Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Santon Bridge

"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."

"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."

"On the quayside at the southern end of Windermere, this excellent aquarium has wildlife and waterside exhibits. One highlight is an underwater…"

"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."

"Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building at Claife in the English county of Cumbria. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, but the house has only recently opened to the public on a regular basis."

"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."

"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."

"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 >>"

"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!)."

"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)."

"Two miles off the B5285 from Hawkshead, a winding country lane leads to this famously photogenic artificial lake, now owned by the National Trust. Trails wind their way around the lakeshore and surrounding woodland – keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the treetops."

"Hill Top Cottage – The 17th century Hill Top Cottagewas once home to the famous writer Beatrix Potter and is a time capsule of her life. The house and gardens, run by the National Trust, are open for you to explore and learn more about this fascinating women."

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

"A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Although Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago."

"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."

"Suitable for all ages and abilities, the climbing centre has over 40 top ropes, large bouldering area and a new… read more →"

"10/06/2021: My partner and I had a main meal, desert and coffee and everything was absolutely delicious, I'm not at all surprised there was a small queue outside!. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and even came outside to give us a rough idea of when we might get a table, we will definitely be visiting again 😊"

"After a long walk around Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Falls, we stopped off in Gandhi’s Cafe for a much-needed refuel. Mat had their Thali, which was a mouthwatering selection of small Indian dishes, and I had the creamy & delicious ‘George’s Korma’. They also have lighter bites like soups, sandwiches and salads."

"Lake Road, Keswick (10 min drive) — Art Gallery and cafe in Keswick, serving great lunches. One of The Independent’s top 50 coffee shops in the UK. Same family ownership as Derwentwater House."

"Lake Road, Keswick (15 min walk) — Art Gallery and cafe in Keswick, serving great lunches. One of The Independent’s top 50 coffee shops in the UK. Same family ownership as Bristowe Hill."

"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!)."

"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)."

"In the 17th-century solicitor's offices formerly used by Potter's husband, the Beatrix Potter Gallery displays a selection of the artist-writer…"

"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."

"Styled like an American Diner there is always a friendly welcome here and we love the food. Its American, Mexican, and tasty. Something a little different from your normal Lakeland fair."