The Lake District National Park is both a beautiful and relaxing destination to visit while on vacation. A host of outdoor activities abound such as swimming, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and boating.
In addition, you will find fantastic bed and breakfasts, shopping, dining, and golfing. This article, however, is going to focus more on the attractions you will find when you take a trip to the Lake District.
The Lakes Aquarium
The Lakes Aquarium in Cumbria houses both saltwater and freshwater life from around the world. Exhibits include piranhas, pike, otters, seahorses, and diving ducks among many, many others.
The aquarium offers many children’s activities such as the Quiz Trail, the Underwater Tunnels, Daily Talks, and even the chance to feed the otters. You will also find the Virtual Diving Bell featuring computer generated underwater images across three spherical screens, each two meters in size.
Go Ape!
The Go Ape facility in Whinlatter Forest Park, Cumbria, is the largest of the facilities in the country. Rising 360 meters above sea level, it makes for a great outdoor adventure with its lush, green environment and absolutely stunning views. An approximately three hour adventure, Go Ape provides fun for your entire family with challenging crossings, high wires, and the exhilaration of flying through the trees on a zip-wire. Go Ape is a fantastic way to get your adrenaline going when you visit the Lake District.
The Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum
Grasmere is home to the cottage where England’s most famous poet, William Wordsworth, penned his most loved works. Have a guided tour of this wonderfully preserved home and view exhibits, manuscripts, portraits, and Wordsworth’s possessions. Don’t forget to stop by the tea room for refreshment and pick up something to take home in the gift shop.
The Brockhole Visitor’s Center
Brockhole is an experience in and of itself featuring something for the entire family. If you are feeling like a bit of sport, play a game of croquet or enjoy the 12 hole mini-golf course. Fly through the air on zip-wires and experience the aerial walkways of the Treetop Trek.
If you are of a more aquatic inclination, Brockhole has you covered as well. Receive open water swimming training with Triathlon coach Emma Brunning with introductory lessons, skill courses, one-on-one training, group courses, and video analysis. If you prefer boating, rentals are available for row boats, canoes, and kayaks at very reasonable rates for whatever time period you desire. Finally, if you have ever wanted to walk on water, the Brockhole gives you the opportunity with Water Walkerz. Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and experience the thrill of a walk across the lake’s surface.
If you have children, the Brockhole has activities designed specifically for them. Their indoor play area features a soft surface as well as a creativity area so that your little ones can have fun and be entertained, regardless of the weather. Children aged 5-14 can enjoy the outdoor play area, filled with slides, swings, rope walks, zip-wires, a wooden fort, and a miniature steam-engine boat for them to captain.
Finally, the Brockhole features Predator Park, introducing you to British wildlife. See birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians and learn all about their way of life. A fantastic experience for the animal lover in your family.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the Lake District has to offer, but they are four attractions you want to be sure you take in. Be sure and include them in your itinerary when you book your trip to the Lake District National Park today.
If you are heading to this beautiful area of England you should book one of the beautiful cottages to rent in the Lake District. The Owner’s Direct website has many for you to choose from.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Kismihok.