FAMILY ACTIVITIES
IF YOU CAN’T FIND SOMETHING TO OUTDOORSY TO DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT, YOU’RE ON THE WRONG HOLIDAY, BUT TRY THESE FOR STARTERS:
BROCKHOLE, WINDERMERE
Tel: 015394 46601
Visit Website
A must visit for all ages. As well as the stunning gardens and grounds, café and shop on the shores of Lake Windermere, there is a varied events programme on offer and a host of fantastic activities to do including: boat hire, bike hire, archery, treetop trek, treetop nets mini golf, pony rides, adventure playground, trails and orienteering.
GRIZEDALE FOREST
Tel: 0300 067 4495
Visit Website
Start at the Visitor Centre and whether you choose to go walking, mountain biking, take the Go Ape treetop trail or have a go at segwaying, you won’t be disappointed. Rather do something less physical? Grizedale Sculpture offers an amazing site specific contemporary sculpture trail through the heart of Grizedale Forest.
LAKESIDE, NEWBY BRIDGE
Tel: 015395 31594
(Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway) (http://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/)Tel: 015395 30153
(Lakeside Aquarium) http://www.lakesaquarium.co.uk/Tel: 0370 333 1181
(Bobbin Mill) http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stott-park-bobbin-mill/
Lakeside Pier is one end of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in which you can travel by steam train 3.5 miles via Newby Bridge to Haverthwaite along the old Furness line that used to go to Ulverston and Barrow. In the same location you will also find the Aquarium of the Lakes where you can discover the secret world of wildlife and freshwater creatures dwelling in and alongside the waters of the Lake District. The English Heritage owned Stott Park Bobbin Mill is only a short walk away (1/2 mile) at Finsthwaite. Also at Lakeside is a gift shop, reasonably priced cafe with panoramic views of Windermere and the beautiful Lakeside hotel where you can have a (pricey) meal on the shoreline. There’s also plenty of parking.
FELLFOOT PARK
Tel: 015395 31273
Visit Website
A five minute walk from April Cottage, this lakeshore park with stunning mountain views is a fantastic place to visit at any age. During your stay at April Cottage, think of this as your personal garden. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, whilst easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating. Rowing boats are available to hire (from April to October) or bring your own! An adventure playground and climbing wall offers fun for all ages. You will also find a café and a shop in the boathouses.
MILLERBECK LIGHT RAILWAY
Tel: 015393 30113
Visit Website
Just across the lane from April Cottage is The Millerbeck Light Railway, a private railway situated in the grounds of Millerbeck House. Open 8 weekends a year, this ‘narrow gauge’ railway, runs 4 or 5 passenger trains at the same time, offering a selection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives. Visitors of all ages are taken on a long ride, of around a mile, through the curves and substantial gradients of this complex track, weaving through meadows woods and over the beck back to the miniature station. Whether you take a picnic with you to eat on site, or head back over the lane to April Cottage for refreshment, a trip on the Millerbeck Light Railway is not to be missed.
SOUTH LAKELAND ZOO
Tel: 01229 466086
Visit Website
The UK’s first safari zoo, offering a unique journey into the animal kingdom. Come face to face with and discover rhinos, lions, tigers, bears, hippos, wolves, snow leopards, jaguar, giant otters, primates, vultures, penguins and more. Join the keepers to hand feed giraffes every day, walk in amongst and hand feed penguins; wander amongst and discover kangaroo, lemurs, monkeys, free flying birds – including (for the brave) vultures and condors all living wild in the park. Best of all kids go free.
THE WORLD OF BEATRIX POTTER, BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE
Tel: 0844 504 1233
Visit Website
This magical experience is a must for all Beatrix Potter book fans, children and adults alike. It is impossible not to be enthralled.
ZEFFIRELLIS CINEMA, PIZZERIA & JAZZ BAR, AMBLESIDE
Tel: 015394 33845
Visit Website
For a unique film and food experience in the Lake District head to Zeffirellis. We recommend you book ahead particularly on wet weather days. See their website for the latest mainstream movies and art house film listings.