Great Family-Friendly Activities You Can Do In The Lake District
Looking to get your kids immersed in the great outdoors?
Bringing them to the National Parks is one good way of doing so.
In this edition of our guide, we bring you the top 10 activities to do as a family in the Lake District.
Before anything else, you must visit Brockhole, which is the Lake District Visitor Centre.
Without a stop here, it would be difficult to know what to start off with, as there is just so much to do in Lake District.
At the centre, plan out your entire trip and get information on the various activities you might be considering.
Beatrix Potter
Pay homage to some of your favourite characters such as the Rabbits from Beatrix Potter’s tales over at The World of Beatrix Potter located at Bowness-on-Windermere.
Watch as they come to live in an amazing recreation of the countryside often written about by Potter, and even explore The Peter Rabbit Garden where you can look for Peter’s hiding spot.
South Lakes Safari Zoo
The 51 acre big zoo which was founded in 1994 and located in the outskirts of the Lake District is one of the region’s most popular attractions.
Home to over 1000 animals which are housed in habitats which closely replicate their natural living environments, be amazed by the interaction you can have with some of the tamer creatures living within.
It is suggested that you spend a full day here, to properly take in all that the Safari Zoo has to offer.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
The 11.3km long Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest railways in the United Kingdom, and is 105 years old.
Transporting passengers from Ravenglass to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely the Lake District National park and the Frontiers of the Roman Empire Hadrians Wall, the journey lasts 80 minutes for a round trip.
Amazing views are provided to tourists as we have carriages which have their tops off, allowing passengers to experience the gentle breeze as the locomotive steams through the countryside.
Covered top carriages are also available for passengers who prefer creature comforts, and don’t wish to be exposed to the elements.
Rheged
One of the largest visitor attractions located within the Lake District, Rheged was named for the Ancient Kingdom of the Dark Ages.
Today, Rheged is a visitor centre located within the largest grass covered building that can be found in Britain. Boasting a six storey high cinema screen, Rheged’s centre piece alternates between showing a documentary on the history of Cumbria, as well as other films of interest to the public.
With free entry to the centre and lots of parking spaces available, bring the entire family along for a day of fun.
Puzzling Place
Step into a world of optical illusions at Puzzling Place, and be bamboozled by the various illusion pictures, sculptures and interactive exhibits which are on exhibit.
Take a break from the strenuous physical activities which are typical of a trip to the Lake District, and be amazed as balls seemingly roll uphill, and at how adults can look smaller than their toddler! Challenge your mental abilities with the aid of brain teasers, and try to figure out how the optical illusions work.
Mirehouse & Gardens
If the weather is bright and sunny, consider enjoying a day out over at Mirehouse & Gardens by Bassenthwaite Lake.
With stunning views of the landscape from the gardens and the house, it is easy to never want to leave the estate.
Let your children have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and the lure of digital devices here at Mirehouse & Gardens.
Muncaster Castle
A must-visit for horror fans, ghost vigils are held at regular intervals by paranormal specialists, where like-minded horror enthusiasts can stay overnight in the castle and explore if it’s ghostly residents do indeed exist as claimed.
The most famed haunting location would be the Tapestry Room, where visitors have long complained of footsteps although the corridors are empty, and of sudden cold drafts even when windows are closed.
This definitely isn’t an attraction for the faint of heart!
Lakes Aquarium
Have you wondered what lies beneath the many lakes of the Lake District?
Maybe your little one has been clamouring to see the fishes and aquatic animals he often sees on the telly?
Why not visit the Lakes Aquarium then?
At Lakes Aquarium, see the aquatic life you’ve always wondered about up close!
Watch in wonder as sharks, stingrays and fishes swim by.
There are also some non-aquatic animals on display, including snakes and bugs.
Predator Experience
Animal lovers can rejoice, as there’s something for you too!
Instead of just watching animals as you would usually do at a zoo, get up close to these apex predators such as wolves and cheetahs, and go on walks with them in close proximity.
There are also plenty of photo opportunities for animal enthusiasts, as trained keepers will help you to quickly be familiar with the animals.
Due to the nature of the experiences, do note that only persons aged 16 or over are allowed to take part in some of them.
Do check on the lower age limit before purchasing your tickets.
Honister Slate Mine
Don’t leave the Lake District without first visiting Honister Slate Mine, which is the last working mine of its kind in the United Kingdom.
For the physically fit, try out the Subterranean Climb The Mine activity, which brings you straight into the belly of the mine, presenting to you a series of challenges in order to get back to the top of the mine.
This is a physically challenging activity, and is hence restricted to persons aged 10 and above, and who are at least 1.3 metres tall.
With so much to do at the Lake District, start your planning today so that you can make the best of your limited time here with your family!
Don’t forget to check out to check out the best family campsites in the Lake District so you have somewhere to stay.
Heading to The Lake District
Check out these other great articles about the Lake District, from places to stay to places to visit.
Paddle Through Paradise: Kayaking Adventures in the Lake District
9 Mountains You Need to Conquer in Your Lifetime: A Camper’s Ultimate Challenge
Embracing Inclusivity in the Great Outdoors: The Lake District’s Accessible Trail
Top Castles to Visit in the Lake District
Lake District Cafés That Are Perfect For Hikers
Guide To The UK Three Peaks Challenge
