Lake District Beasts and Where to Find Them

Predator Experience

Walking with Wolves – no not Werewolves, but an experience just as exhilarating! 

A journey that takes you through the beautiful Lake District landscape, alongside the wolf-hybrid duo, Maska and Kajika – voted BBC Countryfile’s No.1 best magic moment.

The predator experience is a magical, one-hour walk led by keen environmentalists Daniel and Dee Ashman.

You’ll start your experience by getting acquainted with your new companions, as the Wolves sniff, lick, and nuzzle your hand for the first time.

When they’re happy, they’ll move away after successfully adding you to their dictionary of scents, building trust and friendship.

Following your initiation, Maska and Kajika are then walked along to a nearby field (attached to a leash), where you’ll be able to observe their behaviour in a natural and safe environment.

A short walk to the Lake District’s very own forbidden forest and the magic really begins. The leashes are off, and so are the Wolves!

Watch them run wild through the pine forest at Graythwaite as they bound and play throughout the trees. An unforgettable experience perhaps only surpassed by the moment you first hear the wolves howl.

Envisage yourself stood in an empty forest, fractured sunlight breaking through the trees, and two wolves howling toward the sky. Your heart will begin to race at this moment, perhaps even more so knowing that the Wolves can hear it do so from a few metres away.

Such extraordinary, unforgettable moments are exactly what Dee and Daniel Ashman intended to create when they began their Walking with Wolves experience in 2013.

A truly unique and magical interaction with one of wildlife’s most misunderstood creatures.

Browse our Cartmel and Lyth Valley properties here.

Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre 

Ever wondered where Hedwig spends his summer holidays? Or where you might even find a Phoenix? Visit the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre in Penrith to find out!

The residents of the centre are always waiting to welcome you with open wings. So, head over to the beautiful walled garden and meet the Hawks, Falcons, Eagles and Owls from all over the world.

This is sure to be a magical day out! You’ll witness all these species take flight in a two-hour flying display, taking place daily from 2 to 4 pm.

And, if you’re brave enough, you can even have a turn at flying a bird of prey yourself! Getting up close with some razor-sharp talons and beaks is an experience you won’t ever forget. But don’t worry, you’ll have all the equipment and clothing you need to keep you safe!

There is however much more to the Lakeland Bird of prey centre than a simple exhibition of these wondrous birds.

The Lowther based centre has conservation at its heart. Education, research, and rehabilitation of injured birds continue to be at its foundation. By working with other centres and conservation programmes across the world, these birds of prey stay protected and can be admired for many years into the future.

After an exciting day flying, photographic and learning all about the birds, you can sit back and relax in the tearoom. Cosy up in front of the log fire and enjoy some home-made cakes and fresh coffee.

Finish your day with a browse in the gift shop for a range of gifts to suit all pockets. So, you won’t have to splash out too many galleons when sending a postcard home – with the help of the owls of course!

Take a look at our self-catering properties in Keswick and the Northern Lake District.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis 

Experience the North West favourite little zoo!?

Enjoy a day amongst the unique and exotic wildlife who call Lakeland Wildlife Oasis home. Immerse yourself in some interactive, hands-on displays, and make some magical memories.

An experience fun for all the family, no matter what the weather throws at you on your trip to the Lakes!

On those finer days, head to the outdoor exhibitions to see snow leopards, meerkats and fossa. Grab an ice cream and catch some rays alongside the lemurs and mischievous monkeys who love to soak up the sun!

On wetter days, the tropical hall and aquarium is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. It’s safe to say you’ll be getting very close to nature; finding frogs and stroking snakes!

You certainly won’t miss the leafcutter ant colony along the suspended rope walkway overhead. It’s quite a sight to see! Keep your wits about you and make sure you keep an eye out above – birds, bats and butterflies will be swooping throughout the lush tropical hall.

After a fun-filled day, take a moment to learn about the international breeding programmes at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis. Get an insight into how the centre conserves some of the worlds most threatened species, learning more about these amazing animals along the way.

You’re welcome to get involved in future projects at the Oasis and contribute to conservation. Just ask one of the friendly team members to find out more.

Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a cuddly companion from the gift shop before you leave, a memento to remember your day at the Lakeland wildlife oasis!

We have a variety of beautiful cottages located in central Lakeland, take a look here.

 Alpacally Ever After

It can be a challenge to track down the Phoenix, Unicorn and Thestral that live here in the Lake District; however, we do know for sure where we can find another species of fascinating creatures.

Meet the wonderful Alpacas of Alpacally Ever After!

Take a guided alpaca walk through the private grounds of the Lingholm Estate – Keswick, where another favourite author of ours, Beatrix Potter, spent many of her summer holidays.

You’ll get to know your alpacas close up as you take them for a paddle (or swim) on the shores of Derwentwater, before meeting the whole herd to take part in feeding time. You’ll get to meet over 80 fluffy residents, all with their own unique style and personality.

Alternatively, for those of you who love adventure, you have the opportunity to take part in a Llama trek! Grab your Lakelovers Buff for the journey and travel through one of the most captivating and picturesque valleys in the national park, the Newlands Valley. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the World Heritage Site as you hike beside your new furry friends between the summits of Catbells and Maiden moor, taking in the views as you look down over Derwentwater.

Voted TripAdvisor’s number one activity to do in the Lake District, you’d be bonkers to miss out. So, now you know where to find these fantastic beasts, you can book your place and live Alpacally ever after…

If you’re an animal lover and you couldn’t imagine leaving your own four-legged friend at home while you holiday in the Lake District, you can view all our dog-friendly properties here.