There is so much for families to enjoy
in the area, both indoors and outdoors, as well as for children
of all ages.
Close to Kendal...
Sizergh Castle & Garden
Discover this imposing house at the gateway to the Lake District. Sizergh Castle stands proud in a rich and beautiful garden with an important National Collection of hardy ferns, herbaceious borders and kitchen garden. Sizergh is a great stop-off point when visiting Kendal. The house, which is still lived in by the Strickland family, has many tales to tell. Centuries-old portraits and fine furniture sit alongside modern day family photos... it certainly feels lived in! Families will also enjoy the ability to explore the house and garden with the children's outdoor trail and house quiz.
Further afield...
Brockhole
Brockhole is an Edwardian house beautifully situated on the shores of Windermere; enjoy extensive landscaped gardens, lake cruises, adventure playground, guided walks and activities. There are two floors of exciting interactive exhibitions; introducing the National Park, the story of how the National Park evolved; the people who have shaped the landscape and the special qualities which make the Lake District landscape such an important part of our national heritage. There is also a gift shop, information centre, film theatre and café with terrace seating.
Coniston Launch
These solar-electric launches provide a low-pollution alternative for the discerning visitor. Coniston Launch serves 7 jetties around Coniston Water offering a great service to walkers, cyclists, those visiting Brantwood or just requiring a gentle cruise in good company. They also run special interest cruises including “Swallows & Amazons” and “Campbell’s on Coniston”. Private charter is available for groups and you can combine this with a visit to Brantwood.
Cumberland Pencil Museum
The Cumberland Pencil Museum is the only attraction in the world devoted exclusively to the rich and fascinating history of the pencil. From the discovery of graphite in the Borrowdale Valley in the early 1500s to the formation of the Cumberland Pencil Company in 1832, the museum charts the development of the humble pencil through the centuries. See the world's largest coloured pencil, marvel at the James Bond style pencil, and travel along the quiz trails and find out how the lead gets inside a pencil.
Ducky's Park Farm
A warm welcome awaits you at Ducky's Park Farm Visitor Centre. The attraction has created a friendly, safe environment for families and schools to enjoy whilst learning about animal care and farming methods. Visitors can have close contact with a large variety of animals, with special times set aside to meet the residents. There is plenty to do whatever the weather - including a huge indoor play-frame with separate toddlers' area - so don't let the rain keep you away!
Greenlands Farm Village
Greenlands is a truly hands-on experience with plenty to learn about. And it's not just for the kids, the adults will enjoy this as well. You can meet Red and Blue, their Shetland ponies, hold a pygmy goat kid or watch the baby piglets annoying their Mum. With plenty to see under cover, this open farm can be enjoyed come rain or shine. Also on site is a farm shop and café.
Lakes Aquarium
The lakes of the world, and the creatures inhabiting them, are the central focus of the Lakes Aquarium, an award-winning, all weather attraction taking visitors on a unique round-the-world journey over, under and around water. This exciting globetrotting adventure begins the minute you set off, with gilled, colourful, furry and even menacing creatures awaiting your arrival. Wend your way through zones representing charming Asia, the tropical Americas, rainforest, darkest Africa, tranquil Windermere and Morecambe Bay.
Rheged
Set in an unusual and inspiring building, Rheged is a place to relax, explore and take in the spirit of Cumbria. Europe’s largest grass-covered building is owned and run by people who are devoted to this area and is the essence of Cumbria’s landscape, arts, crafts and produce. There is free parking and free entry to the building. One of the main attractions includes movies shown on a cinema screen the size of six double decker buses!
South Lakes Wild Animal Park
Head for the South Lakes Wild Animal Park for the ulimate interactive animal experience. Here you can watch tigers climb 20 feet for their dinner - a unique experience in Europe! You can also meet free-roaming animals in their natural environments and hand feed giraffes and penguins. There is also a walk-through indoor tropical house. South Lakes Wild Animal Park is an active conservation park with partnerships all over the world to save animals and their habitats.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Enjoy some of the Lake District’s most beautiful scenery courtesy of Windermere Lake Cruises. It takes three hours to sail around the whole lake. A freedom ticket allows unlimited travel on all scheduled launch and steamer services sailing between Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, and on island cruises from Bowness, circular cruises from Lakeside, the Fell Foot ferry and the Brockhole service from Ambleside. Individual and family tickets are available.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
In an indoor re-creation of the Lakeland countryside, discover Peter Rabbit™ eating radishes in Mr. McGregor’s garden; see Jemima Puddle-duck™ amongst the foxgloves; and Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, the washerwoman, bustling about in her kitchen - the Lakeland tales of Beatrix Potter brought lovingly to life. The World of Beatrix Potter™ is an essential part of any Lake District holiday. Where else can you wander past Mr Jeremy Fisher’s pond and walk right through Squirrel Nutkin’s old oak tree?
