Lake District Attractions for Families

Summer is the peak tourist season in the Lake District. The weather is usually at its warmest and driest with longer days and warmer evenings, making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming in the lake, playing in the park, and picnicking.

• Brockhole
• Fell Foot
• Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
• Lake District Wildlife Park
• Grizedale

Visit Brockhole

What can you do at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre near Windermere? Take a deep breath… archery, karting, paddle boarding, kayaking, laser clay shooting, a woodland faerie trail, an adventure playground, treetop nets, boat hire, indoor caving tunnels, mini golf, mini tractors, and much more.

Decisions, decisions. And after all that, you’re going to need a rest and something to eat and drink. Happily, there’s plenty of choice there too, with several eateries in the house and grounds.

Of course, you can just go and do nothing except take a picnic, relax on the lake shore, and take it all in.

Details

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Brockhole on Windermere
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 1FF

Map

Kick back at Fell Foot

Gently lapping waves to dip your toes in, gorgeous mountain views and lakeside strolls to feast your eyes on, rowing boats, kayaks and paddle boards for hire to get out on the water, acres of park and meadows to meander through, a café in a restored Victorian boathouse to refuel in – or just bring a picnic, stretch out and relax on the grass and watch the world go by – that sounds like the place to be, doesn’t it?

Located at the southern end of Windermere, Fell Foot is owned and looked after by the National Trust and makes for a perfect family-friendly day out in the sunshine.

Details

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Fell Foot
Newby Bridge
Cumbria
LA12 8NN

Map

Full steam ahead at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Known to locals as La’al Ratty, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow-gauge railways in England.

From its beginnings in 1757 transporting ore, to now ferrying passengers and inspiring awe, a ride on one of the lovingly restored steam and diesel engines in the fleet is not to be missed.

Running for seven miles through jaw-dropping scenery, with seven request stops on the way, the circular route will take you across the estuary and through the hills to the final destination at Dalegarth for Boot station. All aboard.

Details

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Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1SW

Map

Go wild at the Lake District Wildlife Park

Spread over 24 acres of beautiful parkland, more than100 species of wild and domestic animals and birds are waiting to meet you at the Lake District Wildlife Park. Lemurs, gibbons, meerkats, zebras, tapirs, capuchin monkeys, wildebeest, yaks, and red pandas, to name but a few.

Conservation and education are close to the hearts of the dedicated staff, and there are keeper talks most days, telling you about the animals in their care.

There’s also a fab café serving tasty grub and sweet treats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a gift shop.

There’s also a fab café serving tasty grub and sweet treats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a gift shop.

Details

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Lake District Wildlife Park
Bassenthwaite Lake
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 4RD

Map

Frolic in the forest at Grizedale

There’s all sorts going on deep in the forest at Grizedale. Miles of walking and cycling (you can hire bikes on site) trails to tackle, over 50 intriguing sculptures by leading artists to admire, stunning views to point your peepers at, wildlife to spot, including red deer, buzzards, barn owls, foxes and badgers, trees to swing through if you want to Go Ape, and regular events in the exhibition space if you want to take a break from all the exertion.

There’s a delicious café too (Cafe Ambio), if you haven’t brought your own picnic.

Details

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Grizedale Forest
Hawkshead
LA22 0QJ

Map