7th February 2017
Things to do in the Lake District with Children
Booking a family friendly Lake District getaway is only the first step in ensuring you and your children enjoy a fun filled and relaxing break.
Once you’ve chosen your hideaway, it’s time to look for local activities and excursions and thanks to being based in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, you’re in luck! As there are many days trips and interesting places to visit with younger family members on the doorstep.
Here, we’re looking at just a few children-friendly things to do in the Lake District that you won’t want to miss when you join us for a stay.
Mirehouse & Gardens, Keswick
Mirehouse is a picturesque 17th-century manor house that sits on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. It also benefits from extensive manicured grounds which provide many natural and hidden play areas to keep little ones occupied. A change of clothes is recommended (or at very least a pair of wellies) as younger family members will want to enjoy the messiest of adventures. The Mirehouse Manor House boasts its own beautiful Bee Garden, complete with heather maze and picnic dens and there’s an adventure playground, zip wire and rope climbs to brave for those a bit bigger. Nearby in Dodd Wood you can take to a selection of stunning hiking and biking trails, where you can spot osprey and other wild birds.
Aira Force Waterfall, Ullswater
There is something magical about a waterfall and the whole family is bound to agree. Aire Force is a popular National Trust site and you have the chance to enjoy the local area and babbling Aire Beck. Which creates an atmospheric and peaceful trickle as you follow it to the fall and a 20-metre drop which you can view from above and below – bound to see mouths agape and eyes as wide as saucers.
Loughrigg Fell
Many visitors to the Lake District do so with hiking in mind and Loughrigg Fell is one of many family-friendly options in the area. It also has the added benefit of being a favorite of Alfred Wainwright and is considered among the smallest of the Wainwright Fells. An easy to follow path and gentle gradient allow you to take the whole entourage along and experience the joys of fell walking. The summit is fairly rocky but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over Grasmere and the kids can explore the babbling streams and tarns that are scattered across the peak.
Grizedale Forest Park Go Ape!
The big kids amongst us will not want to leave the Lake District without a chance to take to the tree heights at Grizedale Forest. This treetop adventure is suitable for children aged 10+ and adults must supervise, as the highest Go Ape platform is a towering 18 meters high! There’s also the chance to fly 200 meters across Grizedale Beck and the beautiful forest canopy – a must-visit for thrill seeking family members.
The World of Beatrix Potter
If you’ve chosen the Lake District as the destination for your next family holiday, chances are part of the draw was Beatrix Potter. Her stories have made Cumbria a beloved location for people of all ages, who enjoyed reading her books as children and beyond. The World of Beatrix Potter is the only themed attraction of its kind in Europe; where you and the whole family get the chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and many more of Beatrix’s funny and furry friends. It’s a fantastic way of introducing your children to your favorite childhood characters, as well as enjoy a trip down memory lane.
A family holiday in the Lake District is a great experience for travellers of all ages. There is something for everyone and you can be sure the little ones won’t be bored for a second.