Family Days Out in the Lake District

The Lake District is the ideal place to relax, unwind and spend time with the family this Spring. Ambleside and Bowness are both perfect towns that offer beautiful scenery, with something for little ones and adults alike. 

By using our Stagecoach 2019 Summer Lakes Connection guide, you’ll be able to learn more about where to go and what to do in the Lake District this summer with a helpful bus guide included. With this guide, you’ll have no need for the car, as our bus services and routes can take you anywhere you need to be to have a great time in the lakes! 

Here are some of the great things you can get up to in Ambleside and Bowness…

Ambleside

Windermere Lake Cruise from Waterhead Pier

If your kids love exploring the great open water, then take them on a cruise across Windermere Lake. This is a popular tourist attraction for many, where you can see all of the boats, hotels, and cafes surrounding one of Cumbria’s most treasured lakes from the comfort of the boat.

Before you get on the boat, take the kids for an ice cream or help them feed the ducks. There are many stores selling their favourite foods – but watch out for the swans! 

Between Ambleside and Bowness, there are steamers and launchers sailing daily, so get your boat shoes on and take your kids on a boating adventure! To get there by bus, take the 505, 555 or 599 straight to Waterhead Pier. The 555 bus is great for kids who like to play on their tablets while travelling, with free WiFi and USB charging points 

Wray Castle

As a mock-Gothic castle that stands proud on the western shore of Lake Windermere, your kids can play  dungeons and dragons in this magnificent setting, or take a walking tour to really understand the gorgeous castle’s history.

Once you and the kids are tired, have a picnic outside in the sun on the benches, or grab a sandwich and some delicious cake from the Drawing Room. Take the 505, 555 or 599 bus to Waterhead Pier and get off on the western shore. 

Bowness

Lakeland Motor Museum

For the little car enthusiast in your family, take them to the Lakeland Motor Museum. They’ve got 30,000 exhibits tracing the evolution of cars, cycles, and motorbikes. If that wasn’t enough, you can purchase a joint ticket for both the museum and the lake cruise, so the kids certainly won’t get bored!

Your children can explore all the great cars from times gone by, and you never know, they might even inspire you to purchase a classic car in the future! Take bus number 6 from Bowness to the museum. 

The World of Beatrix Potter

Your children will love exploring all there is to see at The World of Beatrix Potter — you’ll need two hours if you want to see everything. Visit your favourite Beatrix Potter characters-see Jemima Puddle-Duck's woodland glade and go to Mr. Tod's underground home on the way round. To get some fresh air after your visit, you could explore Peter Rabbit’s garden and see the lettuce that Benjamin Bunny chewed on!

Don’t forget to use our Lakes Connection Guide if you want to get around this summer in the Lake District, you’re sure to have a great time with the kids no matter where you go in this beautiful part of the world. 

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