motorboat to a standard wood rowing boat, or open-Canadian canoe for some enjoyable outside adventures with little ones whereas admiring the surroundings.
Teenagers may head out onto the lake on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Effectively-behaved pets are allowed on the boats too in case you’re travelling along with your four-legged buddy. There’s additionally bike rent that will help you discover on land too.
Brockhole on Windermere
Brockhole on Windermere is likely one of the greatest days out within the Lake District with youngsters who like to get lively, with loads to maintain the entire household entertained.
Sitting on the shores of Windermere throughout the grounds of an attractive Victorian summer season residence, youngsters can benefit from the massive journey playground, go-karting, mini-golf, archery, tree-top trekking, indoor caving, nature trails and orienteering programs, and lots extra.
Throughout the hotter summer season months, you may rent rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to go out onto the lake as effectively.
There’s additionally a customer centre and museum, scenic gardens, a woodland faerie path, a number of cafes, a restaurant, and a present store filled with native artisan merchandise for a full household day trip within the Lakes.
World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere
See a number of the most celebrated English youngsters’s storybooks of all time come to life at the World of Beatrix Potter.
The family-friendly Lake District attraction enables you to stroll by means of the acquainted tales as a part of a singular sensory expertise, in addition to exploring Peter Rabbit’s Backyard.
You’ll see characters from the creator’s most well-known books, together with Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mr Todd, and Jeremy Fisher, whereas exploring a fascinating recreation of the Lake District countryside, which helped encourage the unique tales.
Maintain an eye fixed out for particular household pleasant occasions, comparable to Peter Rabbit tea events, and reside exhibits within the connecting Previous Laundry Theatre too.
For those who’re searching for extra Beatrix Potter, her residence at Hill High – purchased with the proceeds from the Story of Peter Rabbit – is round half an hour away throughout the lake. Should be prebooked.
Wray Fortress, Ambleside
Set on the banks of Lake Windermere, Wray Fortress is a Nationwide Belief property that has been was an thrilling child-friendly attraction.
Constructed throughout the Victorian period as a mock-Gothic fortress, its imposing turrets and towers appear like one thing straight off the pages of a youngsters’s fairytale ebook.
Inside, the fortress doesn’t have the same old historic furnishings and paintings that you just anticipate from Nationwide Belief properties – which makes it all of the extra enjoyable for households!
As an alternative, its rooms are stuffed with baby pleasant actions, comparable to desk tennis, big video games, interval dressing up, tender play, and humanities and crafts. There are additionally Peter Rabbit Journey rooms, that includes Peter’s Burrow, Mr McGregor’s backyard, and extra.
With loads of indoor actions, Wray Fortress is likely one of the prime issues to do within the Lake District with youngsters on a wet day – or straightforward to mix with a Lake District boat journey within the sunshine too.
Muncaster Fortress, Ravenglass
If you need a genuinely historic fortress, head in direction of the western Lake District the place Muncaster Fortress overlooks the River Esk.
Relationship again to the thirteenth century, the Grade I listed constructing is known for its stunning interiors and lengthy and engaging historical past.
Kids will love exploring the fortress’s 70+ acres of untamed woodland gardens, with an journey playground and indoor maze in addition to the colorful flowers and views over the encompassing valleys.
The Hawk & Owl Centre, set throughout the fortress gardens, can also be effectively value a go to with youngsters. Try the Birds of Prey shows to see the majestic creatures hovering proper over your head.
Sizergh Fortress, Kendal
One other historic website, Sizergh Fortress close to Kendal has been residence to the Strickland household for over eight centuries.
With a 1,600-acre property, it’s straightforward to fill a day trip: in addition to the wild play path, you may look out for butterflies within the gardens and deer within the grounds, with wetland, woodland and orchards to discover.
When the home itself is open, don’t miss the astonishingly intricate inlaid sixteenth century panelling inside too.
Lowther Fortress, close to Penrith
It’s not Lowther Fortress itself which is the largest attraction for teenagers (though don’t be tempted to skip it both). As an alternative, it’s the unimaginable play space, one of many largest journey playgrounds within the nation.
The Misplaced Fortress play space is filled with turrets, zipwires, walkways and slides, as effectively the ramps and steps to climb and a pole to slip down. You’ll discover areas for toddlers too, in addition to a sandpit and twine mesh play part (plus someplace for adults to take a seat down and loosen up too)
Do save a while to discover Lowther Fortress itself although, some of the spectacular ruins round, and its stunning gardens.
The massive fortress as soon as had a room for every single day of the yr, and the identical household has lived right here for the reason that twelfth century – however after the fifth earl ran out of cash, all the pieces which may very well be offered was eliminated, and all that is still is a really spectacular shell.
It’s now additionally half backyard, in addition to being surrounded by its personal grounds, backyard and woodland for some of the memorable household pleasant locations within the Lake District. Open year-round.
Walby Farm Park
There’s enjoyable galore to be discovered at Walby Farm Park, together with an opportunity to satisfy the animals, a lot of play areas and some sudden bonuses, comparable to ferret races!
Nice in case you’re visiting the Lake District with youthful youngsters, you may spot a string of farmyard favourites, assembly the rabbits and guinea pigs, in addition to some hand feeding and goat racing, plus some extra uncommon furry inhabitants comparable to alpacas.
Plus there’s a whopping 30 acres to discover, with indoor and outside play areas. The Indoor Journey Play Barn has a separate space for youthful youngsters, or some greater thrills for older youngsters together with the 24 foot Demon Drop Slide (and sure, grown-ups are allowed to affix in too).
Outdoors, together with swings and trampolines, you may strive your hand at working JCB Diggers, Pedal Tractors and Go-Karts.
There’s additionally a three-level Roman fort, Milecastle62, which is roofed in opposition to the weather so you may climb ropes and slopes, stability on tree trunk beams, whoosh down slides and poles, crawl by means of tunnels and customarily play to your coronary heart’s content material – plus the aptly named Barbarian Village space for underneath 3s!
The Lake District Wildlife Park, Keswick
For extra animal enjoyable within the Lake District with youngsters, the Lake District Wildlife Park is unmissable, with over 100 species of unique animals on the 24-acre park close to Keswick.
You’ll discover all the pieces from extra birds of prey and wonderful reptiles to cheeky primates and pleasant farmyard animals.
Conservation lies on the coronary heart of the wildlife park, and youngsters can study endangered species on the quite a few keeper talks every day, together with extra in regards to the very cute pink pandas, in addition to the lynx which might as soon as have roamed Cumbria’s forests.
Kids may even stand up shut and meet a number of the park’s residents on the shows and wildlife encounters.
There are a number of play areas too, together with an outside play space and indoor tender play and ball pit, in case the climate is dangerous, plus a restaurant serving scrumptious home made meals.
For those who’re searching for extra animal points of interest, South Lakes Safari Zoo isn’t really within the Lake District Nationwide Park (regardless of its identify) but it surely’s nonetheless shut sufficient to go to and see its 1,000 uncommon and endangered inhabitants – round half-hour’ drive from Sizergh Fortress, for instance
Alpacaly Ever After, Keswick & numerous places
Actually one of many extra distinctive Lake District household points of interest, Alpacaly Ever After is an award-winning social enterprise that rescues and rehomes alpacas and llamas from all around the nation – identified affectionately because the woolly military!
The centre affords households the chance to come back and meet their pleasant alpacas too – go to in spring or early summer season, and also you may even get to see the infants.
You may also take the alpacas on a stroll round a number of the lake’s most scenic places, together with the personal grounds of the Lingholm Property on the shores of Derwentwater.
The alpaca experiences are open to youngsters of all ages, though guests underneath 18 must be accompanied by an grownup. Youngsters underneath 10 can go totally free on a personal alpaca stroll, however not group walks.
Honister Slate Mine, Keswick
For those who’re picturing a go to to a slate mine, the probabilities are you’re not anticipating to be excessive up within the air. However the Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine does simply that – good for teenagers and older youngsters searching for an adrenaline thrill.
The longest excessive wire bridge in Britain, the Infinity Bridge is strung 2,000 ft above the valley flooring, with some astonishing panoramic views out throughout the surroundings – in case you dare look out to take pleasure in them,
Appropriate for teenagers aged 8+ who’re 1.3m tall, it’s some of the memorable household days out within the Lake District. And if being suspended in mid-air doesn’t tempt, you may also take 90-minute excursions of the slate mine, strive the Climb the Mine journey scaling partitions and ladders, and crawling by means of tunnels throughout the mine caverns, in addition to canyoning.
You’re additionally only a quick drive from the spectacular surroundings of the Honister Cross in case you’d prefer to take pleasure in it from floor degree
Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside
Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, the Lakes Aquarium is residence to the UK’s largest assortment of freshwater fish and lots of different aquatic creatures.
On a go to to the aquarium, you may be taught in regards to the vary of creatures residing within the lakes, together with perch, pike, white-clawed crayfish, koi carp, and much extra.
Better of all, you may stroll by means of an underwater tunnel that takes you on a fascinating recreated journey underneath Lake Windermere.
The Lakes Aquarium can also be residence to many different thrilling animals from internationally, so you may spot all the pieces from clownfish and piranhas to rays, otters, and tortoises. Particular talks, occasions and youngsters’ trails additionally happen all year long.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Kendal
For those who’re visiting the Lake District in the summertime, youngsters will love taking over the problem of the maize maze at Lakeland Maze Farm Park.
Every year from July to September, the maze has a brand new design, with a mini maze and important maze that takes over 90 minutes to finish (there are exit factors alongside the best way in case it is advisable to escape!)
However even in case you go to exterior these months, you may take pleasure in getting misplaced with two everlasting mazes, together with an indoor bunny burrow tube maze.
That’s simply the beginning too. You may see farmyard animals on the working farm, in addition to smaller fluffy inhabitants on the farm park, to not point out tender play, a climbing wall, bouncy castles and trampolines.
Opening instances fluctuate, restricted to highschool holidays and weekends (if in any respect) exterior April/Could to October.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass & Eskdale within the Lake District is likely one of the oldest and longest slim gauge railways in England.
Affectionately generally known as La’al Ratty, which means “little railway“ in outdated Cumbrian dialect, the heritage railway runs alongside a seven-mile-long line into the beautiful Lake District countryside.
There are spectacular views over the estuaries and out to the fells, and also you may even spot some Cumbrian wildlife alongside the route.
Don’t miss the free Ravenglass station museum, which is stuffed with interactive displays for the youngsters to get entangled in. There’s additionally a train-themed play space at Dalegarth station on the different finish.
For those who’re visiting within the run-up to Christmas, take a look at the Santa Specific prepare, one of many pretty Santa prepare experiences within the UK – though be warned, it books up very quick
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Stretching for simply over three miles, this little heritage railway is a superb Lake District household attraction in its personal proper, however the steam prepare rides additionally make a enjoyable solution to discover a number of the remainder of the Lake District with youngsters.
With steam trains and diesel engines operating from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, on the southern finish of Windermere, you may mix it with a crusing on the lake over to Bowness or Ambleside, in addition to utilizing it to take you to Brockhole, the Lakes Aquarium or World of Beatrix Potter.
The route additionally connects to a different of the Lake District Nationwide Belief websites, Fell Foot Park with walks and watersports (and even the possibility of untamed swimming in case you’re visiting with older youngsters)
Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick
A pencil museum may not sound like will probably be prime of your youngsters’ checklist of Lake District points of interest, however this quirky website in Keswick – the house of the primary pencil – is unexpectedly entertaining.
For starters, you head into the Derwent pencil museum by means of a duplicate graphite mine to start your journey from the earliest days of pencils to the fashionable day.
On show, there are creations proving pencils are rather a lot much less unusual than you may suppose – Second World Conflict pencils with hidden maps, plus one of many largest color pencils on the earth at nearly 8m lengthy.
There are additionally mini pencil sculptures to admire and in case you’re impressed by the small museum to get inventive, a store to select up artwork provides, in addition to artwork workshops.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
In addition to the enormous cinema display right here, which exhibits family-friendly films, the Rheged Centre has common exhibitions in its gallery and an arts programme which incorporates youngsters’s theatre and craft.
There are additionally a string of family-friendly actions to entertain, plus an an indoor tender play space, with an space put aside for underneath fives – there are presently prebookable slots for indoor play.
For youths that love Lego, you’ll discover a toy store that begs you to spend your pocket cash, plus nice pizza within the cafe. Top-of-the-line issues to do within the Lake District with youngsters on a wet day too.
Allan Financial institution, Grasmere
One other of the Nationwide Belief websites within the Lake District, Allan Financial institution is barely totally different than the same old household days out expertise.
The house of the Nationwide Belief’s founder, close to Grasmere, places the deal with the panorama – the property itself isn’t even totally embellished, so the naked partitions and empty rooms spotlight the valley and lake surroundings.
You may spy pink squirrels within the backyard and typically see buzzards flying overhead, in addition to choosing up nature spotter guides for teenagers.
There are some strolling routes to take a look at too, in addition to loads of locations to play cover and search.
There’s no automotive park or cafe on website, so that you’ll must take public transport or stroll up from Grasmere. Picnics are welcome, and there are scorching drinks out there for a small donation.
Walks within the Lake District with youngsters
With a few of England’s most stunning surroundings, you’re additionally spoiled for alternative with regards to family-friendly walks within the Lake District – and never all are as difficult as climbing Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
There are 50 ‘Miles with out Stiles‘ routes, appropriate for households with pushchairs – together with totally different grades, so you understand in case you’ve obtained a clean path or whether or not it’s one to take a more durable all-terrain buggy.
Or in case you’re unsure the place to start out, take a look at the 7 routes for 70, celebrating the Lake District Nationwide Park’s seventieth birthday again in 2021, highlighting the range throughout the entire nationwide park in addition to some much less explored corners if you wish to escape a number of the crowds in additional fashionable areas.
Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead
There’s not solely hills and lakes to discover on this a part of Cumbria, but in addition some nice woodlands to wander in.
Grizedale Forest has a sequence of sculptures dotted among the many timber, in addition to 10 strolling trails and 9 cycle routes, together with off-road mountain bike trails and gentler choices (you may rent bikes there).
Add in an journey play space and Go Ape excessive ropes programs, plus artwork exhibitions and cafe for a break between the exercise, so it’s straightforward to whereas away just a few hours. You may pay for parking on-line as effectively.
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
One other nice Forestry England website, Whinlatter Forest has some wonderful views to take pleasure in as you discover the paths, together with an opportunity to look out to Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick.
There are 9 strolling trails right here, with a one-mile stretch to identify a sequence of figures from the Gruffalo dotted round. Cease in on the customer centre for ideas first, and whereas it’s walkable with a buggy, be ready for hills.
With older youngsters, the forest can also be residence to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails within the Lake District, together with one other Go Ape course and journey playground.
Head into the timber, Windermere
In addition to having fun with the forests from floor degree, there are some enjoyable methods for households to stand up into the timber.
The treetop nets at ZipWorld Windermere embody greater than 1,500 metres of big trampolines, walkways, slides and netting tunnels suspended as much as 9 metres off the bottom. Appropriate for age 3+
Or take a look at the treetop trek, with 35 totally different treetop challenges by means of the oaks, ending with a 250m triple zip from the 14m excessive treetop tower, so you may race one another again.
There are totally different choices for various ages: age 5+ can tackle Climb and Zip, which lasts round half-hour, or the hour-long Mini Trek, whereas the Full Trek is appropriate for age 7+ and takes round two hours.
The Puzzling Place, Keswick
One other enjoyable possibility in case you’re searching for issues to do within the Lake District within the rain, The Puzzling Place in Keswick is filled with illusions to difficult your eyes and a enjoyable hologram gallery.
With optical illusions to make it seem that you just’ve shrunk/grown, that you just’re standing sideways, even that you just’re defying gravity, it’s an effective way to spend an hour or so – and also you’ll emerge with some hilarious images too.
Do ebook forward in case you’re visiting at school holidays or searching for inspiration on wet days within the Lake District, because it’s not big and will be – unsurprisingly – very talked-about.
When you’re visiting the Lake District, it’s straightforward to mix with a go to to the Yorkshire Dales Nationwide Park – take a look at a few of my prime issues to do in Yorkshire with youngsters
*First printed 2021, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Fish copyright MummyTravels, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos
