Peaks, pony treks and pottering about on the Lakes
Watch the rainbows in the mist at Aira Force falls. Go Ape at Whinlatter. Try paintballing in the forest or just paint some pottery. Take a lake cruise on Ullswater; walk short, long, high, or just around the lake; try canoeing or kayaking. Potter the craft shops; pig out in the restaurants. Climb the highest peaks or just pop to the pub.
In the Lakes
Walking is what the Lake District is all about, then resting tired legs and refuelling with fresh food and real ale.
Take on the first section of the National Trust Aira Force Waterfall walk, or press on up Gowbarrow Fell for a more challenging hike and fine views over Ullswater. Cap it off with a cuppa and a scone in the tea rooms by the car park.
If the clouds part, a drive is a dry way to view the Lakeland drama. Take the Kirkstone Pass from Patterdale to Ambleside, majestically connecting Ullswater and Windermere.
Take the Honister Pass past Derwentwater, Crummock Water and Loweswater, and go underground at the Honister Slate Mines. Try the fast and exciting zip line and hold on tight. The drive along the West side of Ullswater takes in Aira Force waterfall, a perfect spot for picnics.
Elsewhere, you can take a lake cruise on Ullswater, trek the treetops at Windermere, see Dove Cottage, the Bard’s pad, at Grasmere, trek ponies at Coniston or check out the wildlife at Bassenthwaite.
Refuel in real-ale pubs, quaint tea rooms and fine restaurants.
Kids in the Lakes
Take a lake cruise on the serene waters of Ullswater; stop off and walk; get the children into the kids’ club with its activities and child-friendly maps.
On dry land, kids can go pottery potty at Crafty Monkeys in Penrith. Activities include pottery wheels, pottery painting, glass painting, mosaic making and plant-pot painting.
The more active can Go Ape at Whinlatter or go mad at the Glenridding Activity Centre, with its pirate events, rafting, Swallows and Amazons, sailing and picnics.
The Lakes are a perfect place to try pony trekking, boating or biking. You can take a lovely pony trek over Barton Fell above Ullswater. Hire some bikes and head for the hills. Build dams and wet your wellies in Lakeland becks, go on a ghost walk, or just potter and explore the Eden Valley.
For the Grown Ups
The Lake District is all-action. Walk or run the fells from the front door. Pack your rods and fish for salmon. Hire canoes and kayaks from the Glenridding Sailing Centre. Take ponies up Barton Fell, shoot clay pigeons in the grounds, rev up the quadbikes at Troutbeck, go paintballing at Penrith.
More serenely, book a pampering session with our expert beauty therapists; enjoy the luxury of a spa without leaving the house.
The Lake District is more wildlife than nightlife, but the pubs are friendly and warmed by open fires and warm hearts. Restaurants, tea rooms and coffee bars abound. There’s also a historic house, garden or abbey at every turn, just waiting to become a detour on your next walk.
