The GO Guide to the Lake District – Family Activities
National Parks are a fantastic way to get young children excited about the outdoors. As part of our guide to the Lake District, we’ve pulled together some wonderful activities for all the family to enjoy, and here are our 10 favourites.
With so much to get stuck in to in the Lake District, it can be difficult to know where to start. So make Brockhole – the Lake District Visitor Centre your first port of call. Here you’ll be able to plan your break and find out information about the best family-friendly activities in the Lakes. Put your balancing skills to the test on the nail-biting Treetop Trek and enjoy bouncing around for hours on end in the Treetop Nets.
1. Beatrix Potter
Pay a visit to the home of your favourite Beatrix Potter characters at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. If you’re in the neighbourhood
Find out more at: http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/
2. South Lakes Safari Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to South Lakes Safari Zoo. With so much to see and do, you’ll need a few days to really make the most of the experience.
Find out more at: http://southlakessafarizoo.com/
3. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Travel back in time on a miniature steam train through the stunning delights of the Lake District.
Find out more at: http://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/
4. Rheged
There’s something for all ages at Rheged, whether you’re interested in sampling the local cuisine, trying your hand at arts and crafts or quenching your thirst for the great outdoors. What are you waiting for? Keep the whole family entertained with a trip to Rheged.
Find out more at: http://www.rheged.com/
5. Puzzling Place
Now you’ve tested your physical abilities with our many walking and cycle routes, it’s time to put your mental skills to the test – with the help of the Puzzling Place. Stuffed to the brim with brain teasers and curious challenges, it’s the perfect place to feed your mind.
Find out more at: http://www.puzzlingplace.co.uk/
6. Mirehouse & Gardens
Enjoy an active day out with the family whatever the weather with a trip to Mirehouse & Gardens by Bassenthwaite Lake. Let off steam in the woodland playgrounds, get lost in the heather maze and find your way through the rhododendron tunnel – it’s as much fun for adults as it is for kids; believe us, we tried it out for ourselves and loved every minute of it.
Find out more at: http://mirehouse.com/
7. Muncaster Castle
Prepare yourself to be spooked out by your visit to the historic haunted Muncaster Castle.
Find out more at: http://www.muncaster.co.uk/
8. Lakes Aquarium
Don’t get bogged down and disheartened by gloomy weather – if your trip to the Lakes is more rainfall than sunshine, liven up your mood again with a visit to the Lakes Aquarium. Here you’ll come face to face with otters and get up close and personal with sharks – well, not too close of course. And if you’re feeling extra brave (we’re looking at the kids here), why not get involved with the daily creature handling? From snakes and giant snails to massive millipedes and cockroaches, show your parents how daring you really are.
Find out more at: http://www.lakesaquarium.co.uk/
9. Predator Experience
You don’t have to just watch the action – why not take part in it directly by booking the ultimate predator experience day? From walking with wolves to cheetah encounters and falconry tuition, don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get up close with the most formidable of creatures. Note: some experiences are for over 16s only and weather dependent so be sure to check before you purchase tickets.
Find out more at: http://www.predatorexperience.co.uk/
10. Honister Slate Mine
If you’re visiting the Lake District, you can’t go home without seeing the last working slate mine, found at Borrowdale in Keswick. New for 2014 is the Subterranean Climb The Mine, which takes you deep into the mine, challenging you to a series of heart-in-your-mouth activities to navigate your way back to the top. As this activity is particularly tough, there is an age restriction of at least 10 years (all children must be supervised by an adult) and a minimum height of 1.3m.
Find out more at: http://www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/
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