family days out in the Lake District
- family-friendly
- holidays
- places to visit
Of course, the Lake District is mainly known for its lakes, fells, and walking trails, but there is so much more on offer perfect for a family day out.
We have done the research and put together a list of family friendly days out across the Lake District. So, no matter what age your family is and what interests they have there is something for everyone in the list below. Have a read and see which ones take your fancy before your next trip to the Lake District National Park.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3BX
If you are interested in Beatrix Potter and her enchanting stories, then The World of Beatrix Potter is worth a visit. As you make your way around the attraction you will be able to see all the characters from her stories come to life. From Peter Rabbit to Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mr Jeremy Fisher. There is so much to see as well as two gift shops with so many gifts inspired by Peter Rabbit and his friends.
Hire a Boat at Windermere
Bowness Beach, LA23 3HQ
Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and is definitely a place you want to explore whilst you’re in the Lake District. But since it is the largest, the most efficient way to explore it would be by hiring a boat. Windermere Lake Cruises offer self-drive boats to hire giving you the freedom to discover the lake at your own pace. These boats can be hired for one or two hours and you don’t need any previous boating experience.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park
Raines Hall, Sedgwick, Kendal, LA8 0JH
Lakeland Maze Farm Park is a working family farm and is known for its maize maze along with its long list of farm animals to see. Since 2005, they have had maize mazes for visitors to enjoy along with 2 all-weather mazes, each year the maze is in different shapes from an owl, Star Wars themed and space themed. You can also see plenty of cattle, sheep, pigs, ponies, donkeys, alpacas, ferrets and more during your visit. And of course there is a gift shop and café at the farm if you’re after a bite to eat.
Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum
Town End, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9PP
Known for being the home of William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808, Dove Cottage in Grasmere makes a great day out. Learn more about the history of Wordsworth as you visit Dove Cottage and the museum whilst exploring the charming village of Grasmere. As well as Grasmere being known for its connection to William Wordsworth it is also famous for its Grasmere Gingerbread Shop known for being the worlds best!
Lake District Wildlife Park
Bassenthwaite, Keswick, CA12 4RD
With over 100 species to meet across this 25-acre park, the Lake District Wildlife Park is the perfect family day out for all ages. Some of the animals you can expect to meet are zebras, meerkats, otters, yak, owls, red pandas and flamingos with various keeper talks on across the day too. There is also a café serving a range of meals and snacks as well as the gift shop which is a must before you leave at the end of the day.
Lakes Aquarium
Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8AS
Another animal themed day out is the Lakes Aquarium, located in Ulverston. This aquarium is home to one of the largest collections of freshwater fish from the UK along with plenty of other creatures from around the world. Learn all about rays, local ducks, clownfish, leafcutter ants and even otters as you make your way around the aquarium. There is also a lake view café and gift shop perfect for stopping in at the end of your visit.