Blog

5 of the Best… Family Days Out

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering how best to entertain the younger members of your family over the break.

While there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fells and lakes, you may find that little legs struggle with the terrain so here are our recommendations for family-friendly activities for you to enjoy on your trip to the Lake District.

Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit’s creator was a neighbour of Graythwaite and claimed that Esthwaite inspired the setting for The Tale of Jeremy Fisher. You can explore Beatrix Potter’s house and garden at Hill Top in Sawrey or, if you find yourself on the other side of the lake, why not explore the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. There is a vibrant exhibition featuring Miss Tiggywinkle, Mr McGregor and many other favourites.

Treetop Nets

This is not to be missed! Imagine giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels – all made from netting – welcome to Treetop Nets!

Now picture this suspended up to 40ft off the ground and in the tree canopy of giant oak trees. Treetop Nets is a unique family experience, suitable for anyone 3yrs upwards, in a completely safe environment. Situated at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre also offers an adventure playground, boat hire, archery and much more.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle in Ambleside is a veritable king of castles: turrets, towers, period dressing-up, castle building room, hidden treasure to find, the new Peter Rabbit Adventure – and you can also arrive by boat! An excellent wet-weather option.

Predator Experience

Not for the faint-hearted! Predator Experience gives you the opportunity to find out more about, and get some hands-on experience with, wolves and birds of prey. Set within the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria, you can join a wolf pack wandering through the countryside or step inside a fox enclosure to watch how they interact with the wolves. Learn how to handle and fly an eagle, marvelling at the sight as it soars 500-1000 ft. above your head and take your hawk for a walk, watching it fly from tree to tree in a beautiful display of connection between nature and wildlife.

Lakes Aquarium

Just a ten minute drive from Graythwaite is the Lakes Aquarium.  More than 30 spectacular, naturally themed habitats show the diversity of life in the Lakes; see Lakeland’s menacing pike, eels, perch, char and many more.

Watch playful otters as they forage around in their specially designed woodland home and discover mammals from all around the world such as cheeky marmosets, menacing caiman and piranha. Walk through the incredible underwater tunnel to enjoy a fish eye view of our recreated Windermere lake bed.  You can also arrive at the Aquarium by boat or steam train.