Fun Things to do in the Lake District and at the Swan

For big and small adventures

What’s On At The Swan

Here at the Swan, we’re so much more than a place to sleep. We’re family friendly for a start, and for that reason, it’s important to us that every member of the family feels at home when they visit – including the pooch!

We’re based in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and we want to show that off – our grounds are home to a whole host of exciting activities for the family to enjoy on a short break to the Lake District. Our adventure play park is perfect for little ones to let their imaginations run wild, and our nature trail is the ideal opportunity to get the whole family experiencing the great outdoors. Please note the adventure play park has a temporary access issue due to the ongoing building work, but your little ones will still be able to visit it to their heart’s content!

If you want to get out and about for the day then let us know and we’ll make sure you have a packed lunch!

We have listed below some fun things to do in the Lake District, although we recommend that you please check in advance to see what activities are currently available.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway

A Slice Of Locomotive History

A visit to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without a ride on a world-famous Cumbrian steam train. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway runs right past us, with the starting point of Haverthwaite station just a five-minute drive from the hotel. Here you can soak up the atmosphere of a working steam station before hopping into a comfortable carriage for a leisurely journey.

The voyage takes you via the beautiful lake and river scenes of the Leven Valley, right to the most southern tip of Lake Windermere. You can also buy a combined ticket, which includes a cruise across the lake. And the best bit? There’s a great tea room at the end of the line (take our word for it!).

Find out more

Beatrix Potter & The Lake District

The Lake District’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved stories. Explore the wonderful landscape where the tales are brought to life.

Hop in…

Surround Yourself With Nature

Fell Foot National Trust

Visit the beautiful Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of this idyllic location, or take part in a range of activities, fun for all the family.

Book a break

Trails, tracks and Grufallo spotting.

Grizedale Forest

A trip to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Grizedale Forest. Situated right in the heart of the Lake District Grizdale offers an unrivalled day out for everyone.

Discover walking & cycling trails or simply find a quiet spot to set up a picnic, admire the wildlife and relax…

There are many events happening at Grizedale throughout the year, from ‘Gruffalo-Spotting’ to adventure races, trail runs and car rallies.

Book a table Find out more

A magnificent home…

Holker Hall

Visit the magnificent home of the Cavendish Family. located in the heart of the Lake District.

Find out more

Family friendly races

Cartmel Races

A small family friendly race course in the pretty village of Cartmel in the Lake District. Races run throughout the summer and are a great family day out.

Find out more

Beautiful gardens

A treat for gardeners. Visit the world famous topiary gardens.

Visit the beautiful Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of this idyllic location, or take part in a range of activities, fun for all the family.

Find out more

Par for the course

Windermere Golf Course

Regarded as one of the finest courses in Cumbria, Windermere Golf Club is unique with the most incredible scenery. Great fore all levels and abilities.

Find out more

Beautiful location

The hotel has clearly recently been refurbished and is lovely inside too. Staff were friendly, polite and happy to help. Restaurant/bar staff particularly friendly. Rooms were decent size and well maintained. Location is the key though and the sitting area outside is wonderful when the sun shines.”

Robert D (TripAdvisor May 2016)

We enjoyed an excellent break

“The hotel has a number of areas that worked well for our group. We enjoyed lunch in the restaurant, snacks in the bar, drinks in the resident’s lounges and a dip in the pool.

The adventure playground and grassed areas were ideal for children young and old! The staff were very attentive and helpful. The decor is modern and bright. The setting on the river is beautiful.”

FLacey1 (TripAdvisor June 2016)

The nature walk is really sweet

“We were lucky enough to watch the steam train go past, a little step back in history.

We will definitely return to the Swan.”

Gail (TripAdvisor June 2017)

A prettily situated, riverside coaching inn turned family-friendly hotel

“Hop on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway, a five-minute-walk away, whose terminus is beside the cruise-boats’ pier and Lakes Aquarium. The hotel is just off the A592/A590 junction so it is well connected: Bowness and Ambleside to the north, Kendal to the east and southern Lakes’ attractions such as Cartmel village and Holker Hall are all within 20 to 30 minutes.”

The Telegraph

Contact Information

The Swan Hotel & Spa

Newby Bridge,

Cumbria

LA12 8NB

United Kingdom