Go Ape
There’s thrills galore on a Go Ape adventure at one of two sites in the Lake District; Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest where you can fly down zip wires, leap off Tarzan swings and take on the challenges of some seriously high tree top crossings. For those wanting to stay closer to the ground, experience the Go Ape Forest Segway adventure, available at both locations.
Western Lake District
Visit beautiful St Bees Head heritage beach on the North West coast of Cumbria, start of the famous Wainwright ‘Coast to Coast’ walk, and explore the footpaths that follow the edge of cliffs, offering spectacular views of the region’s mountains and coastline.
West Cumbria is also home to England’s highest mountain Scafell, the Georgian towns of Whitehaven and Cockermouth and the Roman town of Maryport. The stunningly beautiful Eskdale and Ennerdale valleys are also worth visit and when you’re ready for a break, enjoy a train ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, one of the largest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La’all Ratty, meaning little railway.
Honister, located at the head of the Honister Pass, is the last working slate mine in England. It is also offers a range of thrilling indoor and outdoor experiences for a range of ages and abilities, such as Via Ferrata Classic adventure following the original miner’s route to the top of the mountain, or the Via Ferrata Xtreme, an adrenaline filled adventure high up the side and top of the mountain.
Or go deep underground on a fully guided tour of the mine, suitable for all ages and all weather conditions.
Whinlatter Forest, at Braithwaite, near Keswick, is a superb place for the whole family to enjoy some outdoor fun. It’s home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District, with the red-graded Altura trail and the blue Quercus trail. Younger ones can enjoy Whinlatter Wild Play, a fantastic 600m long trail with nine different play zones, or have a go at the new Gruffalo Spotter’s Trail. In fact, there’s great walking for all ages with miles of waymarked trails through beautiful forest.
Allonby Beach
Wear your little ones out with a day beach combing along the 5-mile stretch of sandy beach (at low tide). Spot the anglers and water sport enthusiasts and take in the views of the Solway Estuary, Lake District and Scottish Fells while your children hunt for seashore treasure.
If you’re looking for an action-packed day head to the Keswick Climbing Wall where you can book a range of activities including ghyll scrambling, canoeing, kayaking, archery, high ropes, zip wire, rock climbing and indoor climbing.
Situated next to Castlerigg Stone Circle, and just five minutes from Keswick town centre, Keswick Climbing Wall has something for all ages, whatever the weather.
Outdoor Swimming Pools
Cumbria has a choice of heated outdoor swimming pools that open for the summer season and are the perfect place for energetic children to burn off some energy. Pools include Greystoke Outdoor Pool , near Penrith, Lazonby Open Air Pool and Campsite , situated beside the River Eden, eight miles north east of Penrith, Shap Lido , England’s highest open air swimming pool and Askham Swimming Pools , also near Penrith.
The Lakeland Climbing Centre
Fancy taking on the tallest indoor climbing wall in the country? Or perhaps bouldering is more your style. The Lakeland Climbing Centre, in Kendal, offers these activities, along with Kendal CrazyClimb and the Skyline Indoor Aerial Adventure, Europe’s first indoor Via Ferrata. The centre caters for beginners and experienced climbers.
Lakes Activities
Check out the Activities in Lakeland website to find a host of exhilarating adventures for a fun-filled family day out. There are open sessions throughout July and August where you can canoe on Lake Windermere, rock climb in the South Lakes, ghyll scramble at Langdale, near Ambleside. Minimum age 8. Or opt for a session just for your family (min age 3) in abseiling, bushcraft, canoeing, climbing, ghyll scrambling and walking.
You won’t want to miss out on the ultimate horse riding experience across some of the most scenic terrain in the country with Cumbrian Heavy Horses, a family run firm that uses the magnificent Clydesdale, Shire and Ardennes breed of horses for riding.
Choose from farm rides, fell rides, beach rides and trails. Suitable for riders of varying abilities with steadier mounts for the more nervous and ‘forward going fluent’ steads for those who want to experience the thrill of riding a ‘real’ horse.
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