What’s in this guide
By Sian Lewis
The Lake District’s lofty fells, deep blue waters and postcard-worth villages have been beloved by visitors since the 18th century – and they’re perfect for adventurous families today. While Cumbria is home to England’s tallest mountain and deepest lake, Scafell Pike and Wastwater, respectively, you’ll also find fells that are the perfect size for littler legs to summit, plus plenty of glassy lakes with sandy shores where everyone can take a wonderful wild dip. Attractions to entice all ages include ferry rides across epic wide lakes, adorable steam trains, wild waterfalls and landscapes that inspired Beatrix Potter’s – and did we mention the world’s best gingerbread? There are plenty of places to stay that will welcome children warmly too, from relaxed campsites to smart hotels. Whether you’ve got just a day or a whole week to spend in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, our guide will help you and your little ones get the most out of Cumbria’s breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures and rich cultural heritage.
Epic Outdoor Adventures
From hiking family-friendly fells like Catbells to paddling across Ullswater, the Lake District is an adventure playground for all ages. Whether it’s wild swimming, steam train rides, or waterfall hikes, there’s no shortage of ways to explore.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Follow in the footsteps of literary legends like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, explore historic sites, and indulge in the famous Grasmere gingerbread. The region’s charming villages and traditional pubs add to its timeless appeal.
Breathtaking Scenery Year-Round
With shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands, the landscapes are stunning in every season. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long adventure-filled days, autumn is a blaze of color, and winter transforms the fells into a peaceful wonderland.
Sail across one of England’s most beautiful lakes on a heritage boat, stopping for hikes, ice cream, and stunning views along the way
A magical woodland walk leading to a breathtaking 65-foot cascade, with the chance to spot red squirrels along the trail
England’s largest lake, perfect for paddling, cruising, or a scenic picnic along its serene shores with mountain views
Getting there (and around)
By Car: For the ultimate freedom, driving lets you reach remote valleys, charming villages, and hidden nature spots at your own pace. Scenic routes wind through breathtaking landscapes, making every journey an adventure.
By Train: A convenient, eco-friendly option with regular services from London, Manchester, and Glasgow to key Lake District stations like Windermere, Penrith, and Oxenholme. While trains connect major hubs, onward travel by car or bus is needed for more remote areas.
By Bicycle: The Lake District’s winding country lanes and stunning scenery make it a rewarding destination for cyclists, though the hilly terrain requires some stamina. Dedicated cycle routes provide traffic-free adventures.
By Bus: Local buses serve towns and villages, but services can be infrequent, especially in rural areas. Open-top scenic routes run seasonally, offering a relaxed way to soak in the views. With time to spare, combining buses, trains, and ferries makes for a unique, car-free adventure.
For a quick escape, a weekend is enough to soak up the highlights – think a boat ride on Windermere, a family-friendly hike up Catbells, and a stop for Grasmere gingerbread. A 3–4 day stay allows for deeper exploration, with time for waterfall walks, steam train rides, and paddling on Ullswater. To truly embrace the adventure, a week gives you the freedom to hike Scafell Pike, uncover hidden gems like Hardknott Roman Fort, and enjoy wild swims in remote lakes. For those wanting to slow down and immerse themselves in the landscapes, an extended stay lets you explore at a relaxed pace, from scenic cycle routes to cozy village life.
When to go
The Lake District is stunning year-round, with each season offering something special. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, newborn lambs, and quieter trails, perfect for gentle family walks and wildlife spotting. Summer is peak season, with long daylight hours ideal for boat trips, picnics, and outdoor adventures, though expect busier villages. Autumn transforms the fells with fiery hues, crisp air, and fewer crowds, making it a dream for photography and scenic hikes. Winter offers a peaceful, frost-covered wonderland with misty mornings, festive markets, and cozy pubs with roaring fires. No matter when you visit, the Lake District promises unforgettable adventures.
If you’re bringing the kids for just one jam-packed day in the Lake District, we’d make a beeline for Another Place, The Lake, on the shores of Ullswater. This charmingly relaxed hotel has adventure at its heart and will please big and small explorers alike – you can borrow kit for water sports, swim in the lake from the pontoon or in the heated pool, play a spot of table tennis or take a guided wildlife walk. Accommodation ranges from huge family rooms with separate bunk beds for children to cosy shepherd’s huts with views of the lake. There’s a friendly creche, the Kid’s Zone, a children’s menu and family pool slots, too. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours on the shores of Ullswater.
Morning: Wake Up to Ullswater
Start your day with a hearty breakfast – fuel up for a day of exploring with a full English breakfast or a stack of fluffy pancakes. Then head down to Ullswater’s shore, right on the hotel’s doorstep. Borrow a wetsuit, a kayak, a paddleboard, or a rowing boat from the Sheep Shed, the hotel’s private boathouse, and enjoy a family paddle across the calm waters of what is often named as England’s most beautiful lake.
Late Morning: Explore Aira Force Waterfall
Drive along the water’s edge to the village of Pooley Bridge and grab tickets for the Ullswater Steamer from the pontoon here. These beautiful heritage steamboats are surprisingly fancy, with covered outdoor seating, indoor saloons and a bar. The Steamer can drop you at Aira Force, one of the Lake District’s most iconic waterfalls. The family-friendly trails here lead through lush woodland to the stunning 65-foot cascade as it thunders into a gulley. Kids will love splashing through puddles (bring waterproofs and wellies!) while walking here – look out for red squirrels up in the treetops as you go.
Hop back on a boat to Glenridding Pier – this pretty village at the southern end of Ullswater is the perfect place for an ice-cream. Pop into Verey Books to buy local guidebooks as well as for homemade cake or stop at Fellbites Café for lunch.
Afternoon: Adventures in Ambleside
Catch the ferry back to Pooley Bridge and drive to Ambleside, a 35-minute bimble through stunning Cumbrian scenery. Hiking routes start from Waterhead Pier – Loughrigg Fell is a favourite for wonderful views of peaks and lakes. If it’s raining, head to Beatrix Potter World, where smaller explorers will love seeing the magical tales of Peter Rabbit and his friends brought to life.
Evening: Relax Back at Another Place
Return to Another Place and burn off any extra energy in the hotel’s indoor pool, complete with stunning views of Ullswater. Grown-ups can also enjoy the spa or grab a coffee in the library – the hotel’s Kids’ Zone offers supervised activity sessions for little ones aged six months to 12 years. Grab a supper of locally sourced ingredients in the Rampsbeck restaurant.
Day 1: Lake Windermere and Brockhole
Head back to the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, for boat trips, stand-up paddleboarding or just a leisurely stroll and a picnic along its shores. Visit Brockhole on Windermere, a family-friendly activity hub offering treetop adventures, archery, and boat hire, or explore Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat and the inspiration for her much-loved children’s stories.
Day 2: Happy camping
Fancy a night under canvas? Pitch your family tent at Low Wray, on the shores of Windermere. This National Trust-run campsite is close to Hill Top and Wray Castle, a large estate great for free-range kids complete with an adventure play trail hidden in the woods. You can even sail to your tent on with Windermere Lake cruises from Ambleside, who sail to Wray’s own jetty.
Day 3: Explore Keswick and Derwentwater
Make a beeline for the bustling market town of Keswick, filled with charming trinket shops, cosy cafes, and the quirky Puzzling Place, an exhibition of optical illusions ideal for wet weather afternoons. Sun shining? Nearby Derwentwater offers easy walking trails such as the loop around Friar’s Crag, which rewards with big views of Derwentwater and Borrowdale.
Day 4: Lake adventures at Tarn Hows and Coniston Water
Head to Tarn Hows, an idyllic spot for an easy family hike. The circular path around this little lake is stroller-friendly and offers stunning views of the surrounding fells. Continue onwards to Coniston Water, where you can follow in the footsteps of Swallows and Amazons, which was filed on these very waters, by renting a boat or a paddle board. Warm up afterwards in the charming Bluebird Café on the shore.
Day 5: Grizedale Forest
Had your fill of lakes? Head to Grizedale Forest, located between Windermere and Coniston. This expansive woodland is criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails, and adventurous kids can tackle the Go Ape treetop challenge. This is a great spot for keen little wildlife spotters – watch out for deer and red squirrels among the trees.
Day 6: Romantic ruins
Rest your legs with a more relaxed day at Lowther Castle, an historic ruin that’s also home to one of the most imaginative adventure playgrounds in the country. This unfinished Gothic pile has only been open to the public since 2012 and looks straight out of a storybook, while the Lost Castle playground is a dreamland of towers, slides and climbing nets, perfect for children to burn off energy while parents grab a cuppa in the café.
Day 7: Hike Scafell Pike or Catbells
End your week with a hardy hill hike. For teenagers and more experienced hikers, Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain, has stunning views from the summit, while the lovely Wasdale Campsite, run by the National Trust, sits at its foot. For younger kids, Catbells near Keswick is a manageable fell to climb with equally breathtaking scenery – it’s not known as the ‘family fell’ for nothing.
Check out our favorite spots on the Canvas and Cub map
Social District:
A family-friendly lakeside retreat, perfect for reconnecting with nature in a peaceful setting.
Syke Farm Campsite:
A traditional camping spot with stunning views, offering a classic Lake District experience.
Wasdale Campsite:
A breathtaking green valley campsite at the foot of Scafell Pike, ideal for adventure seekers.
The Hut at Rawsons:
A charming cabin with a treehouse feel, perfect for a cosy countryside escape.
Skiddaw Shepherd’s Hut:
A snug retreat with a log burner, offering serious comfort in a wild setting.
Holme Wood Bothy:
A no-frills bothy by Loweswater, ideal for a back-to-basics adventure.
The Lake District is a destination that effortlessly blends epic natural beauty with family-friendly adventure. Whether you’re paddling across shimmering lakes, hiking gentle fells, or uncovering literary and cultural treasures, this UNESCO World Heritage Site promises unforgettable moments. With charming villages, unique accommodations, and a year-round calendar of inspiring festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to explore and connect. From wild swims and woodland wanders to cozy campsites and delicious local treats, the Lakes offer endless possibilities for families to create memories that will last a lifetime.
