All the best Lake District activities for families
Are you a family full of explorers?
Do your children love spending time outdoors?
Are you looking for something fun to do in the upcoming school holidays?
If you answered, ‘Yes’, to any of the above questions, it’s time you booked a visit to the Lake District! Whether you wander through Grizedale forest or take a dip in Lake Windermere, when you visit the Lakes, you’ll soon realise that adventure and magic lie around every corner. This means that it is the perfect holiday destination for the whole family during the school holidays.
With that in mind, here are just some of the best Lake District activities for families full of explorers!
1) Grizedale Forest
A visit to Grizedale forest is sure to keep the whole family entertained. One of the most popular Lake District walks, there are numerous different trails you can follow. However, we’d recommend the Sculpture trail, said to be the home of real-life fairies. When walking along this winding path, be sure to keep an eye out for any magical residents. You may want to keep your cameras at the ready!
As one of the most dog friendly hotels in the lake district we know that hiking is a great dog-friendly Lake District activity. Meaning, if you are visiting the Lake District with dogs, you can bring them along to Grizedale forest. In fact, the vast majority of the walks are open to all, meaning that you every member of your family can pack their bags for an exciting trip. Take a look at our guide to the dog friendly lake district if you’re looking to be inspired for more walks you can take the pooch on.
Hiking doesn’t have to end after your trip to Grizedale! In fact, there are thousands of different trails and walks for you to take part in, such as the Whinlatter Forest, Ennerdale Forest and Dodd Wood.
2) Brockhole
Adventurers of all ages will love a visit to Brockhole on Windermere! Located deep within the National Park, Brockhole keeps guests entertained by providing them with a range of activities to take part in year-round. Whether that means you want to take a shot at archery or bounce through their treetop nets – you’re sure to have a smile on your face during your visit. Other activities include kayaking, go-carting and laser clay shooting.
However, one of the most exciting activities they have on offer is their ‘Be an Explorer Trail’. For just £3, you can participate in this walk and learn about what it takes to survive in the mountains! As your adventures round to a close, you can take a wander through their stunning gardens, or grab a bite to eat at their delicious kitchen!
3) The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge
The Swan Hotel is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a busy day of adventure. However, the fun does not stop when you walk through the door! Whether you want to unwind by visiting our Lake District spa or take a dip in our family pool – there are plenty of family activities to do within the hotel itself. We host a wide range of family-friendly events during the School Holidays, including an Easter Egg Hunt! After stuffing their faces with delicious chocolate, your children can then tackle our adventure playground whilst you grab a drink from our Cygneture Brasserie!
At the Swan, we pride ourselves in offering a range of Lake District family activities, combining excitement with luxury for a truly Swanderful visit.
4) Wray Castle
There are many things to do at Lake District Windermere. For example, Princes and Princesses will simply love a visit to the historic Wray Castle, which provides you with the opportunity to learn something new whilst having fun. Built-in 1840, the walls of Wray Castle are full of stories to discover. During school holidays, they host a wide range of fun activities, including Easter Egg hunts and craft sessions, where you can make your own royal crown.
5) Coniston Boating Center
One of the best Lake District activities for families is taking it to the waters. Grab your life jacket, hop on board and set out for an adventure at Coniston boating centre! Coniston boating centre is a Lake District boat hire site, where you can take turns steering a rowboat or motorboat. A boating trip is a great way to take in the local scenery without bracing the chilly water. They also provide you with the opportunity to try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing.
6) The Rheged Center
If you visit on a day when the sun isn’t shining, don’t worry. There are still plenty of things to do in the Lake District – come rain or shine. For example, you can pop into the Rheged Center, an all-weather activity centre packed with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Grab some popcorn and head to their 3D cinema, or let your artistic skills shine in their potter making classes. This means that you will have a great souvenir to take home and remind you of your holiday!
7) Kong Adventure Park
A favourite among the Lake District family activities is Kong Adventure Park boasts a range of indoor and outdoor activities for you to take part in during the school holidays and is particularly favoured by thrill-seekers who are looking for family days out Lake District. Whether you buckle up and participate in the ‘Via Ferrata’ climb – one of the longest Burma Bridges in Europe, set against a mountain, or push yourself to your limits on their ‘Krazy Kong’ interactive climbing wall.
8) Muncaster Castle
A trip to the Lake District would be incomplete without a visit to Muncaster Castle, one of the best Lake District attractions, where teddy bears can enter for free! So, bring your best plushie pals along with you for a day of excitement, fun and history! In 2020, they hosted their famous Easter Egg hunt online, but hope that you can enjoy the chocolates in person soon! This means that Muncaster Castle will continue to operate as one of the Lake District top attractions.
In conclusion, there is no limit to the amount of Lake District family activities you can enjoy. Whether you are exploring nature, soaking up history at one of the famous Lake District attractions, or simply enjoying a delicious meal together – you’ll never want the holiday to end. But that doesn’t matter, as we’d be happy to welcome you back to the Swan Hotel anytime.
We also have an itinerary for a great family day out at the Beatrix Potter Tour, if that’s something that would interest you and your family. After all this family time, you may want to enjoy sometime for yourself. As a highly regarded spa hotel in the Lake District we have you covered with everything you could need to pamper yourself.