Enjoy a trip on one of the cruises to a variety of locations.  Take a trip to Ambleside rather than move the car.  Alternatively you can travel across the lake and enjoy a more peaceful location.  The trip to visit the Motor Museum, Aquarium and the Haverthwaite Railway.

Take a look at the website below for a link to the Windermere Lake Cruises on offer.

Website (Click here)

Windermere Steamboats & Museum is located on a former sand wharf site where, for many years, barges unloaded gravel dredged from the bed of the lake. When this operation ceased in 1975, the Windermere Nautical Trust acquired the use of the site and the Museum was built in 1976-77 with the help of The Maritime Trust and the English Tourist Board. For a great day out visit the Windermere Steamboats & Museum situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere. This Windermere attraction offers a unique and historic collection of Steam and Motor Boats. Steam Launch Trips, Shop and Refreshments. The Museum is open 10am to 5pm daily from mid-March to the first week in November

Website (Click here)

Brockhole is a lake district attraction which is run on a not-for-profit basis.  It is run by the Lake District National Park Authority. All profits go towards keeping it special for future generations.

Take a look at the link below to see what they have to offer which includes an adventure playground, water sports, boat hire, Treetop Trek, and also beautiful gardens to enjoy.  There is also a lovely cafe on site.

Website (Click here)

Visit the Mountain Goat website below to check out some of the wonderful trips they offer.  This will enable you and your family to enjoy a trip around the Lake District to see some of the fantastic scenery along with the pretty towns and villages.  Care free tours run by the experts.

Website (Click here)

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction can be found in Windermere. The attraction as won a number of awards and is One of the Top Ten most Popular Visitor Centres and the centre is a place for all the family young and old. Within the centre you will discover Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and all their friends in a magical indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter classic tales, with the sights, sounds and also the smells of the countryside. You will be able to see Mrs. Tiggy-winkle in the Kitchen, go past Jeremy Fisher's Pond and even walk through Squirrel Nutkin's Old Oak Tree? Also at the centre you will be able to learn more about Beatrix Potter's life in the Hidden Beatrix Potter's presentation and video wall. Take a break in the Tailor of Gloucester Tea Rooms and then a visit to shop where you can browse and purchase top quality Beatrix Potter merchandise.

Website (Click here)

Why not visit the house where Beatrix Potter lived during her time in the Lake District.  You can go over on the car ferry and drive yourself or even book a Mountain Goat trip trip to see the lovely cottage.

Hill Top is a traditional Lake District cottage. There are no modifications or alterations to the building. It is quaint and quirky, beautiful, original and will leave you feeling like you’ve had a true glimpse into the life of Beatrix Potter and her love of this place.

Website (Click here)

Lakeland Maze Farm Park is open seasonally. This year they are open from 11th February until 17th December during weekends, school and bank holidays and some weekdays.

Raines Hall Farm is a working farm so as well as Cattle, Sheep and various breeds of Pig, there are also Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Llamas, Alpacas, Goats, Ponies and Donkeys. With plenty of different animals to see, everyone is sure to find a favourite!

Website (Click here)

Go Ape has you covered if you're looking for a Lake District Adventure packed with bucket-list-worthy outdoor activities.

We have two fantastic Lake District outdoor activity centres to choose from. All Go Ape sites are unique and offer exhilarating adventure experiences that will live with you and your Tribe for a lifetime.

The tricky question is, which one will you choose?

Take a look at the website below to choose between Grizedale Forest which is near to Hawshead or Whinlatter Forest which is near to Keswick.

Website (Click here)

Grizedale forest in the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone
Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer!

Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. For more of a challenge, test your nerve and swing among the trees on one of our Go Ape courses.

Website (Click here)

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.

Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. 

The Lakes are a dramatic and unique landscape which has been formed through man’s activities, such as forestry and land management. This landscape has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists, writers and thinkers.

Website (Click here)

Take a walk in the grounds at Wray and discover some of the features of this great estate, still much as they were when they were built, including an arboretum and yew walk, walled garden, boathouse, and miniature harbour.

Follow waymarked trails through beautiful grounds, parkland and woodland including a long stretch of shingle beach on the shores of Lake Windermere and panoramic Lake District views, Wray has it all in every season.

The imposing house in the Gothic form of a medieval castle, stands prominently in an elevated position above the lake. The vast building includes castellated towers, arrow slits, ruined battlements and an impressive porte-cochere. The ground floor rooms are open to the public and house a photographic exhibition and offer the chance to glimpse the grand Lake District villa Wray would once would have been.

There is of course a cafe to enjoy during your trip to this wonderful location

Website (Click here)

Holehird is a 10 acre fell side garden and is an award winning RHS garden.  With views over Lake Windermere and the Lakeland fells it has a walled garden and wonderful herbaceous borders.  It is cared for by volunteers.

Website (Click here)

Looking for some walking trails in Windermere? Whether you're getting ready to hike, cycle, trail run, or explore other outdoor pursuits, AllTrails has 76 picturesque trails in the Windermere area. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore one of 9 easy walking routes in Windermere, with child-friendly routes for your next family outing. Venture outdoors and learn more about the area's historic sites or take a break from the hustle and bustle along the many tree-lined paths surrounding Windermere. Perfect for little feet, paws, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level.

Take a look at the website below to see the selection available.

Website (Click here)

Enjoy a climb to Brant Fell on this walk in Bowness on Windermere. It's a fairly easy 2 mile walk, readily accessible from the village centre and with splendid views from the fell top.
The walk starts in Bowness village on Brantfell road just behind the Royal Oak Pub. From here you can pick up the start of the Dales Way long distance trail to take you up Brantfell Road. After a few minutes you turn right on a footpath to take you up to Post Knott and then on to the Brant Fell viewpoint. From the 629 feet (192 m) summit there are really lovely views over the lake to the surrounding fells.
After taking in the views the route descends eastwards to Lindeth Lane before turning north to pick up the Dales Way again. This will then lead you back down into the village centre.

Website (Click here)

Follow this walk from Windermere railway station to Townend, a traditional 17th-century farmhouse in Troutbeck, which provides a fascinating insight into the local area. Discover far-reaching views of the fells, and keep an eye out for several points of interest along the way, including a church with stained glass windows by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. This trail comes with the option of taking an alternative (but longer and more strenuous) route back to the starting point.

Website (Click here)

The Castle is in Penrith so a bit of a drive but well worth it in our opinion.   

The scale and beauty of the spectacular ruin that is Lowther Castle are reflected in the scope and setting of its 130-acre gardens.

After more than fifty years in the wilderness, in 2008, Lowther’s gardens were marked out for rescue when a 20-year landscape masterplan was put in place and restoration began.

There is also an adventure playground and of course a cafe to visit during your trip.

Website (Click here)

A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, but it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago. With its Victorian machinery originally powered by a waterwheel and steam engine, Stott Park used birch, ash and sycamore to make wooden tool handles as well as bobbins. The mass of belts which fill the building still drive the cutting, boring and finishing machines than turn long thin poles into bobbins. You can watch a bobbin being made, and take it home as a souvenir.

Website (Click here)

Fell Foot Park is situated on the south shores of Lake Windermere just of the A592 and in the care of The National Trust. The Victorian park is open daily with its eighteen [18] acre grounds that have been restored to its former glory to which you will see in spring and early summer displays of daffodils and rhododendrons. The park in winter is open with limited facilities see below. You can relax and have a picnic on the lawns next to the lake and watch the boats go by, or you could take a boat trip from the park across the lake to Lakeside and take a Lakes Windermere Cruise, even a trip on the The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway or visit to the Aquarium. If you wish you could hire a rowing boat on the lake, there is a children adventure playground, a shop in which you can purchase National Trust gifts with a tea room close by serving teas, coffee and light meals.

Website (Click here)

Windermere Golf Club is situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage English Lake District National Park. Despite our tranquil setting, we're less than 5 minutes from the bustling town of Bowness on Windermere and only 1.5 miles from the shore of Lake Windermere.

A 133 year history, the club was established in 1891, our course is steeped in history and offers a unique challenge to golfers of all abilities whilst offering spectacular and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Everyone is welcome and there is a truly friendly welcome for members and visitors is assured, whether coming to play the course or enjoy a drink, or bite to eat in the bar.
Drop in and visit us - we look forward to sharing our course and clubhouse with you.

Website (Click here)

Carus is renowned for many things but above all it is the friendliness of the club that keeps people coming back. As the club grows, the course improves, the facilities advance and the driving range is built, the key constant for us is that the welcome for members and visitors alike is as warm as ever. Come find out for yourself. Beautifully situated par 70 parkland course with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. At times testing with the rivers kent, mint and sprint meandering through the course, it offers challenges to every level of golfer.

Hire self-drive Motor Boats or Rowing Boats on Windermere just a short walk away
Pitch & Putt, Crazy Golf, Tennis on the Glebe
Ambleside Climbing Wall & Café  www.adventurepeaks.com
Boat Hire and Tuition  www.englishlakes.co.uk/watersports
Electric Bike Hire  www.electricbicyclenetwork.com/hireelectricbikes
Fishing on Esthwaite Water  www.hawksheadtrout.com
Off road 4 x 4 Driving  www.kankku.co.uk
Pony Trekking  www.lakelandponytreks.co.uk
Rock Climbing Tuition  www.kendalwall.co.uk
Windermere Cycle Hire  www.countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk
Haverthwaite Railway  www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/
Aquarium  www.lakesaquarium.co.uk/
Motor Museum  www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/


For more information about Cumbria, see www.visitcumbria.com