Worried about how you’ll keep the kids entertained during your upcoming break to the Lake District? No need to stress! The Lake District is the perfect destination for the whole family, with a wide array of activities on offer to satisfy all ages and interests. We have compiled a bumper list of our top family-friendly attractions in the Lake District – keep reading to discover more…
Step into The World of Beatrix Potter
This vibrant family attraction is set in a magical recreation of the beautiful Lakeland countryside, bringing all 23 enchanting stories written by Beatrix Potter to life. Begin your journey into The World of Beatrix Potter with a short film, before stepping into Jemima’s woodland glade and the Peter Rabbit Garden. Wander through interactive 360-degree views of Lake District scenery, before heading to the gift shop to take home a little piece of Potter magic. We guarantee the kids will love it!
Distance from site: 30 minutes’ drive from Witherslack.
Go Ape at Grizedale Forest
Go Ape is a true adventurer’s paradise, with a fantastic range of activities to suit all ages and abilities at the enchanted Grizedale Forest. Daredevils will love the Treetop Challenge course, with its staggeringly high platforms and tricky tree-to-tree crossings, whilst zipline fanatics can enjoy seven forest ziplines totalling over 3km at the Zip Trekking Adventure. Younger children can take part in the Treetop Adventure and venture across challenging crossings, wobbly bridges, and smaller zip wires. There really is something for everyone!
Distance from site: 15 minutes’ drive from Lakeside and 30 minutes’ drive from Coniston.
Dive Underwater at the Lakes Aquarium
Situated in the picturesque region of Lakeside on the shores of Lake Windermere, the Lakes Aquarium is home to a fantastic array of underwater creatures – from otters and sharks to rays and eels, and everything in between. Discover more than 30 incredible themed habitats, before venturing through the spectacular underwater tunnel and enjoying a fish eye’s view of the artificial Windermere lake bed. There are regular talks and feedings during the day and a special children’s quiz trail to enjoy too.
Distance from site: 5 minutes’ drive from Lakeside and 20 minutes’ drive from Witherslack.
Ready, Set, Go at the Lakeland Motor Museum
Explore over 30,000 fascinating exhibits featuring unique cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia at the Lakeland Motor Museum, making for the ideal day out for keen petrol heads. Located in a converted mill in the heart of the Lake District, you will find Campbell Bluebird displays, Authentic Automobilia, Isle of Man TT Tribute, Vincent Motorcycles, and pedal cars and cycles. Tracing over 100 years of road transport heritage that tell interesting Lakeland stories, this is a truly enjoyable visit experience for all ages.
Distance from site: 10 minutes’ drive from Lakeside and 15 minutes’ drive from Witherslack.
All Aboard the Lakeside & Haverwaithe Railway
Steam into central Lake District on the Lakeland original ‘park and ride’, the Lakeside & Haverwaithe Railway. Established in 1869, this unique train and boat connection provides fascinating journeys for visitors from near and afar. Travel 3.5 miles on this former Furness Railway branch line in nostalgic 1950s carriages, hauled by a lovingly restored steam locomotive, before jumping aboard one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ elegant steamers and sailing onwards to Bowness or Ambleside.
Distance from site: 10 minutes’ drive from Lakeside and 20 minutes’ drive from Witherslack.
Get Lost at the Lakeland Maze Farm Park
This fantastic all-weather attraction is perfect for kids of all ages, boasting 2 incredible maize mazes and a wide variety of fabulous farm animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, ferrets, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, goats, horses, donkeys, and small rodents. With an excellent array of activities available including air bouncers, trampolines, outdoor karting, giant draughts, outdoor play, tractor and trailer rides, 2 permanent all-weather mazes and 1 mini-maize maze, you won’t be short of things to do at Lakeland Maze Farm Park!
Distance from site: 15 minutes’ drive from Witherslack.
Enjoy One of Long Valley Yurts’ Outdoor Activities
Here at Long Valley Yurts, we are excited to be working closely with some truly top-class teams to offer you the best in specialist outdoor instructor-led activities. Whether you’re after something land-based, water-based, adrenaline-filled or a bit more laid-back, your adventure is our command! Ghyll scrambling, paddle boarding, canoeing, raft building, via ferrata, rock climbing, climb the mine, wildlife tracking, and mountain navigation are just some of the experiences you can enjoy during your stay at Long Valley Yurts.
All activities are run by highly qualified and experienced instructors, with all specialist safety equipment provided. Activities are available to pre-book via our website, with prices starting from just £30 per person. Ideal for families, friends, and anyone with a sense of adventure. Which will you choose?!