The Lake District is brimming with days out and entertainment for all ages – here’s our guide to making the most of cottage holidays in the Lake District.
Fell Foot Park is perfect for families who feel at home in the outdoors. The park has plenty of wide open spaces, and regular activities including the local Park Run. During spring and summer you can hire a canoe and get out on the lake for a paddle.
Railway enthusiasts both young and old should be sure to visit the Haverthwaite-Lakeside steam railway, which runs from the village of Haverthwaite to the shores of Lake Windermere. Reasonably priced boat hire is available if you’d like to get out on the Lake.
A favourite rainy-day attraction, the Lakes Aquarium is home to hundreds of sea creatures, from native pike to exotic tropical fish. The aquarium is known for its unique tunnel beneath Lake Windermere, where you can observe the Lake’s inhabitants in their natural habitat.
If you’ve come to the Lake District looking for adventure, then you’ll be spoiled for choice as adventure is a local speciality. There are all kinds of activities available. Water skiing, sailing and kayaking can be found on the major Lakes, with lessons for beginners.
A number of different groups offer adventure days and weekends where you can take part in high-adrenaline activities like gorge scrambling, kayaking, and climbing. It’s a great chance to try something new whilst surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Grizedale Forest is an adventure hotspot. The forest is home to many great outdoor activities, including several orienteering courses (with varying difficulties) and mountain bikes for hire.
For ages six and up, Grizedale is also home to a Go Ape course, where you can take to the treetops in the Treetop Adventure or speed along 3 kilometres of zipline in the Zip Trekking Adventure.
The Lake District’s many art galleries and museums are testament to its beauty and inspiration.
Many famous artists, poets and thinkers have been inspired by the unique landscape – William Wordsworth, Alfred Wainwright, Ruskin and Beatrix Potter being some of the best known and most celebrated.
Kendal’s Abbott Hall art gallery features a permanent display by George Romney, and regularly hosts unique exhibitions of local and national art.
Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is a repository for fine art set in the backdrop of an enchanting and unique country house – itself a work of art.
Theatre performances featuring local actors can be seen at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal is great for stand-up comedy and theatre – be sure to check the schedules to see what’s on when you visit.
The Lake District’s history is on display in its many museums and country houses. The award-winning Museum of Lakeland Life, Kendal, takes you through the story of the Lake District and its inhabitants.
The Lakeland Motor Museum gives a fascinating look at Cumbria’s automotive history, featuring a large collection of motor vehicles from the past 100 years, and a special permanent exhibit on racing legend Donald Campbell, with a replica of his famous Bluebird craft.
Step back in time at Lakeland Miniature Village, where you can see intricate handcrafted renditions of Cumbria’s old buildings, and recreations of famous landmarks made with Coniston Slate.