Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Grizedale Forest

"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 >>"

"On the quayside at the southern end of Windermere, this excellent aquarium has wildlife and waterside exhibits. One highlight is an underwater…"

"An impressive sight with its turrets and battlements, this mock-Gothic castle was built in 1840 for James Dawson, a retired doctor from Liverpool, but it has been owned by the National Trust since 1929. Though the interior is largely empty, the lakeside grounds are glorious. It was once used as a holiday home by Beatrix Potter's family. The best way to arrive is by boat from Bowness; there's limited parking and preference is given to non-driving visitors on busy days."

"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."

"Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building at Claife in the English county of Cumbria. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, but the house has only recently opened to the public on a regular basis."

"The famous Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire offers some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. The trail is 4.5 miles long (8 km) and leads you through ancient oak woodland and magnificent Yorkshire Dales scenery via a series of stunning waterfalls and geological features."

"You can see six waterfalls, a gorge and a glen all in one go on the Ingleton Waterfall Trail. It offers 4.3 miles of scenic hiking across the Yorkshire and Cumbria border. You’ll follow the River Twiss to Pecca Falls and Hollybush Spout before you reach Thornton Force, which thunders 46 feet into the river below."

"The Waterfalls Trails starting in Ingleton has been impressing visitors for over a 100 years. The stunning gorges of the Rivers Twiss and Doe are explored on stunning walkways with viewpoints out over"

"Situated on the opposite shore of Lake Windermere to Lakeside Station, Fell-Foot National Trust park offers breath-taking views of Lake Windermere and the fells at the north end of the lake. During the summer season a ferry carries foot-passengers from Lakeside over to Fell-Foot where you can enjoy an ice-cream or picnic on the sweeping Victorian lawns while watching the boats and soaking in the atmosphere. Rowing boat hire is available, as well as an adventure playground for children."

"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."

"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!)."

"The Brockhole visitors centre is located between Windermere and Ambleside on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. Set in exquisite grounds and gardens, Brockhole has plenty of activities this summer for young and old alike. Enjoy boat hire, rafting, pony rides, archery, orienteering or brave the cave (for kids over 5)."

"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 >>"

"A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Although Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago."

"Rope swings on the grounds, picnics in atmospheric old rooms, free tea and coffee, and huge blackboards you can write on: Allan Bank…"

"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

"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 >>"

"On the quayside at the southern end of Windermere, this excellent aquarium has wildlife and waterside exhibits. One highlight is an underwater…"

"05/06/2021: We were lucky enough to get a table at Lucy's a week after they reopened post lockdown 3!. The service, ambience and food were all back to their best.Last summer we had to queue to get in but that system seems to have been streamlined so were not outside for long.All the old favourites are on the menu and the celebrity guests (cardboard cutouts) add a talking point and a bit of fun.There is a general shortage of restaurant staff in the town but Lucy's staff worked very hard to ensure we were well looked after. 03/06/2021: We went to Lucy's a while ago now and are still talking about it now which prompted this review."

"Known as much for the quirkiness of its dish names as for the quality of its food, this long-standing boho bistro remains a popular choice. The decor's eclectic – mix-and-match furniture, knick-knacks – and the... Top ChoicePies in Ambleside"

"Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria Tel: 015394 31191 A warm and welcoming enjoyable informal café experience of bustling joviality by day and a uniquely atmospheric candlelit restaurant by night."

"With traditional beams and a cosy log fire, this is a perfect pub to head for after a rainy day exploring the things to do in the Lakes. Located just off Keswick’s Market Square, Pack Horse has a collection of draught ales for you to try whilst you tuck into one of their locally sourced dishes. Food: From £3.75, see the menuDog-Friendly: YesAddress: The Pack Horse Inn, Pack Horse Court, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JBContact: 01768 771 148; www.packhorsekeswick.co.uk"

"If you’re still pumped from your day’s outdoor adventures and are looking to keep the energy going, then try a live music night at The Pack Horse Inn. Even without the music, the atmosphere is great in this traditional-style pub with its open fire, large selection of beers, wines and Prosecco, and great food."

"Nestled down a side street in the centre of Ambleside, Bar eS serves up Mexican tapas and craft beer in their rustic and cosy restaurant & bar. They have a separate vegan menu, so make sure to ask for it when you’re being seated, and also serve up vegan beers & wines. We tried a bit of everything and it was all delicious."

"With locally sourced food at a good price, and award-winning cask ales, The Ambleside Tavern has everything you could want from a food pub!. They also show a good selection of sports on the TV and have a pool table upstairs, so you can enjoy entertainment as well as a meal!. Find it on Millans Park."

"The half portion is usually more than enough for most, but try the full portion for a real feast!. This is a lovely traditional pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the oldest coaching inn in Keswick."