Travelling overseas with all the family can be costly and timely, and it just requires bucket loads more preparation than holidaying with just adults. An obvious way to combat this is by staying closer to home; holidays don’t just have to mean taking off on aircraft.
One of the most naturally picturesque tourist destinations in the UK is the Lake District. Located in the northwest county of Cumbria, the National Park has been labelled a World Heritage Site since 2017. Despite the unpredictable British summertime climate, the park attracts millions of visitors every year and will continue to do so, thanks to its natural beauty, range of things to do for all, and cosy family feel.
Not to be forgotten, the Lake District can provide some of the most magical family memories. Here are the best destinations for summer family getaways in the English haven.
Windermere
Home to the largest natural lake in England, Windermere will provide a retreat of tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and charming villages. Offering the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for families and children of all ages, the year-round escape is the perfect backdrop for bonding.
Surrounded by rolling greenery and soft blue currents, the various family-friendly accommodations can include traditional campsites and cosy lodgings for when you need a warmer stay in the temperamental British weather. For all to marvel at the natural beauty of the region, enjoy the wide range of cruising options on Lake Windermere – from short sails to full-day meandering. These offer a relaxing way to also get close to British wildlife. For those needing to get more adrenaline out, head to Brockhole, which is an adventure space of playgrounds, tree-top trekking, and smaller boat hire amid pristine gardens. It’s also home to a nine-hole golf course ideal for golfing novices, as well as archery and laser clay shooting zones. For rainy days, Windermere is even home to an aquarium where you can learn all about local marine life and its significance.
Ullswater
Following on perfectly as this is the second largest lake in the county, Ullswater is a great choice for even more blends of adventure and family relaxation. Similar to Windermere, the area offers sublime natural landscapes, intertwined with cultural heritage and fun activities for the whole family. A classic activity here is taking a ride on one of the Ullswater Streamers for a scenic cruising experience on the calm currents of water. From a circular cruise around the lake to hop-on, hop-off formats to explore various areas at your own pace, this is an ideal way to see the natural beauty. Why not stop at one of the district’s most infamous waterfalls, Aira Force? It’s a short climb up to the top with some steps and only a few levels of uneven terrain, making it perfect for all ages. At the top, enjoy scenic views of the sixty-five-foot cascading waters, along with designated picnic spots for snacking altogether.
Ullswater is guaranteed to become a family favourite too, so for those year-after-year trips, consider the array of lake district lodges for sale for a staycation less ordinary. Sit out on your own balcony, overlooking the world-renowned natural park landscape, while the kids roam free in lodge parks and amenities.
Ambleside
The quintessential town of Ambleside sits at the northern end of Lake Windermere. Whether you’re a family of nature enthusiasts, history hunters, or outdoor adventurers, a summer getaway here is guaranteed to please. Enjoy the best of both worlds, with Lake Windermere’s array of offerings just on your doorstep and the quaint town features. For insight into local history and culture, the Armitt Museum and Library is a haven for immersive education. This museum also features some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations to lure in Peter Rabbit fans and a bucketload of history on the natural world, wildlife and geology.
For a unique photo opportunity, visit Bridge House. It’s a small, historic house that sits perched over a bridge and signifies how past architecture was built and how this is still standing today. Ambleside Waterhead offers stunning waterfront settings with a variety of family-friendly facilities on site, from play areas to independent cafés and shops for the older ones to enjoy too.
Keswick
Nestled in the heart of the National Park, lies the Keswick region. Another area home to a vast range of activities and attractions to suit family fun in the sun! Take another boat cruise of tranquility on Derwentwater, which is said to be one of the county’s most picturesque lakes. For a more hands-on experience, rowing and canoe boat hire is a great way to meander your own way through the waters. ‘The Puzzling Place’ is an interactive attraction ideal for when the British weather doesn’t ‘play ball’, featuring a plethora of indoor illusions and mind-altering puzzles.
If it’s a stay with the whole family in tow, from grandparents to babies, why not delve into Lake District large holiday cottages? There is a wide range of options, from secluded farmhouses to lakeside holiday homes. A cottage is fit to suit all and embraces an ornate way to sleep in the British countryside.
Derwentwater
In Keswick, the smaller-scale region of Derwentwater is a beautiful place for a range of activities and outdoor exploration. After you’ve hopped off a lake cruise, spend the evenings performance-watching at the lakeside theatre and amble around the picturesque village feel of the area. Ashness Bridge provides a panoramic surprise view from a stone-built bridge, so it is the perfect spot for those family shots for the mantlepiece back home!
Summary
The Lake District is the UK’s most loved national park, thanks to its portfolio of greenery intertwined with calmer waters. For a whole family adventure, you can’t go far wrong. The Lake District awaits.