Head to South Lakes Safari Zoo for red pandas, Canada lynx and meercat, and hand-feed giraffes, lemurs and big cats. See over 30,000 exhibits celebrating road transport through the ages at Lakeland Motor Museum. Or ride the three-mile Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Train through England’s finest scenery.
Trek the treetops, hire boats, shoot arrows and more at Brockhole Activity Centre at Windermere. Lose yourself at Lakeland Maze Farm Park and meet resident goats, lambs and Shetland ponies. Say hi to clown fish, piranha, pufferfish, frogs and otters at the Lakes Aquarium. Or enjoy a heritage boat trip at Windermere Jetty Museum.
What next? Maybe explore England’s largest lake by boat on a Windermere Lake Cruise, taking in wooded islands and secluded bays. Bring those rabbit tales to life with a trip to The World of Beatrix Potter, including favourite characters, the Peter Rabbit Garden, character-themed café and world-famous gift shop.
Cross the Wrynose pass (an adventure in itself) to reach Muncaster Castle, home of beautiful gardens, playground, maze and bird of prey displays. Enjoy a different activity in every room at Wray Castle. Paddle in the lake at Fell Foot Park. Or try the Rheged Centre for 3D cinema, pottery painting, art gallery, shops and cafes.
Let’s kick things off with a friendly flutter at the races. Cartmel is a delightful jumps course with meetings held across the spring and summer. Bring your own table and chairs and pitch up for a good-to-firm day out. Stay in town for bars, wine slugs and the Michelin-starred L’Enclume.
Pop out to Cartmel Priory for one of the few churches saved from the Dissolution of the Monasteries and a well-preserved medieval house of canons. Stick around to refresh yourself with a tasting at Unsworth’s Yard Brewery. Or twist and turn your way through the woods with Lakeland Segway.
Strap your boots on to walk The Lakes’ southern fells, including Allen Crags, Bow Fell, Coniston Old Man, and Skelwith Force, or wander around Tarn Hows, rated by many the best walk in The Lakes. Art buff? Take the gallery trail, including Cross Lane Projects, The Arts and Crafts House and Heaton Cooper Studio.
Fill some holes at Grange Fell Golf Club, a fine nine-holer on the slopes above Grange Over Sands and Cartmel and boasting some of the best views in South Lakeland. Shoot clay at Graythwaite Manor. Trek the hills with Witherslak Hall Equestrian Centre. Go Ape in Grizedale. Or dip your rod in Windermere.
