Lake District with Kids

Best Areas to Base Yourselves

The Lake District covers 912 square miles, so your choice of base matters. Different areas suit different family styles and ages of children.

• Windermere and Bowness - The most popular and best for first-timers. Excellent amenities, boat trips, attractions nearby, but also the busiest
• Keswick - Northern Lakes base with a lovely market town feel. Derwentwater is stunning, great for active families who want to walk
• Ambleside - Central location, good restaurants, and access to popular walks. More grown-up than Bowness but still family-friendly
• Coniston - Quieter alternative with a beautiful lake, Beatrix Potter connection, and excellent walks
• Ullswater - Eastern Lakes option with a dramatic lake and fewer crowds than Windermere

Family-Friendly Walks

Walking is the essence of a Lake District holiday, but not every route suits children. These walks offer rewards without tears.

Easy Walks (All Ages)

• Tarn Hows - A flat circular walk around a picture-perfect tarn. Pushchair friendly on the main path. Parking can be tricky but arrive early
• Wray Castle grounds - National Trust property with extensive grounds, adventure playground, and castle exterior to explore (free entry to grounds)
• Friar Crag, Derwentwater - Short walk to a stunning viewpoint with Ruskin memorial. Combine with a boat trip around the lake
• Aira Force Waterfall - Easy path to a spectacular 70-foot waterfall. Stone bridges and woodland add to the magic
• Grizedale Forest Trails - Flat forest paths with sculptures hidden among the trees. Hire bikes or walk

Moderate Walks (Age 5+)

• Catbells - The classic first fell for children. Only 451 metres but feels like a proper mountain. Stunning views of Derwentwater. Allow 2-3 hours
• Loughrigg Fell - Gentle summit above Ambleside with multiple route options. Tarn at the top for paddling in summer
• Rannerdale Bluebells - In late April and May, this hillside turns blue. Easy enough for children and utterly magical
• Walla Crag from Keswick - Woodland paths lead to views over Derwentwater. Rewarding without being exhausting

Beatrix Potter Country

Beatrix Potter fell in love with the Lake District and set many of her stories here. For children who know Peter Rabbit, this is pilgrimage territory.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Located in Bowness, this attraction brings the stories to life with detailed recreations of scenes from the books. Children can walk through Mr McGregor garden, visit Mrs Tiggy-Winkle kitchen, and meet character figures throughout. The shop is dangerous for wallets but has beautiful merchandise.

Best for ages 2-8. Older children may find it too young, but those who grew up with the stories often enjoy the nostalgia. Allow 1-2 hours.

Hill Top Farm

Beatrix Potter actual home, preserved exactly as she left it. This is the farmhouse from the stories, with the garden that inspired Mr McGregor vegetable patch. The house is small and accessed by timed ticket, so book ahead online especially in summer.

Getting there is part of the experience. Take the ferry from Bowness across Windermere, then a short walk or bus to the village of Near Sawrey. The journey itself is charming.

Lake Cruises and Boat Trips

A boat trip is essential Lake District experience. Seeing the landscape from the water adds a different perspective, and children love being on boats.

Windermere Lake Cruises

The main operator runs large vessels between Waterhead (Ambleside), Bowness, and Lakeside. The full lake circuit takes about three hours, or do shorter sections. At Lakeside, the Aquarium of the Lakes and the steam railway provide add-on attractions.

Derwentwater Launch

Smaller boats circle Derwentwater, stopping at various landing stages around the lake. Hop off for walks or attractions, then catch the next boat. More intimate than Windermere and the lake scenery is arguably more dramatic.

Ullswater Steamers

Victorian steamers cruise the length of Ullswater, often called England most beautiful lake. The journey from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge passes under dramatic fells. Combine with the Aira Force waterfall walk for a perfect day out.

Coniston Launch

Smaller and quieter than Windermere, Coniston offers two options: the modern launch or the Victorian steam yacht Gondola, beautifully restored and atmospheric. Connects to Brantwood, John Ruskin former home with grounds children can explore.

Adventure Activities

Beyond walking and boats, the Lake District offers adventure for families seeking something more exciting.

• Go Ape, Grizedale - Tree-top adventure course with zip lines. Junior course for ages 4-12, main course for older children and adults
• Brockhole Adventure Playground - National Park visitor centre with excellent free playground, plus paid activities including tree-top nets and zip wire
• Cycling - Hire bikes in Keswick or Ambleside for traffic-free paths along old railway lines. Child seats and trailers available
• Ghyll scrambling - Climbing waterfalls with professional guides. Brilliant for adventure-loving families with children aged 8+
• Paddleboarding - Multiple hire locations on calmer lakes. Children take to it quickly

Rainy Day Activities

The Lake District averages 200 rainy days per year. You will almost certainly encounter wet weather, so plan for it.

• Puzzling Place, Keswick - Optical illusions and mind-bending puzzles that fascinate children and adults alike
• Cars of the Stars, Keswick - Movie vehicles including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Batmobile, and Del Boy Reliant Robin
• Cumberland Pencil Museum - More interesting than it sounds, with the world longest pencil and drawing activities
• Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside - Underwater tunnel, otters, and fish from around the world. Combine with lake cruise
• Rheged Centre - Near Penrith, with cinema, soft play, shops, and activities in a grass-roofed building

Do not let rain stop outdoor activities entirely. Invest in proper waterproofs and embrace getting wet. Some walks are more atmospheric in the rain, and you will have paths largely to yourselves.

Family-Friendly Eating

• Chesters by the River, Ambleside - Gorgeous setting, excellent cakes, children welcome and well catered for
• The Jumble Room, Grasmere - Quirky restaurant with a global menu. Children menu available and staff are welcoming
• Fellpack, Keswick - Hearty food designed for hungry walkers. Portions are generous and children fit right in
• Homeground Coffee, multiple locations - Good coffee for parents, hot chocolate and cake for children
• The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale - Historic hikers pub with simple food and incredible atmosphere

Lake District pubs often welcome families until early evening. Sunday lunch in a traditional pub, tired from morning walk, is a quintessential experience. Book ahead for popular spots.

Practical Tips

• Parking - Pay and display everywhere, and it adds up. The Lake District parking pass offers better value for longer stays
• Traffic - Roads are narrow and busy, especially around Windermere and Ambleside. Allow extra time for everything
• Crowds - Visit popular spots early morning or late afternoon. Midday at Bowness in August is chaotic
• Accommodation - Book well ahead for school holidays. Cottages with gardens are ideal for families
• Midges - Summer evenings bring biting midges. Insect repellent helps, as does avoiding still water at dusk