Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Hawkshead Hill

"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 >>"

"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."

"Café bar by day and live venue by night, this small venue is a great little find whatever the time of day. There is a good lunch menu for day time snacks or meals and the coffee is excellent in the evening this turns into a bar which often has live music playing. There’s tapas on offer along with stone baked pizzas."

"20 St. Johns Street, Keswick CA12 5AS, EnglandSeating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiItalian, Bar, Pizza, Cafe, Mediterranean, European, Spanish, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks+44 17687 73888"

"This lively cafe-bar seems to have become everyone's favourite hangout in Keswick – thanks no doubt to its superb thin-based pizzas, excellent wine and craft beer selection and a regular programme of live gigs...."

"Situated just a stone’s throw away from Lake Windermere, this gastropub boasts a very cosy and beautiful outside seating area and offers a great choice of wine, ales and beer, including beers by some of our favourite brewers – Robinsons!. Famous for their scrumptious Sunday roast, it isn’t hard to see why people are willing to wait – their roast silverside of beef, accompanied with veggies, mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes, as well as the obligatory Yorkshire pudding never disappoints. This is our favourite Windermere pub for Sunday roast!"

"Last visited 2 years ago and will definitely return next time we are in Bowness. 25/05/2021: Only had to wait a couple of minutes to be seated, staff were really friendly, ambience of this pub is great we were sat upstairs on the outside balcony which was superb with heaters if it got chilly. We ordered the fish and chips and it was absolutely amazing, would definitely recommend, the other food which was being brought also look amazing"

"Queens Square | Queens Square, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BY, EnglandReservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiBar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightHK$78 - HK$196+44 15394 43241"

"The former regional agent for the National Trust, Cubby Acland, landscaped this picture perfect eight-acre garden by the lakefront on Waterhead’s south side. The lower part of the Jenkin Crag walk will lead you into this space. Half of the garden is cultivated, with magnolias, camellias, azaleas, embothriums, shrubs and rhododendrons, which do well in the Lake District’s acidic soils."

"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."

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"This proper fairytale castle only recently opened its doors to the public and is operated by the National Trust. The neo-gothic castle has numerous towers and turrets to explore and various exhibitions to check out along the way. For example, kids can dress up in period costumes, build their own castle and explore the new Peter Rabbit adventure rooms, as well as an excellent outdoor play area too."

"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."