Lake District Attractions Offer Something for the Whole Family

An attraction offers many different activities, experiences, educational and learning opportunities, laughs, entertainment and fun.

Animal attractions are the perfect draw for the whole family. Young and old can’t help to be excited by either seeing their favourite animal or animals they haven’t seen before. Animals are fun and can be extremely educational for children but adults too. Animal attractions offer have a wide variety of species some outdoor, some indoor with educational boards along the way. Often feeding times allow even more learning and talks.

A good attraction should offer indoor and outdoor activities as weather in the Lake District can be inclement at times to say the least! On top of main attraction such as an animal attraction, other outdoor activities are often offered such as sledges on rails, zip wire, Large and preschool climbing frames, swings, logged assault course area, Dyno cars, muddle bugs, roller racers and a large maze.

These are usually included within the entrance ticket price.

A choice of indoor play activities is just as important. Indoor soft play areas are great for bad weather occasions and usually cater for children between 0 right up to 12 years. The Lake District offers a number of farm animal attractions, one even lets visitors watch sheep milking which is quite different. Sheep milk is both nutritious and delicious, having a rich, bland, slightly sweet taste. It is much higher in total solids than either cows or goats milk and contains up to twice as many of the minerals like calcium, phosphorus and zinc and the all important B group Vitamins.

Attractions in the Lake District are often in stunning settings such as riverside locations. Taking a walk along the river or a short walk up a feel can be a welcome break for Grandparents or older children.

A Lake District attraction wouldn’t be complete without a tearoom. Again, perfect whatever the weather and with the Lake District having so much quality produce, good home cooked food is always available.

Mementos from a visit to animal attractions and Lake District attractions are high on many children’s agendas. Gift shops are often Aladdin’s caves for visitors of all ages. Some Lake District attractions even have arts and crafts galleries. These are perfect for mums and dads or grandparents to look around. Cumbria and the Lake District have some super artists along with many potters and jewellery makers.  Such galleries and shops are great for picking up a special gift for someone or purely another memento of the visit.

So even though the Lake District is renowned for its walking, on the next family holiday, why not try a Lake District attraction.

Top 10 attractions in the Lake District

You will be spoilt for choice when looking for top attractions in the Lake District, but the ten  of the best include:

1.Windermere Steamer tours

Enjoy a trip across England´s longest lake on a Windermere Steamer. Gliding across Windermere allows you to see the land from the lake, and also enjoy the incredible scenery surrounding the water. You can either cruise across the lake for an hour or two, or spend a whole day hopping on and off the boat. Combine a boat trip with a walking tour. For more information see: www.windermerelakecruises.co.uk

2.The Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal

The Abbot Hall Art Gallery attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it is housed in a Georgian villa on the banks of the River Kent. The Hall offers visitors two galleries, and plenty of other attractions. This is the perfect place to view local and national art, and the setting is stunning.

For further information: Telephone: 01539 722464. Fax: 01539 722494. info@abbothall.org.uk Web: www.abbothall.org.uk

3.Blackwell the Arts and Crafts house Bowness and Windermere

Blackwell the Arts and Crafts House comprises an incredible range of architecture in this beautiful family home. The house has special features including: stained glass windows, and rare wall hangings. The house is open with no roped off areas. Blackwell is situated just 1.5 miles south of Bowness. For more information:Telephone: 015394 46139. Fax: 015394 88486 Email: info@blackwell.org.uk Web: www.blackwell.org.uk

4.The Muncaster Castle Attraction

Muncaster Castle offers a great day out for all age groups. Enjoy the World Owl Centre, fine arts and antiques and award winning gardens, comprising of a tricky maze, to keep the kids entertained. Muncaster is said to be haunted, and has been home to the Pennington family since 1208. Take a look at the Tapestry Room, where plenty of spooky goings on have occurred. For further information contact: 01229 717614 or check out www.muncaster.co.uk. E-mail: info@muncaster.co.uk


5.Steamers at Ullswater

Ullswater Steamers are famous throughout the country, and visitors come here year after year to enjoy these great boats,  which have been sailing on the lake for 150 years. Now powered by modern engines, the steamers provide a great way to see the lake. The landscapes around Ullswater inspired famous Lake District residents, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.  For more information about trips on the Ullswater Steamers, check out: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

6.Honister Slate Mine and The Via Ferrata

If you are feeling energetic, climb to the top of the Honister Slate Mine via the Via Ferrata, which is a cable system, allowing you to experience the climb while being firmly attached to a harness. You can also climb along ladders, cross a narrow iron bridge and explore the old mineshaft tunnels. The trip will take you to the top of Fleetwith Pike, which will give you a great insight into the early days of the slate miners in the Lake district boutique spa hotel. For more information, go to: www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk.

7.The Kendal Mountaineering Services

The Kendal Mountaineering Services offer a great range of sports, adventure activities for all ages and all levels of fitness. The level of difficulty you choose is up to you, and the experienced and skilled instructors will ensure your safety. Activities include: rock climbing, caving and a wide range of water sports and outdoor pursuits. Take a look at:www.kendalmountaineeringservices.co.uk or call: 01539 737332.

8.The Sheepdog Experience

Practice your skills as a sheep dog handler at the Sheepdog Experience. You can learn about the dogs and the work they do at the Sheepdog Experience, and be taught by an experienced dog handler, who will help you work your dog around the course. The farm is situated between Eskdale, Langdale, Coniston and Broughton in the Duddon Valley and the courses need to be pre-booked. For more information call:  01229 716235 or check out: www.lakedistrictsheepdogexperience.co.uk.

9.The Lakes Aquarium

Enjoy a trip around this fascinating attraction, which includes a South American species tour. See the diving ducks, seahorses and local Lake District species, plus enjoy an interactive adventure with virtual crocodiles and a charging hippo. This attraction is perfect for all the family, and also boasts the world´s first virtual dive bell. For more information, see: www.lakesaquarium.co.uk. Or call: 015395 30153.

10.The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

This unique railway was first used for transporting slate down from the hills, and is now one of the major attractions in the Lake District. The miniature steam train transports visitors along the valley from Ravenglass to Eskdale, and to Boot Station. For more information, see:www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or phone: 01229 717171.
Wherever you stay in the Lakes, you will find a vast range of things to see and do to suit all ages.