The Lake District is one of the best destinations in England for families. The combination of lakes, mountains, and countryside means endless outdoor adventures, while rainy days are covered by excellent museums, indoor attractions, and some of the cosiest tearooms in the country.
Here are the best family days out in the Lake District, with practical tips for visiting with children of all ages.
Windermere Lake Cruises
A cruise on Windermere is one of the easiest and most enjoyable family activities in the Lakes. Children love being on the water, and the 45-minute crossing from Bowness to Ambleside gives everyone a chance to spot the surrounding fells from a different perspective.
For younger children, the Islands Cruise (around 45 minutes from Bowness) circles the lake's islands and is a good shorter option. At the southern end, the cruises connect with the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway — a heritage steam train that is a guaranteed hit with children.
Tickets: Family tickets (2 adults + up to 3 children) from around £35 for a return cruise. Tip: The Aquarium of the Lakes at Lakeside, at the southern end of Windermere, is a good add-on for families with younger children.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere brings the stories to life with 3D recreations of scenes from the tales — Peter Rabbit's garden, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle's kitchen, and Jemima Puddle-Duck's farm. It is aimed squarely at younger children (under 8s tend to get the most out of it) and takes about an hour.
For older children and adults, Hill Top — Beatrix Potter's actual farmhouse near Hawkshead — is a more rewarding experience, but requires advance booking and timed entry.
Tickets: Around £9 for adults, £5 for children. Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BX
Grizedale Forest
Grizedale Forest, between Windermere and Coniston, is a vast Forestry England woodland with waymarked walking trails, mountain bike routes, a Go Ape high-ropes course, and an outdoor sculpture trail featuring works by leading artists scattered through the trees.
The sculpture trail is a particular highlight for families — children enjoy the treasure-hunt element of finding the next piece. The easier trails are pushchair-friendly, and the café at the visitor centre is decent. Go Ape suits older children and teenagers.
Parking: Pay-and-display at the Grizedale Visitor Centre. Go Ape: From around £20 per person. Minimum age 10 for the main course. Address: Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0QJ
Wray Castle
Wray Castle, on the western shore of Windermere, is a mock-Gothic Victorian castle managed by the National Trust. The castle building is currently closed for a major refurbishment project until 2027, but the grounds remain open and are well worth visiting — lakeside walks, a small adventure playground, and Joey's Café are all accessible year-round. You can arrive by the Windermere ferry from Bowness for added adventure.
Note: The castle interior is closed until 2027 for refurbishment. Grounds and café remain open. Address: Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0JA
Aira Force Waterfall
Aira Force is a spectacular 20-metre waterfall on the western shore of Ullswater, reached by a short walk through ancient woodland. The path from the National Trust car park to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes and is manageable for most children (though some sections have steps and can be slippery when wet).
The stone bridge over the top of the falls offers a dramatic view down. The walk can be extended into a longer circuit of the upper falls and back through the arboretum. After rain, the falls are at their most impressive.
Parking: National Trust car park (free for members). Distance: About 1 mile round trip to the main falls.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway — known locally as 'La'al Ratty' — is a narrow-gauge heritage railway running seven miles from the coastal village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth in Eskdale. The journey takes about 40 minutes each way through beautiful scenery, and children are invariably fascinated by the miniature steam locomotives.
At Dalegarth, there is a pleasant walk to Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall (about 30 minutes each way). Ravenglass itself has a small beach and the remains of a Roman bath house.
Tickets: Return fares from around £16 for adults, £8 for children. Address: Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW
Rheged Centre
Rheged, near Penrith, is a large visitor centre built into a hillside that houses a cinema, exhibitions, a good café, and shops selling local produce and outdoor gear. It is not a headline attraction, but it is an excellent rainy-day option — the cinema shows mainstream films and the exhibitions change regularly.
Address: Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0DQ
Practical Tips for Families
- Weather: Always pack waterproofs and layers, even in summer. The Lake District's weather is unpredictable.
- Footwear: Wellies or walking shoes for children are essential. Paths can be muddy year-round.
- Pushchairs: Lakeshore paths and forest trails are generally manageable. Fell walks are not.
- Eating: Many Lake District pubs are family-friendly at lunchtime. The cafés at National Trust properties are reliably good.
- Parking: Arrive early in summer, particularly at popular spots. National Trust membership pays for itself quickly in the Lakes.
