Things to do in the Lake District with kids
The Lake District’s scenic lakes and charming villages offer a magical family escape. If you’re staying at Haven’s Lakeland Leisure Park, explore these exciting activities.
The Lake District is a place like no other. Established as a National Park in 1951, it covers a huge area within Cumbria and was gleefully designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. The lakes are home to the highest mountain in England. Scafell Pike sits 978 metres above sea level and forms part of a dormant volcano. As the name suggests, it also plays host to the largest and deepest natural lakes in the country, namely Wast Water and Windermere. The entire area is an oasis of beauty that can perfectly navigated in whichever way suits you. Roads, walking and cycle paths each offer their own perspective on the spectacular surroundings, which are all just a short distance from us at Lakeland Leisure Park.
The Lake District’s scenic lakes and charming villages offer a magical family escape. If you’re staying at Haven’s Lakeland Leisure Park, explore these exciting activities.
The Lake District offers dog-friendly walks like Catbells and Scafell Pike, welcoming pubs such as The Kings Arms in Cartmel, and open spaces like Grizedale Forest and Fell Foot.
The Lake District's best tours include cruises on Windermere and Derwentwater, guided walks in Bowness and Ambleside, Romantic Poets itineraries to Dove Cottage, and bus tours covering ten lakes.
The Lake District boasts some of England's finest waterfalls, from the 65-foot Aira Force to Scale Force — the tallest in Lakeland at 170 feet. Haven Lakeland Leisure Park places you within easy reach of nine spectacular cascades.
The Lake District offers outstanding walks for every ability level, from the easy 1.5-mile Aira Force Waterfall stroll to the challenging ascent of Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, just a short drive from Lakeland Leisure Park.
Windermere and its surroundings offer a rich mix of activities, from cruising England's largest natural lake and visiting Beatrix Potter's Hill Top House, to water sports, heritage museums, and gentle walks with panoramic fell views.
Keswick offers eight outstanding walks for every fitness level, from the easy 1.5-mile Castlehead stroll to the challenging 7.5-mile Skiddaw ascent. Most routes reward walkers with sweeping views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
Keswick offers outdoor adventure, culture and history: cruise Derwentwater, hike Cat Bells, explore the 5,000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle, visit the Pencil Museum, and see shows at Theatre by the Lake.
Cumbria offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring Roman history at Birdoswald Fort and Hadrian's Wall to wildlife encounters, steam train rides, and charming villages like Grasmere. Lakeland Leisure Park provides an ideal base for it all.
Penrith packs in medieval castles, lakeside scenery and heritage: cruise Ullswater, explore Brougham and Penrith Castles, wander Lowther Castle's gardens, and visit the Rheged Centre.
The Lake District's 2026 events, near Haven's Lakeland Holiday Park, include the Lakeland Trails Ultra in July, Westmorland County Show in September, and Brockhole Halloween in October.
Cumbria's coast near the Lake District has 30 listed beaches, from Grange-over-Sands' saltmarsh promenade to Walney Island's dunes, Allonby's five miles and Ravenglass' historic estuary.
Five superb dog-friendly beaches lie just beyond the Lake District's borders along Cumbria's west coast. Silecroft, Roanhead, Seascale, St Bees, and Silloth all welcome dogs year-round, offering vast open sands and breathtaking scenery.
The Lake District's best places to visit include Bowness-on-Windermere, Keswick, Carlisle, Kendal and Grasmere, from England's largest lake to Wordsworth's beloved Dove Cottage.