Coniston Boating Centre
Take the whole family out onto Coniston Water! Let our electric motor boats take the strain or take the helm of a traditional wooden rowing boat. Both take up to 6 passengers, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on board too. Try out sit on top kayaks, open Canadian canoes or have fun splashing about on paddleboards. Our friendly team will give you all the help you need.
Child and buggy-friendly walks
We’ve 50 Miles Without Stiles routes, a few favourites:
- 4.Scout Scar near Kendal- see for miles and miles from the sea to the mountains!
- 6.Windermere’s Western Shore – Get the ferry from Bowness, good for bikes and buggies
- 11.Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge in the Langdales, waterfalls, woods and refreshments
- 13.Tarn Hows near Coniston circular walk around a beautiful tarn with mountain views
- 36.Friar’s Crag Keswick circular along Derwentwater
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter has amazing views across Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater and Keswick, 9 walking trails and 3 cycling trails to explore, bike hire, picnic areas a play area, cafe and all-terrain accessible tramper to hire. Whinlatter Pass, Keswick. CA12 5TW.
The Lake District Wildlife Park
Over 100 species of exotic animals live at this 25-acre park, which participates in six endangered species programmes. There are talks throughout the day, an onsite cafe and indoor soft-play and outdoor adventure playground. Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick. CA12 4RD.
Visit the Lake District Wildlife Park website for more visiting information
Alpacaly Ever After
Meet alpacas, walk with alpacas, go llama trekking! Offering unique experiences at four locations on and around Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, with alpaca and llamas rehomed from all over the country. Accessible walks for all mobilities.The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick CA12 5TZ
Family activities for a rainy day
The Lake District does get the odd rainy day or two. Ok, quite a few actually, but there’s still loads to do, places to go to keep dry and ways to enjoy this unique landscape whatever the weather.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Take a short trip on a steam train and travel 3.5 miles from Haverthwaite to Lakeside pier, south end of Windermere lake. When at the lake you can visit Aquarium of the Lakes, or catch a boat to Bowness or Ambleside with Windermere Lake Cruises. Haverthwaite Station Ulverston, Cumbria. LA128AL.
Wray Castle – National Trust
Wray Castle on the west shore of Lake Windermere has waymarked trails through woodlands with perfect stone skimming and paddling spots. You can arrive by Windermere Lake Cruise, which runs until end of October. The cosy café makes food fresh on site. Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
Lakes Aquarium
Set on Windermere lakeshore, visit UK’ largest collection of freshwater fish. Arrive by boat, from Bowness or Ambleside with Windermere Lake Cruises or a steam train with Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Café and shop on site, entry for under 3s free. Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA128AS.
Keswick Climbing Wall
Your kids climbing the walls? Let them scale a proper climbing wall! Keswick Climbing Wall and Outdoor Activity Centre is just 5 minutes drive outside Keswick and offers indoor and outdoor activities. Free parking and café on site. Goosewell Farm, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN.
Rheged Centre
An Arts programme including everything from children’s theatre and craft to opera, ballet and theatre streamed live on a giant cinema screen, which also shows a range of movies for all the family. A gallery space for five exhibitions every year. Children’s activities and an outdoor play area, shop and cafe with local produce and crafts. Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ.
Toilets and changing facilities
Toilet locations and baby change facilities are listed on our Public toilets page. Many are located near our car parks.
