Things to do in Lakeside

Sitting at the foot of Lake Windermere, there’s a wealth of things to do in Lakeside.

Whether you’re looking for fun-filled outdoor adventures or peaceful countryside walks, there’s something for everyone.

The quaint village of Lakeside is a hidden gem in the crown of the Lake District National Park. Decorated in stone-built cottages, rural greenery, and stunning waterfront scenery, Lakeside exudes traditional Cumbrian character.

Read through our specially selected list of the best things to do in Lakeside below…

Lakes Aquarium

Curious about what lies beneath the surface? Visit the Lakes Aquarium.

Mother and son watching marine life in a tunnel at an aquarium

Overlooking the Southern shores of Lake Windermere rests the award-winning Lakes Aquarium. Home to a beautiful collection of local and international wildlife, the Lakes Aquarium is arguably one of the best activities in Lakeside.

Take a stroll through the underwater tunnel and marvel at the fascinating marine life on display. Come face-to-face with piranhas, Asian short-clawed otters and even diving ducks.

You can also find a wide variety of marine life native to Morecambe Bay, such as rays, starfish and British sharks. If you’re up for an exploration, delve deep into the rock pools at the Seashore, or inspect the colourful coral reef tanks.

The 1872 cafe and gift shop means that you can really make a day of it. Stop for a bite to eat before heading home with a keepsake in hand.

The current admission prices for this Lakeside attraction are as follows:

Adult: £8.95
Senior: £7.95
Child (3-15 years): £6.50
Family (2 adults & 2 children): £23.95

Discounted rates are available for carers and visitors with disabilities. Learn more here.

Please Note: Further discounts can be acquired by booking advanced tickets.

Catch the ferry from Lakeside Pier

Rainbow above a passenger ferry on Lake Windermere

Explore more of the Lake District National Park and travel to Ambleside, Brockhole or Bowness aboard a Windermere Lake Cruise. Here you can experience the spectacular Lake District mountain scenery from a different perspective.

There’s combined bus and boat tickets, providing unlimited bus travel and a half-lake cruise. Choose between the Central Lakes Zone or the Explorer Zone.

For something a little different, you can climb aboard an evening cruiser. Journey across the glistening waters of Lake Windermere and catch the sun as it sets across the Lakeland fells.

Check out the scheduled sailing timetable here.

For a more intimate affair, there’s also self-drive boats available to hire. Spend an hour or two aboard an electric motorboat or a traditional wooden rowing boat. The waters of Windermere are yours to discover at your own leisure.

Fell Foot Park

A colourful wildflower meadow

The National Trust’s Fell Foot Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy many family-friendly outdoor activities.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, you can try your hand at a wealth of watersports, including canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting. There’s even hot showers, lockers and changing facilities to help freshen up.

Follow the circular loop through the south meadow, decorated in colourful wildflowers throughout the Summer months. Test your map-reading skills with an afternoon of orienteering, or let the little ones burn off some steam at the play area.

The grassy parkland makes a lovely setting to indulge in a picnic, and there’s an ice cream parlour for an afternoon treat!

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

A heritage steam train leaving Lakeside Railway Station

Catch a steam-hauled heritage train from Lakeside Railway Station and journey through the picturesque countryside to Haverthwaite.

This 3.2-mile line showcases the very best of rural Lake District and offers adventurers a different way to explore. Be whisked away into a world of nostalgia and the charming greenery of the Leven Valley.

The steam trains run daily between the beginning of April and the end of October. There’s a quaint tearoom situated within Haverthwaite Station to warm up with a cup of coffee or a hearty meal in the colder months.

Families and four-legged friends are welcome, with a family ticket costing £30.00.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill

External View of Stott Park Bobbin Mill in Lakeside

The only working Bobbin Mill left in the Lake District, a visit to Stott Park is amongst one of the best things to do in Lakeside!

Established in 1835, Stott Park has been an essential part of the region’s economic history. Over the years, the mill has produced millions of wooden bobbins for Lancashire’s spinning and weaving industries.

The interactive exhibitions takes visitors through a journey of working life at the Bobbin Mill. Follow the production process from tree to bobbin, or listen to a demonstration of the historic belt-driven machinery. Little ones can even get dressed up and fully immerse themselves in working life at the mill.

In addition to the fascinating exhibition, there’s a collection of handy facilities on-site. Visit the gift shop and take a bobbin home, or refuel with a light snack from the cafe. Feel free to pack a picnic and take advantage of the outdoor seating areas available!

Aveda’s Destination Spa

A couple lying in a spa getting back massages

Escape the outdoor pursuits of the Lake District with an indulgent retreat to the Aveda’s Destination Spa. Idyllically positioned on the banks of Lake Windermere, the picturesque setting makes this Lakeside attraction a top pick.

Take a dip in the 17m indoor pool before retreating outdoors to gather around the firepit with a refreshment in hand. For an extra treat, choose from a range of Aveda treatments, sure to leave both your mind and body refreshed and revitalized.

The well-maintained spa garden leads directly to the shores of Lake Windermere, where you can really take in the tranquility of this wonderful location.

Watersports on Lake Windermere

A boy standing up on a paddleboard on the water

Home to 16 glistening lakes, watersports opportunities are available in abundance in the Lake District. Try your hand at something new and make a splash with Stoked Watersports.

There’s a variety of activities to choose from, including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and rowing. Safety equipment and instructions are provided, and there’s an on-site cafe for those who would prefer to stay on dry land.

Whether you’re an experienced watersport junkie or an absolute beginner, this Lakeside attraction is a must on any visit to the Lakes!

With so much to choose from, you wont be short on things to do in Lakeside. Browse our wonderful range of Lakeside cottages and secure your base today!

For more to see and do further afield, our Lake District cottages are sure to put you right in the heart of the action! And for a spot of inspiration, why not give our guide on the top 3 beaches in the Lake District a read?

Images courtesy of: Kate Jewell – (CC BY-SA 2.0)