Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Clappersgate

"The Lakes Aquarium on the southern shore of Windermere is ‘home to hundreds of amazing creatures, showcasing wildlife from the Lake District as well as more exotic species from around the world’. Children can access a quiz as they explore and there are a variety of different attractions such as tanks at different levels, a tunnel to walk ‘under the lake’ and our personal favourite, the leaf cutter ants…here you were able to watch a colony of ants in action as they transported food and leaves from one end of their tank to the other. The aquarium (like with many aquariums) can be a quick visit if you have a small person who tears from exhibition to exhibition but you can easily keep wandering back too."

"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!"

"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."

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"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."

"Situated on the opposite shore of Lake Windermere to Lakeside Station, Fell-Foot National Trust park offers breath-taking views of Lake Windermere and the fells at the north end of the lake. During the summer season a ferry carries foot-passengers from Lakeside over to Fell-Foot where you can enjoy an ice-cream or picnic on the sweeping Victorian lawns while watching the boats and soaking in the atmosphere. Rowing boat hire is available, as well as an adventure playground for children."

"Fell Foot Park is situated on the south shores of Lake Windermere just off the A592 and in the care of The National Trust. The Victorian park is open daily with its eighteen [18] acre grounds that have been restored to its former glory in which you will see in spring and early summer displays of daffodils and rhododendrons. The park in winter is open with limited facilities."

"This Victorian park, restored to its former glory, offers substantial access to the lakeshore, where there are leisure facilities. Fine picnic areas, a cafe and rowing boat and kayak hire make it an ideal day out for families."

"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)."

"Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. Browse round the shop and treat yourself to something tasty in the café. The extensive gardens are a delight whatever time you choose to visit."

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

"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."

"The former regional agent for the National Trust, Cubby Acland, landscaped this picture perfect eight-acre garden by the lakefront on Waterhead’s south side. The lower part of the Jenkin Crag walk will lead you into this space. Half of the garden is cultivated, with magnolias, camellias, azaleas, embothriums, shrubs and rhododendrons, which do well in the Lake District’s acidic soils."

"This quirky bar with a trendy interior serves Pacific-style street food in a bustling atmosphere, giving you an experience that’s unlike any other pub in Windermere. Along with regular live music evenings, they do cocktail making classes, yoga disco and private pod karaoke – this is probably the most energetic Windermere pub!. We love their Sunday lunch menu, and recommend the Flamed Pork Belly."

"Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music"

"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"

"23/05/2021: This tiny little shop does a very impressive range of sandwiches and snacks. Brown or white, baguette or roll, a good variety of fillings and extras. All freshly made to order."

"This quirky bar with a trendy interior serves Pacific-style street food in a bustling atmosphere, giving you an experience that’s unlike any other pub in Windermere. Along with regular live music evenings, they do cocktail making classes, yoga disco and private pod karaoke – this is probably the most energetic Windermere pub!. We love their Sunday lunch menu, and recommend the Flamed Pork Belly."

"Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music"