Putting together your staycation itinerary?
Some handy hints for fun-filled family days out!
Whether you’re joining us already this summer, or looking for a fun-filled staycation, we’ve lined up some things to do with kids in the Lake District whilst you’re staying with us at The Swan Hotel & Spa.
This week, we’re looking at attractions specifically tailored to children and families – we’re awash with them in the Lakes but here are some of our favourites!
Hill Top, Ambleside – Approx 20-minute Drive
We all love the Beatrix Potter classics and can pick a favourite tale (mine is The Tale of Two Bad Mice) – we’ve likely either had them read to us or we read them to a little one. It’s one of the things the Lakes is so well known for and brings in millions of visitors a year. So, why not bring the imagination to life by visiting Potter’s farmhouse retreat, Hill Top?
Lovingly conserved by the National Trust, Hill Top is still filled with Potter’s possessions and it’s the place that’s said to have inspired quite a bit of her work as she purchased the home after the publication of her first book. There’s a delightful cottage garden that’s also open to visitors, a shop and a second-hand book nook whose proceeds go back to supporting the running and care of Hill Top. Plus an independent Café – so it’s the perfect spot for a summertime stop-off.
We’d recommend booking in advance as this is a popular spot. If it’s a spur-of-the-moment visit you can check out their website and the “Important Notice” message which flags up how busy Hill Top will be on that day.
Brockhole on Windermere – Approx 24-minute Drive
If you’re looking to tick off a handful of fun, engaging and energetic activities in one day, then Brockhole on Windermere is the place to be! This spot hosts a wide range of outdoor activities from archery, boat hire, mini golf to laser tag. PLUS an adventure playground, gardens and grounds to explore!
What’s also exciting is that you can take the path truly less travelled and try out a Treetop Trek, where you can try out treetop challenges (including a 250-metre triple zip wire at the end of the course) set amongst 250-year-old trees.
There’s also the Treetop Nets attraction which holds 1,500 meters of giant trampolines, walkways, slides, and tunnels all securely suspended between trees up to 9 meters high!
As if you need more, there’s also the Gaddum kitchen and a range of menus to select from for your lunch.
Head over to their website to find out more, and be sure to keep an eye out for updates about events being held across the Summer holidays.
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway – Approx 4-minute walk to Newby Bridge, Halt Station
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway transports you back in time with its classic steam train, it’s a fantastic route to take on your day out and lets you take in the beautiful scenery of the Lakes.
Developed during the Industrial Revolution to transport materials from Cumbria to Lancashire and the Northeast, it later became a popular route for tourists to travel on but eventually fell into disrepair and was closed. After some time, the station was repaired, purchased by a new owner and now stands today as one of the local transport hidden gems of the South Lakes.
The station has been family-run since 1973 and houses a tearoom (last food orders at 3pm), gift shop and playground – don’t worry if you miss their scones, you can always join us at The Swan for our Afternoon Tea!
You can check out their website for timetables and prices – your four-legged friend can also join you on your trip for free. Fun times ahead for all!
Lake District Wildlife Park, Keswick – Approx 1 hour and 10 minutes
If you’re looking for a wild day out, we’ve got the Lake District Wildlife Park about an hour’s drive from The Swan. The animals are cared for by qualified keepers and the team are passionate about conservation. The park itself is set amongst 24 acres and home to around 100 species of wild and domesticated animals, it’s the perfect place to make some new furry friends!
During the summer holidays, they are open 7 days a week, and you can also check out their website to find out which talks and displays are taking place on that day and the time. There’s no need to book to visit the park so it’s a good choice when you’re not sure what to do and well worth your time!
So, whether you’re looking to take in some scenery, explore local landmarks or seek some serious adventure, the Lake District has it all!
What better way to end an energetic day than by kicking back and relaxing at The Swan with family, some good grub, and a comfortable bed to slumber in? That’s your summer staycation sorted; we’ll see you soon!
