Attractions
If you're stuck for inspiration when you visit the Lake District, here are our Top 5 must dos…
Windermere Lake Cruises
Take in the blue skies, sunshine and the Lake's landscape on a Windermere Lake Cruise. Cumbria's most popular attraction, Windermere Lake Cruises offers a range of lovely trips including cruises around the lake's islands or between the many stops allowing you to hop off at Lakeside at the bottom of the Lake, Waterhead at the top or Brockhole near the middle. Passengers can enjoy a full day on and around the lake with a fantastic value 'Freedom of the Lake' pass.
Brockhole, The Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere
Situated on the shores of Windermere, Brockhole is set amid 30 acres of beautiful terraced gardens stretching down to the water with impressive views of the lake and distant fells. It boasts a brilliant adventure playground packed with rope walks, slides, swings, scramble nets and zip wires, a toddler's play area and a picnic area. There's a vast information centre which shows great exhibitions, browse the gift shop or enjoy a meal and drink in the contemporary café. Best of all, entry to the house, grounds and lakeshore is free!
Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
A beautifully elegant Arts and Crafts house and gardens with elevated views of Windermere: Blackwell is one of Britain's finest houses. Blackwell's gardens were laid out by the famous designer Thomas Mawson, in a series of terraces to achieve the best views from the house. Blackwell, which runs exhibitions and displays, is bordered by beautiful flower beds set against a terrace of stone paving, providing one of the loveliest outdoor places in England to enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere
This place is just perfect if you have little ones. All 23 of Beatrix Potter's gorgeous tales are brought to life at this fabulous interactive attraction. Enjoy Peter Rabbit's pretty garden, which is packed with goodies from the storybook garden pictures including gooseberries, parsnips, cucumbers, parsley, pear trees and lettuces. Explore Jemima Puddle-duck's woodland glade and McGregor's greenhouse then take a virtual walk through Lakeland and the many places that inspired Beatrix to write her magical tales.
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
This quaint historic line offers a lovely way to explore the famous Lake District scenery, providing a lovely day out. Head to Haverthwaite, park, visit the shop, restaurant and engine shed then board the train to relax and enjoy the beautiful ever-changing scenery alongside the River Leven.
All of these attractions are within easy reach of
Windermere Marina Village - a fabulous
Lake District self-catering base for any stay.
