Things to do in and around the Lake District

The Lake District attracts tourists from round the world who are drawn to its spectacular scenery.  Whether you want to walk, visit historic buildings, shop, or do something more adventurous then the Lake District has something for everyone, at all times of the year.

The local Tourist Information Offices are at Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockholes.  We provide many tourist leaflets at the lodge but here are some of the nearby attractions.  Links to general websites are listed at the bottom of the page.
You can always hire a kayak or canoe at one of the many centres on the lake.

Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockholes is a very short drive away from the lodge, turn left out of the Park and the Centre is approximately  half a mile on the left.  Parking is chargeable but entrance to the grounds and visitor centre are free.  You may prefer to walk, it's not far and it's free!  There is an adventure playground for the children and walks around the garden/grounds down to the Lake, where at certain times you can catch a boat to Ambleside.  There is a cafe, gift shop and visitor centre with tourist information and interactive exhibitions about the Lake District. For bird watchers there is also a bird hide where you can sit and watch many types of birds visiting the well stocked feeders.

Ambleside is at the north of Lake Windermere.  Attractions include the Armitt Museum and Library Centre and The National Trust property, Bridge House (pictured left).  William Wordsworth's home, Rydal Mount, is a couple of miles outside Ambleside. As well as an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants, Ambleside also has 3 small cinemas and a very popular large garden centre (Hayes Garden World). You can also visit Stockgyll Falls, a short walk above the town.  Or from Waterhead at Ambleside you can take a cruise on Lake Windermere or hire a rowing boat.

Bowness, on the shore of Lake Windermere,  is often confused with the town of Windermere which is actually situated 1 mile inland from the Lake.  From Bowness you can take a cruise on the Lake by steamer or launch to Ambleside or Lakeside.  You could also choose to hire a motor boat or rowing boat.  Alternatively stroll around the shore of the Lake, dine in one of the many cafes or browse the variety of shops.  Bowness also has a small cinema and theatre.  The World of Beatrix Potter recreates the famous tales and is a huge hit with both children and adults!   Windermere Steamboat Museum houses an interesting collection of steam boats and classic motorboats (currently closed for refurbishment).
 

Lakeside is at the southern end of Lake Windermere and can be reached by boat, car or train.  Here you can visit the Lakes Aquarium which recreates the journey of a river from mountain to the sea.  You can also take a trip on a steam train at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Hawkshead is a pretty little village popular with tourists.  Attractions include the Beatrix Potter Gallery , the Old Grammar School Museum (William Wordsworth's old school) or the fifteenth century church.  Beatrix Potter's house, where she wrote many of her books, can also be visited at Hill Top, Near Sawrey a couple of miles away from Hawkshead.

Coniston is popular with walkers and climbers attracted by The Old Man of Coniston which rises dramatically behind the village.  A trip on Coniston Water can be taken by either a launch or the National Trust's  Steam Yacht Gondola.  For Ruskin lovers you can find out about his life at Coniston at the Ruskin Museum or visit his house at Brantwood.


Grizedale Forest provides an abundance of nature trails, mountain cycle paths and picnic areas and has a famous Sculpture Trail.  Excellent guides to the forest can be bought from the Grizedale Visitor Centre.  For the adventurous you can "Go Ape " on an aerial assault course high in the forest's trees.  There is also another Go Ape course at Whinlatter Forest.

Outdoor Activities Walking, climbing, gill scrambling, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, horse riding, fishing, golf.  You name it, it can be done in the Lake District; there is just so much to see and do.  It really is  one big adventure playground and whatever the weather there is always something going on.