The Best of the South Lakes

The Exciting

Royalty Cinema, Bowness

A short walk away from Windermere Marina Village is Royalty Cinema. Situated on the main street of Bowness-on-Windermere, Royalty Cinema has been in operation for many years and boasts three cinema screens with digital projection and Dolby Stereo sound.

The modernized cinema is an Art Deco-era building with a Wurlitzer organ dating back to 1927. The organ is used frequently for special ‘silent’ movie showings, creating a breathtaking live soundtrack to the stunning older movies that visitors thoroughly enjoy.

The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness

A hidden gem of Bowness, The Old Laundry Theatre is a 250-seat theatre-in-the-round where, over the past two decades, a host of famous names have brought their latest in theatre, comedy and music to the stage. Popular for its intimate feel, the seating allows for an unforgettable experience, providing a fantastic event for all.

Alternatively, their restaurant, The Laundrama, offers a more immersive theatre experience, with live comedy nights and cabaret performances happening around you whilst you dine. Be sure to book ahead of time as the tickets are known to sell out quickly.

Zeffirellis, Ambleside

For a healthy mix of blockbuster movies and arthouse films, look no further than Zeffirellis in Ambleside. The independent leisure complex boasts endless entertainment, with 5 cinema screens, live music performances in its purpose-built Jazz café and even an on-site restaurant.

Watch the hours slip away whilst you revel in the silence of the movie theatre or sway along to the remarkable live jazz renditions.

The Delicious

Fellinis, Ambleside

As a part of Zeffrellis, Fellinis is a new modern ‘Vegeterranean’ restaurant that excels in its Mediterranean twist on vegetarian food. Marketed as fine dining vegetarian cuisine, diners are in for a treat when they visit one of Ambleside’s only meat-free restaurants.

Baha, Bowness

The self-titled ‘Super Venue’, Baha is a brand new venture in Bowness, opening its doors late 2017 to rave reviews. Spread over three floors, the building has a cool mix of delicious food, spectacular entertainment and amazing drinks. Sit back, relax, dance or listen to the live pianist in a modern and trendy environment.

The Educational

Lakes Aquarium, Newby Bridge

Based at the south end of Windermere, Lakes Aquarium is home to many species of freshwater and marine animals, featuring an underwater otter tunnel and stingrays.

Split into nine different sections, with an exhibition dedicated to the marine life in the English Lake District, a visit to the aquarium is an educational yet fun adventure for the entire family.

South Lakes Safari Zoo, Dalton-in-Furness

Watch the lions sleep, marvel at the height of the giraffes or spot the monkeys playing; you can do all of these things right here in the Lake District, at South Lakes Safari Zoo. With over 1,000 animals to meet, a day at the zoo will provide a fantastic day out learning.

Don’t forget to check out the ‘Big 5’: the park’s big five animals, including lions, giraffes, tigers, rhinos and penguins.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness

Just up the road from Windermere Marina Village is the World of Beatrix Potter. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibition and garden, filled with attractions including the much-loved characters from the world-famous children’s books.

The High-octane

Go Ape, Hawkshead

Take your stay in the lakes to new heights at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, featuring 908 metres of treetop adventures. From a staggering 19 metres up in the air, you can see Grizedale Forest from a different perspective. Complete the course with a 275-metre zip wire back down to earth; the course has a Tree Top Adventure for adults, a Tree Top Junior section for younger ‘monkeys’ and even has a Forest Segway section for those who prefer to stay on land.

The Brockhole Centre, Ecclerigg

If excitement is what you’re seeking, then head to the Brockhole Centre on Windermere. With a multitude of adventures to be had by all members of the family, the centre promises a fun-filled day out.

The site has several attractions including boat hire, kayak tours, rafting, laser clay shooting and so much more. Contact the site directly ahead of time to confirm reservations or group bookings.

The End of the Day

The Fizzy Tarte, Bowness

After a long day exploring the best of the South Lakes, why not wind down with a tipple at The Fizzy Tarte in Bowness? The bar was welcomed to the area in 2016 and is known for its divine selection of champagne and cocktails.

Windermere Marina Village

What better way to end the day than in your own luxury self-catering accommodation in the Lake District. With high-quality amenities in the stunning, modern properties, leaving might be the only concern that you have during your short stay.

Come and experience the best that the South Lakes has to offer from Windermere Marina Village; with such a multitude of fun and exciting activities to do in the local area, finding the ultimate holiday destination has never been as easy.

For more information on any of the sites that have been mentioned in this blog post, see below.

Royalty Cinema: http://windermere.nm-cinemas.co.uk/windermere/now/

Old Laundry Theatre: https://www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk/

Zeffirellis: https://www.zeffirellis.com/

Fellinis: https://www.fellinisambleside.com/

Baha: https://bahabowness.com/

Lakes Aquarium: https://lakesaquarium.co.uk/

South Lakes Safari Zoo: http://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/

The World of Beatrix Potter: http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/

Go Ape: https://goape.co.uk/days-out/north/grizedale

Brockhole Centre: http://www.brockhole.co.uk/

The Fizzy Tarte: https://thefizzytarte.com/