Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Rosthwaite Farm

"From diving ducks to piranha, the aquarium houses native aquatic wildlife and more exotic species. Another of the most popular Windermere attractions, there’s also gift shop and a choice of restaurants. Located on Lakeside Pier where the boat and steam train trips call in….things to do here >>"

"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."

"Families can explore the activity rooms inside the castle, where there’s plenty of space for creative play. With a natural playground in the grounds and a path to spacious grassy area on the lakeshore, its a great for the whole family whatever the weather."

"The famous Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire offers some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. The trail is 4.5 miles long (8 km) and leads you through ancient oak woodland and magnificent Yorkshire Dales scenery via a series of stunning waterfalls and geological features."

"Follow this 5-mile (8km) circular trail through a wooded glen to view one of the most impressive collections of waterfalls in Yorkshire, including the dramatic 46ft-high (14m) Thornton Force."

"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."

"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!)."

"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."

"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 >>"

"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."

"05/06/2021: Overall the adherence to Covid regulations was the best we’ve experienced anywhere - sanitiser & antibacterial wipes everywhere (e.g. could wipe down toilet seat before & after use). Only gave a 4 because daughter had to change baby on a seat on the stairway & staff were unpacking boxes whilst we were there. Staff were lovely & attentive - wishing me a happy birthday & making a fuss of baby."

"With a restaurant, gin bar and cafe, The Magic Roundabout offers up good pub grub in a quirky setting. You could eat all your meals here, too, as they serve up breakfast all through to dinner, including afternoon tea!. Then there are evening drinks at their well-stocked bar and excellent vegetarian food."

"An incredibly popular, well established family business, The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is known for its baked goods, which are made on site and served up to take away or enjoy in the cosy on site cafe. Scones, cakes and (of course!) apple pie are all on the menu, alongside locally roasted coffees, house blended hot chocolates, Farrer’s teas and a wide selection of cold drinks. For lunch, enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, pies and more."

"You absolutely must visit this little cafe while you’re in Ambleside. As the name suggests, apple pie is their speciality and they bake most items on site. We dived into The Apple Pie Cafe on an overcast day and enjoyed their famous vegan-friendly hot apple pie with an oat milk flat white by the fire."

"Located in the heart of Lake District, The Apple Pie is an independent, family run, cafe and bakery serving fresh and quality products everyday to regular visitors, passing tourists and loyal locals. Dog friendly in certain areas of the cafe. Email: info@applepieambleside.co.uk"

"The famous Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire offers some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. The trail is 4.5 miles long (8 km) and leads you through ancient oak woodland and magnificent Yorkshire Dales scenery via a series of stunning waterfalls and geological features."

"Follow this 5-mile (8km) circular trail through a wooded glen to view one of the most impressive collections of waterfalls in Yorkshire, including the dramatic 46ft-high (14m) Thornton Force."

"05/06/2021: Overall the adherence to Covid regulations was the best we’ve experienced anywhere - sanitiser & antibacterial wipes everywhere (e.g. could wipe down toilet seat before & after use). Only gave a 4 because daughter had to change baby on a seat on the stairway & staff were unpacking boxes whilst we were there. Staff were lovely & attentive - wishing me a happy birthday & making a fuss of baby."

"With a restaurant, gin bar and cafe, The Magic Roundabout offers up good pub grub in a quirky setting. You could eat all your meals here, too, as they serve up breakfast all through to dinner, including afternoon tea!. Then there are evening drinks at their well-stocked bar and excellent vegetarian food."