Head to the Lakeside Aquarium on the southern shore of Windermere to explore the lakes of the world and discover incredible creatures. See Dove Cottage where Wordsworth wrote most of his great poetry. Or visit Windermere Jetty Museum to see steam launches, sailing yachts, motorboats and record-breaking speedboats.
Sail, windsurf, canoe, kayak, climb and build rafts at Derwentwater Marina or try canyoning, white-water tubing and water rollers at Keswick Adventure Centre. Climb the walls and the high ropes and shoot arrows at Keswick Climbing and Activity Centre. Or take the dog up to Aira Force falls (but watch the big drops).
Catch the latest flicks at old-style Bowness Royalty Cinema. Get super-close to over 1000 of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo. Or take a ride on the quirky Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and steam through some of the country’s finest scenery.
Discover Hill Top, the house where Beatrix Potter created characters such as Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck. Ride the Ullswater Steamers or be baffled by optical illusions at The Puzzling Place. Or walk the Lingholm Estate or Whinlatter Forest with furry friends from Alpacaly Ever After.
Keep mind and body in shape at Choices Health Club in Troutbeck with its large gym, indoor pool, luxury spa and fitness classes. Or book a spa day at Lodore Falls, including a thermal suite, Rasul chamber, hydrotherapy pool and outdoor swimming, all on the banks of gorgeous Derwentwater.
Enjoy indoor climbing at Kendal Climbing Centre. Try anything from off-roading to axe-throwing and clay pigeon shooting to bushcraft at Graythwaite Adventure. Opt for pony-trekking, quad bikes or shooting at Rookin House. Or brave the high ropes and nets at Treetop Trek at Brockhole.
Sink a drop of Cumbrian Gold or Trail Angel at Cumbria’s famous Hawkshead Breweries. Play 18 holes at top-rated Windermere Golf Club, ranked the ninth most enjoyable course in England. Or just ditch the clubs and enjoy a 45-minute walk up Brant Fell direct from the house.
Watch live action on the shores of Derwentwater at the Theatre by the Lake and refuel at Morrel’s café. Head up to Castlerigg Stone Circle for a northern Stonehenge. Try obstacle golf, boules and wildlife walks at Hope Park. Watch ospreys at Bassenthwaite Lake. And treat yourself at Café Bar 26 on wine and continental dining.
