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Family days out in the Lake District

33 listed · best reviewed first

Updated · Ratings from Google · All attractions and things to do in the Lake District

Lakeland Motor Museum

Ulverston

Lakeland Motor Museum

★ 4.7 (5,892)

Step back in time at this captivating Backbarrow collection featuring classic vehicles and over 30,000 motoring treasures, complete with restaurant facilities and full wheelchair access.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Ulverston

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

★ 4.6 (5,857)

This heritage steam railway welcomes families with accessible facilities including wheelchair access, baby changing areas, and pushchair-friendly routes. Dogs are welcome, and you can enjoy onboard refreshments or bring your own picnic.

Sizergh Castle - National Trust

Kendal

Sizergh Castle - National Trust

★ 4.6 (5,213)

This medieval tower house near Kendal delights families with centuries of heritage, stunning gardens to explore, and pushchair-friendly paths throughout the estate.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Windermere

The World of Beatrix Potter

★ 4.5 (6,273)

Step into the magical tales of Peter Rabbit and friends through immersive displays recreating beloved characters and scenes. Complete with an enchanting garden, restaurant and facilities for families.

Whinlatter Forest

Keswick

Whinlatter Forest

★ 4.8 (3,003)

Explore scenic woodland trails and exciting play zones at this family-friendly forest park near Braithwaite, complete with dining facilities, picnic spots and full accessibility features.

Brockhole Lake District Visitors Centre

Windermere

Brockhole Lake District Visitors Centre

★ 4.6 (4,251)

Discover 30 acres of lakeside adventure in beautiful Cumbrian woodland, where families can enjoy exciting outdoor activities with stunning Windermere views, plus an onsite restaurant and full facilities.

Lake District Wildlife Park

Keswick

Lake District Wildlife Park

★ 4.6 (3,016)

Discover exotic creatures from monkeys to eagles at this accessible Cumbrian wildlife haven, where dramatic mountain views enhance your family's animal adventure at Coalbeck Farm near Bassenthwaite.

Rheged Indoor Play

Penrith

Rheged Indoor Play

★ 4.3 (4,951)

This exciting Penrith activity centre keeps children entertained whatever the weather, featuring a Roman-themed fort, thrilling oversized slide and sheltered play zones, plus wheelchair access and dining facilities.

Lakes Aquarium

Ulverston

Lakes Aquarium

★ 4.2 (4,696)

Discover diverse wildlife from playful otters to curious marmosets across 30 immersive habitats showcasing freshwater creatures and exotic species. Family-friendly facilities include a restaurant, picnic areas and full accessibility.

Derwent Pencil Museum

Keswick, Cumbria, UK

Derwent Pencil Museum

★ 4.4 (3,170)

Discover the fascinating story behind pencil production at this Keswick museum, home to a record-breaking giant coloured pencil and hands-on creative workshops for all ages.

Aira Force

Penrith

Aira Force

★ 4.7 (1,668)

Experience the Lake District's spectacular 70-foot cascade plunging through ancient woodland near Penrith, with scenic trails perfect for family picnics and adventure.

Windermere Jetty Museum

Windermere

Windermere Jetty Museum

★ 4.6 (1,734)

Explore Lake District boating heritage with historic vessels and interactive displays at this accessible waterside museum, complete with family facilities, parking, and an onsite restaurant.

Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Kendal

Lakeland Maze Farm Park

★ 4.7 (1,348)

Explore winding mazes and meet friendly farm animals at this fully accessible family park near Sedgwick, offering engaging indoor and outdoor activities whatever the weather.

The Puzzling Place

Keswick

The Puzzling Place

★ 4.4 (2,060)

Step into a mind-bending world of optical tricks and holograms at this compact Keswick attraction, where gravity-defying rooms will have the whole family questioning reality.

Wordsworth Grasmere

Ambleside

Wordsworth Grasmere

★ 4.5 (1,350)

Explore the life and works of William Wordsworth at his former Lake District home, featuring museum exhibits, beautiful gardens, and family facilities including a restaurant and picnic areas.

Curious About Kendal

Kendal

Curious About Kendal

★ 4.7 (752)

Explore the heart of this historic market town through an engaging visitor experience in Kendal's centre, complete with onsite dining to refuel during your family adventure.

Wordsworth House and Garden

Cockermouth

Wordsworth House and Garden

★ 4.5 (904)

Step into the Georgian birthplace of England's beloved Romantic poet William Wordsworth, where period rooms and beautiful walled gardens bring 18th-century Cumbrian life vividly to life.

Wray Castle

Ambleside

Wray Castle

★ 4.7 (634)

Let little ones explore turrets and towers at this Lake District castle where they can play dress-up, hunt for treasure and enjoy spectacular views from the top.

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Keswick

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

★ 4.6 (724)

Experience underground adventure at this fascinating Keswick attraction, where families can explore a recreated mine and learn about the region's industrial heritage through hands-on exhibits.

Derwentwater

Keswick

Derwentwater

★ 4.7 (565)

Discover stunning lakeside scenery at this iconic Lake District gem, perfect for family walks and wildlife spotting. Wheelchair accessible with pram-friendly routes available.

Eskdale Mill

Holmrook

Eskdale Mill

★ 4.8 (493)

Step back in time at this working water-powered corn mill nestled in the Lake District, where families can explore traditional milling machinery and watch grain being ground using centuries-old techniques.

Bowness on Windermere Treasure Trail

Windermere

Bowness on Windermere Treasure Trail

★ 4.6 (637)

Solve clues around this lakeside town on a fun self-guided adventure that's perfect for families with pushchairs and four-legged friends, revealing hidden gems and local secrets along the way.

Muncaster Castle

Ravenglass

Muncaster Castle

★ 4.6 (487)

This historic Cumbrian castle offers families sprawling grounds perfect for picnics, indoor play spaces, and year-round special events, plus wheelchair access and onsite dining options.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

★ 4.6 (487)

Journey through stunning Cumbrian landscapes aboard this charming narrow-gauge railway, travelling from the coast to the foothills of England's highest peaks with family-friendly facilities throughout.

Lowther Castle & Gardens

Penrith

Lowther Castle & Gardens

★ 4.3 (564)

Explore this majestic ruined castle set within 130 acres of stunning gardens and woodland, perfect for family picnics, adventure play and discovering Cumbrian heritage.

Mirehouse

Keswick

Mirehouse

★ 4.5 (376)

This historic Lakeland estate near Keswick offers families woodland walks, adventure playgrounds and a puzzling maze to explore, plus beautiful gardens and meadows for outdoor fun.

Millom Discovery Centre

Millom

Millom Discovery Centre

★ 4.7 (71)

Discover the fascinating world of railways and mining through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and costumes that bring local heritage to life for curious young minds.

Greystoke and District Outdoor Pool

Penrith

Greystoke and District Outdoor Pool

★ 4.8 (61)

Take a refreshing dip at this open-air swimming facility in the heart of Greystoke village, complete with onsite parking, toilet facilities and snacks available to purchase during your visit.

Foxy's Adventure Golf

Penrith

Foxy's Adventure Golf

★ 4.8 (44)

Navigate a themed mini golf course at this Penrith venue where families can enjoy a fun round together, though note that access with pushchairs or wheelchairs is limited across some sections.

Critter Creek Adventure Golf

Kendal

Critter Creek Adventure Golf

★ 4.8 (44)

Navigate around whimsical woodland obstacles at this themed mini-golf course based at Choices Health Club, perfect for family fun though some areas may prove tricky with pushchairs.

Fell Foot Park

Ulverston

Fell Foot Park

★ 4.8 (37)

Nestled at Windermere's southern shore, this lakeside haven features expansive lawns, woodland trails and excellent facilities including a restaurant, making it perfect for family days out.

White Platts Recreation Ground

Ambleside

White Platts Recreation Ground

★ 4.8 (4)

This Ambleside recreation ground features a 9-hole mini golf course perfect for family fun, with full facilities including accessible toilets, baby changing rooms, nearby parking and snacks available on-site.

Buttermere Valley

Cockermouth

Buttermere Valley

Discover dramatic Cumbrian landscapes with cascading falls and scenic trails in this stunning valley, offering accessible facilities though some paths aren't suitable for pushchairs.

Quick answers

How many family days out are there in the Lake District?+

We list 33 in the Lake District. The best-reviewed are shown first.

Which family days out in the Lake District are best reviewed?+

By Google rating weighted by the number of reviews: Lakeland Motor Museum (4.7/5, 5,892 reviews), Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (4.6/5, 5,857 reviews) and Sizergh Castle - National Trust (4.6/5, 5,213 reviews).

Is this list up to date?+

It is built live from our listings; ratings come from Google and each venue page shows when its details were last checked. Always confirm with the venue before travelling.

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