Things to Do in the Lake District with Kids — A Local's Guide

The Lake District can feel like it's built for hardcore fell-walkers and honeymooning couples. It isn't — it's one of the best places in Britain to take kids, as long as you plan around the weather and don't try to do too much. Here's how to do it well.

On the water

Windermere Lake Cruises

The single best-value family day in the Lakes. A "Freedom of the Lake" ticket lets you hop on and off the steamers all day between Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside. Pair it with the attractions at each end (below) and you've filled a day without touching the car.

Check Windermere Lake Cruises tickets →

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

A restored steam railway that connects to the cruises at the southern end of Windermere — kids get a boat and a steam train in one trip, which is roughly as good as a day out gets when you're six.

For the animal-mad

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite

More than 100 species, daily birds-of-prey displays, and a hillside setting with real views. Less polished than a big-city zoo, which is part of the charm.

World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness

Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and the whole Potter cast brought to life indoors — a rainy-day banker for under-7s, and mercifully compact.

For older kids and teens

Go Ape, Grizedale Forest

High ropes, zip wires and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. Grizedale also has family mountain-bike trails and a sculpture trail you can walk for free if you'd rather keep the budget down.

Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale

The Via Ferrata — a fixed-cable climbing route up a genuine mountain crag — is a proper adrenaline day for confident 10+ kids. Even the standard mine tour is memorable.

Catbells

The Lake District's most family-friendly "real" mountain. It's a proper little summit (451m) with a genuine sense of achievement, and most reasonably active 7-year-olds manage it. Start from Hawse End, allow 2–3 hours, and check the forecast.

Rainy-day rescue

• The Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside — otters, sharks and a diving-duck tunnel; connects to the cruises and railway.
• Brockhole on Windermere — indoor play, an adventure playground and treetop nets; free entry, pay for activities.
• Keswick's Puzzling Place — an optical-illusion house that reliably delights and baffles.

Practical notes

The Lakes weather turns fast — always pack full waterproofs and a spare layer even in July. Parking at honeypots (Bowness, Grasmere, Keswick) is a nightmare from mid-morning; the boats and the open-top Stagecoach 599 bus between Bowness and Grasmere save a lot of stress. And nearly every paid attraction here is cheaper booked online in advance, so sort tickets the night before.