Read our top 7 days out with the kids in the Lake District for ideas on how to entertain the children on a weeks holiday in Cumbria. Having tested all of these ourselves with our own children and grandchildren we know these will be a great hit with children big and small.
The Lake District and Cumbria is the perfect holiday destination when travelling with children, there is so much to see and do it is difficult to fit it all in. We have added a 7 day itinerary for your action packed week in the Lakes, all of which have been given the thumbs up by our own children.
See our top 7 days out with the kids in the Lake District below.
1. Discover Peter Rabbit. Who doesn’t know the tales of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck, Tom Kitten and Squirrel Nutkin to name a few. Beatrix Potter brought to life the wildlife she could see from her kitchen window whilst living in the Lake District. Visit her home at Hill Top near Hawkshead where you may be able to spot some of the wildlife that inspired Beatrix’s children’s books.
The World of Beatrix Potter is where the books come to life. Located in Bowness on Windermere this interactive museum is in the top 10 family visitor attractions in Europe. Dine in the themed café, enjoy a show at the theatre, walk through the pages of the famous books and visit Mr McGregor’s garden.
2. Lake District Wild Life Park With the majestic fells of Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite lake as the backdrop this wildlife park is filled with over 100 species of wild and domestic animals. Visitors can enjoy a bird of prey display, learn about reptiles and mini beasts, primates, flamingoes and the resident lynx. Add an Alpaca or Hawk Walk where you can get up close to the animals. There are plenty of picnic benches or you could opt to dine in the café.
3. Fitz Park, Crow Park and Hope Park, Keswick Days out with the kids can be relatively cheap and with the majestic fells as a backdrop a visit to any of the parks in Keswick with a picnic included can entertain the children for hours.
Fitz Park is bordered by the River Greta, children enjoy cooling down and splashing about in the water on hot sunny days. The Lower Park has a fantastic children’s playground, picnic benches, a recreational area, cricket pavilion and a multi use games area, gym equipment and BMX track. The Upper Park is a smaller formal area with bowling green, grass tennis courts and putting green.
Crow Park is bordered by Derwenwater and Hope Park, this is the ultimate picnic area with breathtaking views down the lake. There is an expanse of grass for children to run off some energy or cool down in the lake.
Hope Park is located between the town and Derwentwater, the park has a café which also serves ice cream, there is a mini golf course and putting green. The well maintained gardens are worth wondering around, with plenty of seating, it is perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.
4. Lowther Castle, the former castle has been home to the same family for 850 years, but with open doors, it welcomes visitors to explore the ruins, learn about its history, wander through the expanse of gardens and woodland trails and admire the stunning vistas. Little explorers will love the Lost Castle Adventure Playground, one of the largest play areas in the UK. Refreshments are served in the onsite café, perfect for lunch or snacks.
5. Walby Farm Park, located north, east of Carlisle with a large indoor play barn is the go to place for rainy days. With a combination of slides, soft play area and a three level Roman Fort there is plenty of indoor activities to entertain the children. Head out doors to meet the animals, enjoy tractor rides, crazy golf, goat racing, barrel train, trampolines, go karts and much more. Look out for their themed event days, they are always popular with all of the family.
6. Carlisle Castle, Museum and Bitts Park. Standing proudly in the centre of Carlisle is its well preserved castle. Explore the dungeons, discover where Mary Queen of the Scotts was held prisoner. Walk along the turrets and admire the views over the Carlisle sky line and view the cannons ready to guard the city from invaders.
Bitts Park lies beside Carlisle Castle and has a large outdoor play area with splash park, an expanse of grass for ball games and a lovely river walk along the River Eden with nature trail.
Directly opposite the castle you will find Tullie House Museum, discover Carlisle’s rich heritage, ancient finds and take part in one of the many activities laid on during the school holidays.
7. Windermere Lake Cruise. With 3 stop off points around England’s largest lake, enjoy a leisurely cruise around Windermere. Stop off at Lakeside on the southern tip of the lake home to the aquarium and steam train.
The Lakes Aquarium allows you to get up close to the fish inhabiting the lake with an underwater tunnel where you can view the fish and diving ducks.
The Lakeside to Haverthwaite railway line, is a 3.5 mile steam train ride through scenic countryside giving a glimpse into how our railways were before the introduction of electric trains.
Hop back on the cruise ship and head to Waterhead where you can enjoy a walk around the shops of Ambleside or visit Hayes Garden Centre before returning back to Windermere.
These are the top 7 days out with the kids in the Lake District as voted for by our own children and grandchildren. This is just a small number of attractions to entertain the children during the school holidays.
Whilst most of these involve paying visitor attractions some of our children’s most memorable experiences have been simply exploring the lakes. Some of the best free days out have included walking up Aira Force and paddling in the pools at the top, fishing for tiddlers in Ullswater, climbing to the top of the Bowder Stone, walking along the Borrowdale Valley to get an ice cream from the farm shop, paddling in the rivers, looking for squirrels in Whinlatter forest, exploring Dalton and Cathedral Caves to name a few of the adventures we have had over the years.
View our Summer School Holiday availability and once you have found your ideal home away from home you can start planning your own top 7 days out with the kids in the Lake District.
