Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Blea Tarn

"The Lakes Aquarium is situated next to our terminus at Lakeside Station, and boasts a huge collection of fish as well as other creatures great and small from rain forests around the world, including amphibians, reptiles, frogs, toads, chameleons, boa constrictors and cheeky Marmosets. The huge ‘Morecambe Bay’ marine tank brings you so close to Cod, Rays and British Sharks that you could actually reach out and touch them. From the underwater tunnel, you can see the incredible diving ducks and be stunned by the huge carp, sterlet and perch swimming right past your head!"

"Not too far from the Motor Museum, you’ll find the Lakes Aquarium, which showcases all of the marine life that populates the area’s lakes, as well as nearby Morecambe Bay. As well as local creatures such as pike, arctic charr and thornback rays, you’ll see species from all over the world too, such as clownfish and piranha, as well as a selection of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, such as otters and frogs. One of the highlights is the underwater tunnel section, which allows you to feel as though you’re exploring the depths of Lake Windermere."

"An impressive sight with its turrets and battlements, this mock-Gothic castle was built in 1840 for James Dawson, a retired doctor from Liverpool, but it has been owned by the National Trust since 1929. Though the interior is largely empty, the lakeside grounds are glorious. It was once used as a holiday home by Beatrix Potter's family. The best way to arrive is by boat from Bowness; there's limited parking and preference is given to non-driving visitors on busy days."

"This proper fairytale castle only recently opened its doors to the public and is operated by the National Trust. The neo-gothic castle has numerous towers and turrets to explore and various exhibitions to check out along the way. For example, kids can dress up in period costumes, build their own castle and explore the new Peter Rabbit adventure rooms, as well as an excellent outdoor play area too."

"White Cross Bay is less than 5 minutes by car to Brockhole, where you can catch a boat to the other side of Lake Windermere to visit Wray Castle. On the way out you have to go to Ambleside first, get off the boat for 20 mins, re-board, and then set off for Wray Castle but on the trip back you go straight across to Brockhole. The Woodland Nature Play Trail at Wray Castle is great."

"This park, operated by the National Trust, is located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and is the perfect place to relax with the family on a sunny day. Whether you just want to relax by the lake with a picnic or go for a paddle, or maybe even try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking, there’s loads to do, including a playground for the kids, all with the incredible mountain views in the distance."

"Things to do in this Windermere lake shore park include picnics, paddling, duck feeding and rowing boat hire. There is National Trust gift shop and tea room. Fell Foot is on the Windermere Lake Cruises route and connects to Lakeside Pier for other top Windermere attractions.….things to do here >>"

"Fell Foot Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and is managed by the National Trust. It’s a great spot for families to play, explore and relax. The sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks."

"In collaboration with Cumbria Tourism, we had been lucky enough to be provided with tickets for some activities at Brockhole. Located a few miles from Bowness and on the way to Ambleside, Brockhole is an absolute gem of a day out for families. There is a real mix of activities on offer for all ages and although you have to pay for parking, there are lots of activities that are free to take part in (although you will be tempted by the abundance of activities on offer that you do need to pay for so be prepared!)."

"The Brockhole visitors centre is located between Windermere and Ambleside on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. Set in exquisite grounds and gardens, Brockhole has plenty of activities this summer for young and old alike. Enjoy boat hire, rafting, pony rides, archery, orienteering or brave the cave (for kids over 5)."

"Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, shop, tea rooms….see all things to do here >>"

"The poet William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 at this handsome Georgian house at the end of Main St. Built around 1745, the house has been meticulously restored based on accounts from the Wordsworth archive: the kitchen, drawing room, study and bedrooms all look much as they would have to a young William. Costumed guides wander around the house for added period authenticity. Outside, the walled kitchen garden was mentioned in Wordsworth's autobiographical epic The Prelude."

"Cockermouth was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose childhood home was this 18th-century town house, carefully…"

"Sitting above Stock Beck next to Rydal Road, Bridge House may be the whole region’s most photographed landmark. Like all of Ambleside this adorable, narrow dwelling is constructed from local slate and has been owned by the National Trust for nearly a century after it was bought and donated by a group of local residents. The Bridge House dates from the 17th century, when it was used as an orchard storehouse, and has since been a mill counting house, chair-maker’s workshop, cobbler’s shop, tearoom and a family home packed with as many as eight people."

"Metres from Windermere’s northern shore is an archaeological site for the Roman fort of Galava, founded towards the end of the 1st century. This stronghold defended the intersection of three Roman roads, heading off to Ravenglass and Carlisle on Hadrian’s Wall to the north, and Papcastle to the west. The remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century, when it appears that the fort was demolished and reconstructed."

"On the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was the cherished home of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the noted Victorian artist, writer,…"

"Cragwood Country House Hotel lies on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park.With acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel offers free on-site parking and Wi-Fi. There is a flat-screen TV, telephone and tea and coffee facilities in all guest rooms at Cragwood Country House Hotel. In addition to breakfast, Cragwood Country House Hotel offers an extensive restaurant menu showcasing regional produce such as Cumberland sausage, locally caught trout and Cumbrian cheeses and chutneys."

"Approaching Cragwood via a private drive feels very lavish, and the luxury continues inside with the hotel’s original country-house features, including wood panelling and ornate fireplaces. Staff are a highlight here, and their willingness to make sure you have a truly special stay is unrivalled. With more than 60 gins to choose from in the bar and a vast whiskey menu, ask for a recommendation, and relax in style."

"Cragwood Country House Hotel offers a comfortable stay in a unique, lovely setting. It sits right on the shores of Lake Windermere, presenting incredible views and a relaxing environment with its plentiful landscaped gardens. The center of Windermere is a five-minute drive from the hotel."

"5 St. Johns Street, Keswick CA12 5AP EnglandIndian, AsianDinnerTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service+44 17687 72222http://www.sultanofkeswick.co.uk"

"Cafe RIVA St. St. Martins Square, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3EF EnglandItalian, Pizza, GrillLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightTakeout, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credi[email protected]+44 15394 23232http://www.cafferiva.co.uk"

"19/05/2021: Visited here very impromptly having smelt the pizzas from outside!. Small cosy place, tables spaced out as well as they can during Covid. Would recommend Margarita Pizza and Cheesy Garlic Bread."