Things to Do
Enjoy a fantastic family holiday in the English Lake District…
Whatever your age, whether you want to enjoy the many attractions that the Lake District has to offer. This is where you come to get away from it all! Wordsworth was born here and it’s not surprising that the treasures of these lands inspire a little poetry in us all!
Designated as a National Park in 1951, South Lakeland has something to offer visitors at all times of the year, in all seasons. Autumn and Winter provide snow capped fells, spectacular scenery and numerous possibilities for the outdoor pursuits lover, whilst during the spring and summer months the area blossoms fully into life with many country fairs, attractions, events and shows.
Animal Attractions
For animal lovers the South Lakes Animal Park and The Aquarium of the Lakes are both award-winning attractions and a perfect day out. One of Europe’s best conservation parks, South Lakes Animal Park is the World’s top Sumatran tiger conservation centre, while the Aquarium of the Lakes boasts playful otters and terrifying sharks! This attraction is sure to interest the kids!
Beatrix Potter Attractions
Windermere’s famous daughter, Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her famous children’s stories in a little 17th century farmhouse called Hill Top (near Sawrey). She owned the house for 38 years and it has been kept exactly as she left it, complete with furniture, china and a traditional cottage garden. Now a National Trust Property it’s a real treat for any Potter enthusiast. Nearby, The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, houses a magnificent display of original watercolours painted by Beatrix Potter for her children’s books. The former home of John Ruskin, Brantwood in Coniston, is one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District and well worth a visit.
Stately Homes
Visit Flookburgh for Cumbria’s only miniature village, or take a trip to a magnificent Historic House. We are proud to have some of the finest stately homes in the country here in Cumbria. Award-winning Leighton Hall, a short drive south of Cumbria, in Carnforth, Lancashire, is the lived-in house of the famous furniture making Gillow dynasty, where trained birds of prey fly every afternoon (weather permitting).
Holker Hall at Grange over Sands has over 125 acres of stunning woodlands and gardens, and even boasts its own Motor Museum, whilst Levens Hall near Kendal is famous for its awesome topiary gardens that were first laid out in 1694. As well as lively entertaining house tours, led by enthusiastic guides, these 3 historic houses also have an impressive events calendar.
Countryside Activities
There are plenty of ways to see the local countryside. Hire a mountain bike and explore the lakes on two wheels, or why not take a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, where working steam locomotives and comfortable coaches roll through the beautiful Leven Valley to Haverthwaite and back. For something really different take a luxurious boat trip with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Walking, Canoeing, Sailing, Fishing…
This area is a haven for walking, canoeing, sailing and fishing. It is perfect for mountain biking and horse riding and the beautiful Cumbrian coastline is only a short drive away from our parks at the heart of the Lake District.
Other leisure activities include; cycling, pony trekking, coarse and game fishing, tennis courts, golf courses, sailing, windsurfing schools and water sports of almost every kind. These activities are especially popular during summer. There are museums, galleries, cinemas and a host of attractions to suit all ages. You will be spoilt for choice with the selection of restaurants, bars and cafés available wherever you go in the Lake District.
From world-class bird watching around the lake to strolling around the numerous little market towns in search of the perfect pot of farmer’s homemade jam; the story here is quiet bliss.
|
