For intrepid explorers young and older, the Lake District has it all. It’s no wonder, the National Park is a family favourite destination all year round.
Home to England’s highest mountain, Scarfell Pike, the Lake District includes all land in England higher than 3000 feet. Unofficially, Wast Water is the deepest lake in the UK but despite the national parks’ name and what most people think, there is only one lake in the park - Bassenthwaite Lake. The other bodies of water are regarded as “tarns”, “meres” or “waters” as they don’t have lake in their name. That said there are 16 larger waters and 76 smaller ones to explore.
For families, the Lake District is a place for adventure with a range of different activities available. If you have younger children or they are still in a pushchair, the Government’s official Lake District site has 48 “Miles without Stiles” walks, which are easier routes for children and families or those who might not be able to walk that far.
Older children may be up for tackling a few peaks, learning how to navigate with an Ordnance Survey map and compass and appropriate mountain walking equipment, of course. But there’s lots of other fun activities they can get involved in such as kayaking or paddle-boarding on Lake Windermere or sailing and boating at Coniston boating centre. There’s also archery, laser clay-shooting and mini golf at Windermere too.
If you all prefer a more leisurely approach to site-seeing, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the longest narrow-gauge railways in the UK. Enjoy seven miles of stunning views of the Lake District in the comfort of a covered steam train.
If you don’t have the right kit, for rainy days, there’s the Lakes Aquarium at Windermere with the UK’s largest collection of freshwater fish all under cover. For younger children and parents with a love of her literature, The World of Beatrix Potter is also weatherproof and a place to see Peter Rabbit and all his friends. There’s also an art space at the Rheged Centre with children’s theatre and craft as well as operas and ballet’s streamed on a giant cinema and five art exhibitions each year.
Whatever your choice of activity we have a range of Lake District family cottages for you to choose your best location or facilities for your family.