Our tips for what to do in Windermere with kids

Windermere, England’s largest lake, is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the Lake District and the area is packed with loads of great outdoor things to do.

There's actually a surprising amount of family-friendly activities to enjoy in the Windermere area too, and here are our recommendations for what to do in Windermere with your youngsters.

On the water

At the centre of everything in this part of the Lake District is Lake Windermere. Plenty of fun times can be had on its waters for the whole family and the lake is often teaming with boating vessels of all shapes and sizes.

One of the best ways to independently explore the ten mile stretch is by hiring a boat from either Low Wood Watersports Centre, Brockhole Visitor Centre, Fell Foot Park or Waterhead. This variety of outlets caters for all experience levels with some offering classes to younger enthusiasts.

Another popular way to access different parts of the lake is to hop onboard a Windermere Lake Cruise. Cruises can run from 45 minutes to three hours depending on where you wish to stop off. A Freedom of the Lake pass is a great, unrestricted way to casually spend the day on and around the lake. We recommend taking a hamper with you so you can enjoy one of the lake’s many of beautiful picnic spots.

Fishing, canoeing, swimming and waterskiing are also great ways to keep the whole family entertained whilst at Windermere. The lake boasts a plentiful supply of salmon, eel, sea trout, brown trout, pike, perch and arctic char; however you will need a licence to fish at the lake. Keep a look out for the Annual Cumbria Fishing Festival each May which is held throughout the National Park.

Keep the kids amused with some of our fun Lake District facts as you travel.

World of Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter is the only European attraction dedicated to this much loved British author. This is a fabulous place to connect with your favourite childhood friends, including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. There are plenty of things for kids to do within a number of charming settings, including exploring Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden, model painting and activity booklets.

After a long day, tired feet can then relax with a picnic basket in the cosy tearoom.

Steamboat Museum

This world-class heritage attraction is both family-friendly and historically important. The Steamboat Museum in Windermere, which was founded by George Pattinson in 1977, celebrates the area’s boating past over the centuries.

Special events, family activities and tours of the site can be enjoyed here all year round and the museum has used a large financial boost from the National Lottery in 2013 to build up its already impressive collection of vessels dating back to the thirteenth century.

Cinemas

If the weather lets you down or you fancy a relaxing day indoors during your stay, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep the kids busy around Windermere.

One way to put your feet up for a few hours is by visiting a top cinema or theatre in a nearby town. We recommend the Royalty Cinema and the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere for culture, comfort and all the latest box office hits.

Treetop Trek

Away from the Lake District’s world-class walking and cycling paths around the wild countryside lies a totally different outdoor adventure experience: Treetop Trek. There are 35 exhilarating treetop adventures to be had here, where visitors of all ages can swing, climb and balance through the Lake District’s ancient woodland areas and discover some unique views and British wildlife along the way.

Prices start from £12 for youngsters over the age of five and pre-bookings are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Windermere is a great choice for a family holiday

If you fancy stunning views, lots of water-based fun and a few charming attractions, Lake Windermere is the place for you and your family. A trip here will quickly show you why holidaymakers of all ages keep returning.

Browse our campsites in the Lake District to find the perfect park for your stay.