amazing Lake district family activities
for the perfect minimoon
start planning your lake district family minimoon
Are you planning a relaxed, family-friendly wedding in idyllic surroundings? Making your wedding day part of a special family holiday is the perfect way to create magical memories together. Here’s our helpful guide to Lake District family activities that everyone will love!
fly high at brockhole
Brockhole Visitor Centre is a great day out. Run wild in the woodland playground and explore the beautiful lakeshore gardens. Hire a boat or brave the high-wire adventure with trampolines, slides, and tunnels suspended in the trees. There’s even an awesome tree-top trek for children 7+. After all the excitement, relax with a picnic, or refreshments in the café, and visit the local wildlife exhibition through the gift shop.
meet peter rabbit and friends
Bowness-on-Windermere hosts the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. This interactive museum brings the tales of Beatrix Potter to life. Children (and grown-ups) love walking through the stories and the live theatre performances. Delight in the lovely garden, designed by a Chelsea gold medal winner, and the café serving homegrown produce. It’s a magical family activity in the Lakes for the young… and young at heart.
marine magic at the Lakes aquarium
The Lakes Aquarium is a short drive from Ambleside. Explore local marine life, including otters, fish, and reptiles. The aquarium has interactive exhibits, including an underwater tunnel, revealing the secret lives of creatures that live in our waters. Plan your visit with a trip on Windermere Lake Cruises or Haverthwaite Steam Railway, as combined tickets are available.
hunt for treasure at wray castle
Wray Castle, a National Trust property near Ambleside, is a Gothic-style castle with plenty of room for adventure. The grounds are perfect for a picnic with views of Lake Windermere and nature trails for little explorers. Older children love the geocaching treasure hunt and leaving messages in the logbook.
playpark playdates
Holehird Gardens is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of town. Children roam the well-kept gardens and it’s great for a relaxing family picnic. White Platts recreation ground has mini golf and tennis to keep children busy, or Rothay Park has adventure play equipment for letting off steam. Fell Foot Park near Newby Bridge, has plenty of space for paddling in the lake, and playing ball games. There’s a café for refreshments or ‘make like a pirate’ and hire a boat in the summer months.
forest fun and tree top treks
Grizedale Forest is a great choice for outdoor discovery. The walking and cycling trails are suitable for children, although hilly in places. There’s a sculpture trail and adventure playground to keep everyone happy. The tree top trek and zip wire through the forest canopy will thrill older children, although it’s not for the faint-hearted!
mini mountaineers
For budding mini explorers, Catbells is one of the easiest mountains for families to climb. Latrigg, also in the Keswick area, is a fantastic family peak to summit too. Rydal Caves (above Cote How) are a shorter adventure for children. If you have a pushchair, visit Tarn Hows’ gentle, circular route. On rainy days, try a bouldering session at Ambleside Climbing Wall, a safe and fun environment for children aged 6+.
be amazed by the Lakeland Maize maze!
Lakeland Maze Farm Park is open from late spring through to autumn, although the maze is open during the summer only. There’s lots to keep children entertained, with trampolines, tractor rides, and animals to feed. Closer to Kendal, you can combine your visit with a trip to Low Sizergh Barn to see the cows being milked or follow the woodland trail and discover how charcoal is made.
All aboard!
If your children are Thomas fans or just love trains, why not visit the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway? The steam train journey is a delight for children and adults alike. If you fancy exploring the western lakes further afield, the La’al Ratty at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a narrow-gauge steam train with amazing views. There’s a woodland walk from the coastal train station to Muncaster Castle, a historic ‘haunted’ castle with playgrounds, and a hawk and owl centre.
keep kids busy in keswick
Visit the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick as a wet-weather option, around half-an-hour from Ambleside by car. Children can try out their drawing skills and learn about the history of pencil making. Mirehouse House and Gardens is close by, with lots to explore. Discover the maze in the bee garden with young ones, while older siblings enjoy the challenge of adventure play areas. Whinlatter Forest has fantastic bike or walking trails. Learn about red squirrels and other forest creatures on a woodland expedition, although the terrain isn’t suitable for pushchairs. Hop on the open-top double-decker bus from Ambleside or Grasmere to Keswick. Follow the free ‘mouse trail’ around town, visit the playground in Fitz Park, or feed the ducks on Derwent Water. Plentiful cafes and ice cream stops will revive tired little legs!
adventure awaits...
With a wealth of Lake District family activities on your doorstep, the area is a great choice for a family wedding. With the right clothes and a sense of adventure, there’s something new to discover, whatever the weather. It’s the perfect place to spend quality time making precious family memories. What better way to start your next chapter?
thank you
Thank you to all our wonderful families who have shared their wedding photos with us, and our fantastic recommended photographers: Jenna Carpenter, Stanbury Photo & Film, Jo Bradbury, and Delicious Photography. If you would like to know more about getting married in South Lakes/Westmorland and Furness, contact the Registrar team for information.
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