Experiences

Experience, Explore, Escape

The Lakes District

Make memories, try something new, have fun

There’s something for everyone from quiet trails to market towns and action adventure. We can help you make a programme of leisure events and entertainment tailored to suit you and your guests.  Nestled on 5,000 acres of lakeside, forest and woodland, the scope is endless. If you like the great outdoors and would like something more adventurous, the skies are the limit.

Graythwaite Adventure

Experience. Explore. Escape.

We are proud to partner with Graythwaite Adventure, winner of Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Experience of the Year’ Award in 2019 and a finalist in 2022, to offer land-based and water-based activities and experiences to keep you entertained, regardless of the weather. Guests can enjoy 4×4 off road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, bushcraft experiences, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and RIB boat tours.

Graythwaite Adventure

Our activities consist of three vital ingredients: The Graythwaite Estate location, our passion for sharing some of our favourite outdoor experiences and our carefully selected team to give you a warm welcome.

Book with Graythwaite Adventure

Around Graythwaite

Things to do

With Windermere just a short walk away, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and boat hire can all be organised.

Walks & Trails

There are endless paths to walk, hike and scramble. Visit the daffodil fields that are said to have inspired Wordsworth in Ullswater. Walk through the woods that featured in Beatrix Potter tales.

Climb the famous Gummers How for spectacular views across Windermere, the Coniston fells and beyond to Morecambe Bay.

If in doubt, ask any of our Estate team who would be more than happy to share maps and suggested routes.

Ask our team

Fishing

For fishing aficionados, visit the Esthwaite Water Fishery just 3 miles away – a natural 280-acre water. Great if you want to spend a day pike fishing, coarse fishing and fly fishing. You can get fly fishing tuition and hire boats and equipment.

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Cycling

Whether it’s racing up miles of country road that excites you or getting down and dirty on the hill trails, Graythwaite has it all on its doorstep. Bring your own bike or hire locally.  Our preferred suppliers, Lake District Bike Hire, can be pre-booked for your stay.

Grizedale forest provides a great day out for all levels of cyclist. There are a range of marked trails on forest roads and tracks. For more information and to plan your route, visit the Forestry Commission.

Hire a bike

The Lakes

Join a Lake Cruise to explore England’s largest lake, Windermere, by boat.

You’ll enjoy magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.  Use it to travel between Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside piers with a choice of historic ‘steamers’ and modern launches.

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Hot Air Ballooning

The stunning beauty of this World Heritage Site can be fully appreciated from the skies.  Go wherever the wind takes you on this truly unforgettable Lake District adventure – a flying experience unlike any other.

Launch close to the majestic Windermere, with stunning views of hills, valleys and lakes stretching out in all directions. To the northeast lies Windermere itself, the largest and most famous of all the areas bodies of water. If you’re lucky, with the right wind you could find yourself drifting serenely over the lake itself.

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Find your perfect cottage

Our exclusive cottages are the ideal holiday destination for couples, families and large groups to relax in refined luxury