The Lake District, nestled in North West England, is a stunning destination filled with rolling hills, charming villages, and breathtaking lakes. It’s a perfect family getaway spot with fun-packed activities for children of all ages.

From castles and animal parks to railways and puppet theatres, here are some amazing things you can do in the Lake District with kids!

1. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Location: Haverthwaite, near Lake Windermere
Address: Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston LA12 8AL
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer
Operating Hours: Check official website for timetable
Fee: Varies (combo tickets available)

Explanation: This historic steam train ride offers beautiful countryside views along a 3.2-mile route. Kids will love the vintage locomotives, and the combo tickets make it easy to add more fun stops nearby.

2. Sizergh Castle

Location: Kendal
Address: Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8DZ
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early autumn
Operating Hours: Check National Trust calendar
Fee: Free for members; standard entry for non-members

Explanation: This family-friendly estate features a natural play trail with climbing walls and balance beams. It’s a lovely place to enjoy wildlife and explore beautiful gardens.

3. Beatrix Potter World

Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Address: Crag Brow, Windermere LA23 3BX
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Operating Hours: 10am – 4:30pm daily
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: Dive into the world of Peter Rabbit and friends through immersive 3D scenes. This magical place also features a tea room, gift shop, and seasonal storytelling events.

4. Lowther Castle & Gardens

Location: Penrith
Address: Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer
Operating Hours: Daily from 10am – 4pm
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: Explore castle ruins, gardens, and the huge Lost Castle playground—one of the UK’s biggest! Kids can run wild while parents take in the history and beauty of the estate.

5. Brockhole on Windermere

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Location: Windermere
Address: The Lake District Visitor Centre, LA23 1LJ
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Operating Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Fee: Entry is free; some activities are paid

Explanation: Perfect for rainy days, Brockhole features indoor caves, soft play, creative spaces, and climbing walls. There’s something for every age, even toddlers!

6. The Puzzling Place

Location: Keswick
Address: Museum Square, CA12 5DZ
Best Time to Visit: All year, especially rainy days
Operating Hours: Seasonal – check online
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: Step into a world of optical illusions! The Anti-Gravity Room and Eyelusions Exhibition will leave kids amazed and eager to learn how the tricks work.

7. Theatre by the Lake

Location: Keswick
Address: Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DJ
Best Time to Visit: School holidays
Operating Hours: Varies by show
Fee: Varies

Explanation: This lakeside theatre offers fun family shows including musicals, puppet plays, and storytelling. Great for keeping kids engaged through art and performance.

8. Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Location: Kendal
Address: Raines Hall, Sedgwick, LA8 0JH
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Operating Hours: Seasonally open
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: With farm animals, tractor rides, soft play, and a giant maize maze, this park keeps kids active and happy. It’s an excellent hands-on experience with nature.

9. Wray Castle

Location: Ambleside
Address: Low Wray, LA22 0JA
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early fall
Operating Hours: Daily 10am – 4pm
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: Kids can dress up, build castles, and play in Peter Rabbit’s Adventure area. With no antique furniture, families can explore freely without worry.

10. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre

Location: Penrith
Address: CA10 2HH
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer
Operating Hours: Temporarily closed – reopening planned
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: Meet magnificent birds and even get a chance to fly one yourself. Educational and interactive, this centre is a great way to connect with nature.

11. Kids Friendly Trails in Lake District

Location: Across the Lake District
Address: Various trailheads, including Windermere and Buttermere
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Operating Hours: Open access trails
Fee: Free

Explanation: Walking is the best way to experience the Lake District’s beauty. With over 48 buggy-friendly “Miles Without Stiles” routes, even families with toddlers can enjoy scenic forest and lake paths with ease.

12. Muncaster Castle

Location: Ravenglass
Address: Muncaster, Ravenglass CA18 1RQ
Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn
Operating Hours: Varies by season – check website
Fee: Paid entry

Explanation: This historic and slightly spooky castle offers audio tours, garden walks, and stories about a mischievous 16th-century ghost jester! A fun and educational day for brave little adventurers.

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10 Best Places to Visit in the Lake District

The Lake District, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, has been a national park since 1951—a true sign of how breathtaking and culturally rich this area is. From stunning lakes to charming villages and scenic trails, the region offers something special for every traveler. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, these spots should be on your must-see list!

Top Places to Explore:

Windermere & Bowness-on-Windermere: A perfect introduction to the Lake District. Enjoy a lake cruise, visit The World of Beatrix Potter, hike to Orrest Head, or relax in a cosy lakeside pub.
Ambleside: A charming town at the north end of Lake Windermere. Roam the streets, visit the historic Bridge House, or hike to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
Aira Force: This stunning 65-foot waterfall near Ullswater is surrounded by peaceful woodland trails. Great for short or long walks with amazing lake views.
Keswick: Nestled by Derwentwater, Keswick is a great base for outdoor fun. Explore the lake, shop at the market, or catch a play at Theatre by the Lake.
Scafell Pike: England’s tallest mountain at 978 metres. It’s a challenging hike, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth every step.
Buttermere: A peaceful spot with lakes, hills, and scenic trails. Go kayaking, swim in the lake, or visit the nearby Honister Slate Mine.
Castlerigg Stone Circle: One of Britain’s oldest stone circles, built around 3000 BC. Located near Keswick, it’s a magical place to visit, especially at sunrise.
Glencoyne: A quiet, hidden gem near Ullswater. It’s great for kayaking, walks, or simply relaxing on the small beach beside the lake.
Grasmere: A picturesque village famous for its Wordsworth connections. Visit the museum, explore the churchyard, or stroll through nearby gardens.
Hawkshead: A postcard-perfect village with cobbled streets and historic charm. See Beatrix Potter’s former home, enjoy a café lunch, or go on a Graythwaite adventure.

Where to Stay in the Lake District: Dog-Friendly & Cozy Options

Finding the perfect place to stay in the Lake District can really shape your experience. Whether you’re looking for luxury or something more quirky and close to nature, here are two fantastic spots we personally stayed at—both dog-friendly and highly recommended!

Rothay Manor, Ambleside
A beautiful luxury hotel right in Ambleside, making it the perfect base for exploring the southern and northern Lake District. The rooms are elegant, the service is top-notch, and even our dogs were pampered!
Wilson Arms Shepherd’s Huts, Torver (near Coniston)
These charming Shepherd’s Huts offer a unique glamping experience with private gardens, BBQs, woodfired hot tubs, and cozy indoor comforts. Ideal for a peaceful escape close to Coniston Water—and your dog will love it too!

How to Get to the Lake District?

Getting to the Lake District can be an adventure in itself—especially if you’re coming from far down south. Here’s how we made the trip work smoothly with dogs and gear in tow.

You can get there using public transport, but it wasn’t practical for us since we had our dogs and lots of things to carry.
The Lake District is located in Cumbria, which is pretty much at the opposite end of England from Cornwall.
It took us around 7 to 8 hours by car, with a few stops along the way for the dogs to stretch and for a bite to eat.

Top tip: if you’re driving from the South: Stop at Stafford Services. There’s a scenic dog walking area near a small lake—it’s a great little break during the long haul.

How Many Days Should You Spend in the Lake District?

Not sure how long to stay? It really depends on how much you want to explore and whether you prefer a relaxed or packed itinerary.

A 5-day to 1-week stay is perfect if you want to cover both the southern and northern parts of the Lake District.
We stayed for 3 full days (4 nights), which was just enough to explore the southern Lakes—but it felt a bit rushed, and we couldn’t do everything we wanted.
Next time, we’ll focus just on the northern Lakes so we can enjoy the area without the long drives between places.
If you’re coming from the South or South West of England, planning for a full week will make your trip more worthwhile and relaxing.

What to Pack for the Lake District

When packing for the Lakes, be ready for hiking, swimming, and the unpredictable British weather! Here’s what you’ll want to bring along.

Pack proper hiking boots—some of the trails can be steep, muddy, or rocky.
Don’t forget your swimwear! There are plenty of inviting lakes, rivers, and waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip.
A microfibre towel is a lifesaver—compact, lightweight, and easy to toss in your backpack.
One thing we forgot but definitely recommend: water shoes or rock shoes. The lakebeds can be sharp and uncomfortable on bare feet.