1 – Hire A Boat

Lake Windermere has some of the best water activities in the UK, but if you want to escape the crowds, why not experience the lake from the comfort of your own boat?

Little and old sailors alike are bound to enjoy the experience of easy to operate hire vehicles. You can choose to hire for an hour, half a day or a full day. It’s also possible to hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from various outlets around the Lakes. Bicycles are also widely available to hire and can be carried onto ferries should you decide to combine time on the water with more active exploring.

If you don’t want to hire your own boat, you could sail around the lake on one of the many available cruises. Let someone else take the wheel while you sit back and appreciate the beauty of the mountains, wooded shorelines, islands, and peaceful bays. There are a variety of tickets available whether you’re after a single boat trip, an explorer that combines with bus travel, or a ‘freedom of the lake’ ticket that doesn’t commit you to a particular time and enables you to take things at your own pace.

2 – Brant Fell

The charming two-mile walk from the bustling tourist town of Bowness to the tranquil top of Brant Fell is easily achievable for all ages.

The walk takes in majestic scenery along part of The Dales Way and wonderful views of Windermere await at the summit.

3 – Blackwell House and Gardens

If the weather turns bad you can cosy up indoors at beautiful Blackwell – The Arts and Crafts House, designed by English architect and artist, Baillie Scott.

The stunning Grade I listed building overlooks Windermere and is an unmissable attraction for anyone who appreciates amazing art and architecture. Furniture and objects by leading arts and crafts designers fill the rooms.

Original features include carved wooden panelling, mosaic floors, ornate plasterwork, leaf-shaped door handles and beautiful stained glass. You could time your visit to take in one of the major exhibitions often hosted at Blackwell. Added to all this are the relaxing terraced gardens, designed for all seasons, whether you want to stroll across a long sweep of lawn or take advantage of a sheltered seating area in an incomparable setting.

4 – Gummer’s How

Located at the southern end of Lake Windermere on the eastern shore, Gummer’s How is a hill that may be small in Lake District terms, but it is one of the highest foothills in the area.

The walk to the summit is popular with families and commands exceptional panoramic views across the Lake District, Pennines and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day, it would be difficult to find a more breathtakingly beautiful place for a family picnic.

5 – The Old Laundry Theatre

Set in Bowness-on-Windermere at the heart of the Lake District, this friendly little theatre produces a vibrant wide-ranging programme of entertainment that includes drama, lectures, classical music, folk, comedy, and film.

For an entertaining, informing and fun evening or afternoon, look no further.

6 – Shopping

As well as being one of the most beautiful places on earth and a walker’s paradise, the Lake District is an ideal location for some retail therapy.

The area is filled with picturesque towns and villages where visitors can enjoy national retailers alongside charming independent shops and elegant boutiques.

Why The Lake District Is The Ideal Family Getaway Destination

Family holidays in the Lake District are great for all sorts of reasons; sailing and water sports, walks, family fun, and the opportunity to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

There are so many activities and attractions in and around the Lakes that it’s impossible to do them justice in one short blog post. There’s so much more to do than just enjoy the scenery – as stunning as it is. Families will find something to satisfy in all kinds of weathers, for all kinds of tastes, and all kinds of budgets. It’s easy to see why the Lake District makes the perfect destination for unforgettable family holidays.

And if you are visiting the Lake District, we offer Luxury self-catering accommodation in Bowness-on -Windermere that provides the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.