 |
| Loughrigg Tarn in the Lake District |
STUNNING lakes, spectacular mountains and activities to keep the kids happy in Britain’s largest national park.
North Lakes
1. Discover how the world-class spirits whisky, gin and vodka are made in the Lakes Distillery, one of the national park’s newest visitor attraction.
It’s six miles north of Keswick on the A66 and it’s well-worth booking a tour. While the adults get to taste the spirits they see being made, children are kept busy with a prize-winning quiz to complete on their way round the distillery.
There’s a Bistro here too for lunch or dinner plus a picturesque walk to the River Derwent, passing the distillery’s big, fluffy alpacas on the way. www.lakesdistillery.com
2. Enjoy the magic of open air theatre on the edge of Keswick at the Theatre by the Lake.
A short stroll from Derwent water on the edge of Keswick, The Theatre by The Lake has two stages, and a busy programme.
Murder mysteries 39 Steps and Suddenly Last Summer are currently showing, plus there are family films from Paddington to the Frozen singalong edition this August. www.theatrebythelake.com
3. Step back in time at William Wordsworth’s childhood home in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth, birthplace of the romantic poet William and his sister Dorothy.
The house has remained as it would have been when they lived there in the 1770s. You can try foods that Wordsworth would have eaten and have a go at writing with with pen quills.
Talk to the ‘servant’ guides, and tour the cellar where the household’s ghosts are waiting to tell their stories. Wordsworth House and Garden
4.Marvel at the jaw-dropping images of a major mountain expedition at the current show, Five Treasures of the High Snows exhibition at Keswick Museum & Art Gallery.
This museum has something for all the family with hands-on activities for children. Keswick Museum & Art Gallery
5.Be amazed by the dazzling view from Catbells.
The walk, just over four miles from Keswick, (and near several of the listed destinations) is a short, sharp, steep climb richly rewarded by the views of mountains and lakes.
Amble along and take a picnic to make the most of a clear day. www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_26.html
6. Meet zebras and birds of prey just ten minutes from Keswick in the 24 acre parkland with over 100 species.
The granddad of the park is Brian the Lar Gibbon – he is the oldest in Europe - and his family can be seen swinging from the massive oak tree. The Lake District Wildlife Park
7. Explore the mountain biking, walking and wildlife in Whinlatter, England's only true mountain forest.
Sign up for an orienteering course and look out for the trails where red squirrels and woodland birds can be seen in the trees above.
Siskins café has spectacular views over the forest plus there’s children’s adventure playground too. Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre
 |
| The Lake District is perfect for a summer holiday with the kids |
Central Lakes
8. Take a trip down memory lane and discover the house where children’s favourite, Beatrix Potter dreamt up her stories about the famous Peter Rabbit and friends.
Her home at Hill Top, near Hawkshead, Ambleside, appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'.
The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. www.visitcumbria.com/
9. Cruise the national park’s largest lake, Windermere. Boat trips last from 45 minutes to 3 hours. Or, you can even spend all day on and around the lake with a Freedom of the Lake ticket.
Start your journey at Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside and take in magnificent views of mountain scenery. www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
10. Children can climb like monkeys around the National Park’s trees in this 1,500-square-metre network of tunnels, walkways and trampolines.
The safety netting is suspended in an ancient oak woodland and it’s the first of its kind in the UK.
You’ll find it in the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, so there’s plenty to do when you you’ve finished playing tarzan. www.treetoptrek.co.uk
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus