Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Dean

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Kat's Kitchen is a delightful vegan cafe, serving homemade meals, including English breakfast and sandwiches with a wonderful selection of gluten free cakes on offer. It offers plant milk options too for hot drinks and milkshakes whilst also keeping dairy milk as an option. Offering brunch and lunch all year around, the kitchen offers early dinner during the busier months and introduced afternoon tea in 2020."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Owned by the Kennedy family since 1984, Lindeth Fell is a stunning Edwardian home with traditional touches such as parquet flooring, traditional sofas and pastoral artwork. Guests are welcomed with home-made scones and tea, and the friendly service from staff continues through your stay. The 14 bedrooms are all extremely spacious, with ensuite bathrooms and tasteful decor."

"Overlooking Lake Windermere, Lindeth Fell offers impressive views and free parking, just 5 minutes from Windermere Ferry Crossing. It offers colourful flower gardens, elegant rooms and tea and scones on arrival. An extensive breakfast menu is served in the bright dining room overlooking 7 acres of beautiful gardens and the stunning Coniston mountain range."

"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."

"During lockdown, The Square Orange underwent a refurbishment and despite social distancing measures in place it hasn't lost its heart and soul. The “Squorange" is an unexpected gem found nestled in the heart of Keswick. With a full bar of guest wines from family run vineyards, local microbreweries alongside Belgian and German beers, it also has coffee blends from Cumbrian roasteries as well as flavours sourced from further afield such as from India and South America."

"This lively cafe-bar seems to have become everyone's favourite hangout in Keswick – thanks no doubt to its superb thin-based pizzas, excellent wine and craft beer selection and a regular programme of live gigs.... Top ChoiceCafe in Keswick"

"Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic evening for two, a night out with friends or a family affair, this Keswick restaurant is the perfect spot. Located within a popular hotel, Inn on the Square boasts an AA Rosette-award-winning steakhouse, as well as two quirky bars. The Brossen Steakhouse is one of the best places to eat in Keswick, offering delectable meat including oak-smoked rump, juicy ribeye, and tender fillets – all accompanied by a yummy choice of over 15 sides and around 50 wine pairings."

"Located in the centre of Keswick the inn on the Square has various options for you. The bar overlooking Keswick main street serving fantastic coffee and scones for a little snack or there is also a full bar menu that’s worth sampling. For the evening, the steak restaurant is exceptional we took Dave for Father’s Day and he keeps asking when he can go back, bless him – definitely worth a visit if you like your steaks."

"The White Lion Hotel on Market Place includes a cosy bar with welcoming staff. Outside is a wonderful patio with lots of seating, parasols to shade from the sun, and even heaters when the days and nights are a little chillier. Their extensive menu of pub grub leaves you spoiled for choice."

"Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria Tel: 015394 31077 The Log House is a historic Norwegian house in the heart of the Lake District, offering superb bedrooms and outstanding food."

"Merienda has cafes and restaurants in both Keswick and Cockermouth. The food is best described as international café fare, using seasonal ingredients drawing influences from around the world. It aims to have a simple but eclectic evening menu and offers a great selection of wine and beer."