Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Croasdale

"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."

"Brockhole is the official visitor centre of the Lake District, located on the shores of Lake Windermere. While it’s a great place to relax by England’s biggest lake, there’s also plenty to see and do during a visit to Brockhole, whether it’s simply walking through the meadows and woodland or having a go at the Treetop Trek course or even hiring a canoe to adventure onto Lake Windermere. As you can see, there’s so much to see and do for the whole family in the South Lakes area, so why not stop by for a few nights at Holgates holiday cottages here in Silverdale?"

"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!)."

"Enjoy the famous adventure playground, paddle in the lake, and explore the fabulous Mawson designed gardens with good pushchair and wheelchair access. Hire a boat on the lake, with motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddle boards for hire. Challenge yourself with archery, laser clay or inside caving."

"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…"

"Two miles south of Hawkshead, in the tiny village of Near Sawrey, this idyllic farmhouse was purchased in 1905 by Beatrix Potter and was used as inspiration for many of her tales: the house features directly in Samuel Whiskers, Tom Kitten, Pigling Bland and Jemima Puddle-Duck, among others, and you might recognise the kitchen garden from Peter Rabbit. Entry is by timed ticket in order to manage demand, but you can't prebook, and it's very popular, so prepare to queue."

"Children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), most famous for her Peter Rabbit stories, called this place home. The…"

"The Lake District National Park is famous for being home to the Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth. It is said to have provided inspiration for a lot of his poetry – looking around, it’s easy to see why. The entire landscape is peppered with perfect cottages, fields full of daffodils, rolling mountains, and dazzling lakes. The panoramas in The Lake District National Park will leave you hankering for more."

"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

"The car park in Waterhead can be the starting point for a picturesque two-hour walk in the ancient woodland above Ambleside, cresting at Jenkin Crag, a great vantage point above Windermere. Nearly all of the path is in thick woodland, and there are steps to make the going lighter on wet days. One of the loveliest sections guides you along the Ambleside Champion Tree Trail, which has England’s tallest grand fir."

"Our hotel is perfectly situated with views of Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the bustling village centre of Bowness-on-Windermere and the boats that travel the length of Windermere, making it easy to visit Ambleside, Brockhole, Wray Castle and Lakeside without a car. The Lakes Hotel & Spawas previously called the Burnside Hotel & Spa. The hotel has some of the best on-site facilities in the area, half of the rooms with hot tubs on private balconies, an on-site spa with poolside seating and a bar, stylish restaurant and cocktail bar, bike hire, wakesurfing and paddleboading."

"It is located right on the shores of Windermere, offering a range of activities. The traditional restaurant allows guests to eat any time of day while admiring views of the lake. There is a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and full fitness studio."

"Afternoon Tea at Low Wood Bay is a quintessentially traditional experience. Served within the delightful surrounds of either The Windermere Restaurant or Buckley room."

"Landscaped gardens, a spa center, and comfortable rooms are part of what makes up the Beech Hill Hotel & Spa. The spa on site here has a heated indoor pool, a sauna, steam room, and an outdoor pool. The hotel restaurant contributes to the feel of luxury and convenience."

"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."