Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dowlands

"From mountain-top to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing voyage of discovery. More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more."

"From diving ducks to piranha, the aquarium houses native aquatic wildlife and more exotic species. Another of the most popular Windermere attractions, there’s also gift shop and a choice of restaurants. Located on Lakeside Pier where the boat and steam train trips call in….things to do here >>"

"White Cross Bay is less than 5 minutes by car to Brockhole, where you can catch a boat to the other side of Lake Windermere to visit Wray Castle. On the way out you have to go to Ambleside first, get off the boat for 20 mins, re-board, and then set off for Wray Castle but on the trip back you go straight across to Brockhole. The Woodland Nature Play Trail at Wray Castle is great."

"One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building & a Peter Rabbit experience. On the shore of the lake, it’s great for sunny days too ….more things to do here >>"

"Families can explore the activity rooms inside the castle, where there’s plenty of space for creative play. With a natural playground in the grounds and a path to spacious grassy area on the lakeshore, its a great for the whole family whatever the weather."

"This park, operated by the National Trust, is located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and is the perfect place to relax with the family on a sunny day. Whether you just want to relax by the lake with a picnic or go for a paddle, or maybe even try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking, there’s loads to do, including a playground for the kids, all with the incredible mountain views in the distance."

"Fell Foot Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and is managed by the National Trust. It’s a great spot for families to play, explore and relax. The sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks."

"This Victorian park, restored to its former glory, offers substantial access to the lakeshore, where there are leisure facilities. Fine picnic areas, a cafe and rowing boat and kayak hire make it an ideal day out for families."

"In collaboration with Cumbria Tourism, we had been lucky enough to be provided with tickets for some activities at Brockhole. Located a few miles from Bowness and on the way to Ambleside, Brockhole is an absolute gem of a day out for families. There is a real mix of activities on offer for all ages and although you have to pay for parking, there are lots of activities that are free to take part in (although you will be tempted by the abundance of activities on offer that you do need to pay for so be prepared!)."

"Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, shop, tea rooms….see all things to do here >>"

"Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. Browse round the shop and treat yourself to something tasty in the café. The extensive gardens are a delight whatever time you choose to visit."

"Cockermouth was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose childhood home was this 18th-century town house, carefully…"

"Metres from Windermere’s northern shore is an archaeological site for the Roman fort of Galava, founded towards the end of the 1st century. This stronghold defended the intersection of three Roman roads, heading off to Ravenglass and Carlisle on Hadrian’s Wall to the north, and Papcastle to the west. The remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century, when it appears that the fort was demolished and reconstructed."

"If you need a picnic spot, or just somewhere to relax in front of Windermere, Borrans Park is a public green space at the lake’s northernmost tip just west of Waterhead. The park merges with the greenery around the Roman fort, and there are benches facing the water so you watch the steamers coming and going, and take in natural splendour the lakeshore. Behind you to the north and northeast are the brooding high fells of the Central Lakeland."

"Borrans Park has magnificent views of Windermere lake and is easily accessed from the A591. There are the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman fort with historical interpretation information in the adjacent field. The large grassed recreation area has picnic tables and ample seating."

"Owned by the Kennedy family since 1984, Lindeth Fell is a stunning Edwardian home with traditional touches such as parquet flooring, traditional sofas and pastoral artwork. Guests are welcomed with home-made scones and tea, and the friendly service from staff continues through your stay. The 14 bedrooms are all extremely spacious, with ensuite bathrooms and tasteful decor."

"Overlooking Lake Windermere, Lindeth Fell offers impressive views and free parking, just 5 minutes from Windermere Ferry Crossing. It offers colourful flower gardens, elegant rooms and tea and scones on arrival. An extensive breakfast menu is served in the bright dining room overlooking 7 acres of beautiful gardens and the stunning Coniston mountain range."

"It was a busy night but we were waited on quickly and given plenty of information if we had any questions. The food was to a great standard. The meat was of great quality and the selection of food was amazing."

"42 King Street, Penrith CA11 7AY EnglandEuropean, BritishLunch, Dinner, Late NightReservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 1768 210231http://www.fourandtwentypenrith.co.uk"

"Sitting above Stock Beck next to Rydal Road, Bridge House may be the whole region’s most photographed landmark. Like all of Ambleside this adorable, narrow dwelling is constructed from local slate and has been owned by the National Trust for nearly a century after it was bought and donated by a group of local residents. The Bridge House dates from the 17th century, when it was used as an orchard storehouse, and has since been a mill counting house, chair-maker’s workshop, cobbler’s shop, tearoom and a family home packed with as many as eight people."

"This old slate mine has been reinvented as a centre for all kinds of activities: you could venture underground into the bowels of the old 'Edge' and 'Kimberley' mines, tackle a via ferrata, or climb inside the mine along a system of fixed cables, tracing the route followed by the slate miners. A tour into the 'Cathedral' mine runs on Friday by request, but you'll need eight people and it costs £25 per person."

"The Priest Hole Restaurant and Tea Rooms are part of Kelsick Old Hall, one of the oldest buildings in the beautiful village of Ambleside with many original features and a lovely atmosphere. There is also a delightful outside terrace for alfresco meals on those warmer days, or just to sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. They serve fresh home-made traditional Cumbrian/British food, all sourced locally, and accompanied by a good selection of drinks."

"The Priest Hole restaurant, Ambleside, serves a mouthwatering, Mediterranean and English menu, all prepared in their own kitchens. Situated in the 16th Century Kelsick Hall in Ambleside, with it’s lovingly restored oak paneling, floorboards and fireplaces."