Number one on your itinerary when planning your perfect Lake District family day out is keeping everyone happy.
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You can be at an award-winning bistro, or newly-opened kids activity centre. But if you don\u2019t plan for all eventualities \u2013 no cashpoints, limited mobile reception, seasonal shop opening times \u2013 your dream day out in the Lakes can end up a flop.<\/p>\n
The reality is when it comes to the day of your trip your fun-seeking family may consist of a teething baby, too-excited-to-nap toddler, hungry parents and over-jolly grandparents.<\/p>\n
Planning a trip to suit all can be a daunting task, but as long as you remember \u2013 plan, plan, plan! Then you\u2019ll be heading home with a happy clan after your perfect family day out in the stunning Lake District.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nEntertainment \u2013 The World of Beatrix Potter & Windermere Lake Cruise <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\nFind out what happened to Peter\u2019s coat and slippers in The Peter Rabbit\u2122 Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter. <\/strong><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/1e2f91e3956d1b75b4483ea282b68087.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nPhotograph: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction \u2013 www.hop-skip-jump.com<\/strong><\/p>\nWhilst the stunning Lake District National Park with over 3,000km of open access parkland is perfect for wearing your kids out, let their imaginations run wild too at the fun World of Beatrix Potter\u2122,<\/a> in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere.<\/p>\nLittle eyes will be wide with wonder as you make your way through the indoor magical animal-character theme park.<\/p>\n
3D displays bring to life scenes from the adored Beatrix Potter stories. With atmospheric sounds, lighting and smells sure to delight.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there was something else \u2013 a door! Straight into the hill; and inside someone was singing. . .\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nWhich prickly character do you think is hiding behind the little door?<\/p>\n
Have a look at the website World of Beatrix Potter\u2122,<\/a> for ticket information and print this fun kids activity sheet<\/a> to read on your journey to the Lakes.<\/p>\nThe attraction brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit stories. It features interactive characters and activities, all at toddler eye-level to usher kids, from babies to children, along.<\/p>\n
The magical stories are brought to life in the adjoining award-winning Peter Rabbit\u2122 Garden, which won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014.<\/p>\n
So you don\u2019t miss anything we\u2019d recommend leaving buggies behind during the busy Summer season. Use baby carriers if you can, leaving toddlers free to join in.<\/p>\n
The attraction is superbly executed, and will be fun for all ages.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re Peter Rabbit fans or have not yet read the children\u2019s stories, this magical attraction will likely get you and your kids hooked on the vivid imagination of Miss Potter!<\/p>\n
The theme park is big enough to keep little people entertained for a couple of hours. By which time your little darlings \u2013 and grown-ups for that matter \u2013 will be ready for a pit stop!<\/p>\n
A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is \u00a318.50 and we\u2019d recommend arriving early (opens 10am) to make the award-winning family friendly caf\u00e9 before they get too busy, especially at weekends.<\/p>\n
Lunch ideas for the family <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\nThe tearooms are a relaxing treat for grown-ups as well as kids; local, home-grown and seasonal soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones. Various dietary needs, including gluten-free, are catered for.<\/p>\n
High chairs, baby food heating facilities and baby change facilities are all available. This the perfect start to your great special family day out in the Lake District.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, make your own Mr. McGregor picnic to have alfresco at one of the many great picnic spots along the shore of Windermere.<\/p>\n
For foodie parents, try Franchine\u2019s<\/a> brasserie\u2013style restaurant and coffee house, which serves a fabulously fresh, healthy menu and is children-friendly.<\/p>\nBased in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere, this kids\u2019 attraction is extremely accessible and perfect for heading to many other popular Lake District family activities that are close by, including cruising around England\u2019s largest lake!<\/p>\n
So, let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n
Windermere Lake Cruises <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Photograph: Windermere Lakes Cruises \u2013 www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk\/<\/strong><\/p>\nLakelovers were not surprised our spectacular Lake Windermere was voted second favorite view in the UK. (In a poll by DigitalOutdoors in 2014).<\/p>\n
And what better way to discover the splendid mountain scenery? To explore secluded bays, the wooded islands and England\u2019s largest lake than from onboard one of the Lake District\u2019s iconic steamers?<\/p>\n
It is only a half mile of easy, toddler-friendly walking from the magic of Beatrix Potter. Wander past the boutique shops of Bowness-on-Windermere. Walk along the lake shore, past the bustling Pier, where you\u2019ll get a real holiday feeling, and arrive at Windermere Lake Cruises.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re driving, Braithwaite Fold is a long stay car park, and remember to show your ticket at Lake Cruises for partial refund.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a Visitor Centre nearby for emergency toilet and snack stops!<\/p>\n
The cruise is a year-round Lake District activity, with each season offering a different experience. Opening views as leaves fall, colours and atmosphere change from blossomed hillsides of Summer to mesmerising reflections and snow-capped peaks in the Winter months.<\/p>\n
Although the steamers are equipped for all weather, open top and fully covered vessels, to get the best value from your trip, ideally you want to avoid wet months. Though also be aware Summer months can be busy and don\u2019t forget to pack suntan lotion!<\/p>\n
For young families in particular, we\u2019d recommend the 45 minute circular \u2018Island Cruise\u2019,<\/a> other cruise times varying from 70 to 90 minutes. Under 5\u2019s travel free and the family ticket, for two adults and three children are \u00a320; great value for seeing homes of the rich, including Beatrix Potter.<\/p>\nKids will love watching the \u2018Master of the Ship\u2019 guide passengers across the sometimes choppy waters. This fun short cruise runs from late morning all day with the last departure at 16.45.<\/p>\n
\u201cBring some binoculars with you (for you or the kids). They\u2019re great for watching the lakeshore wildlife and places of interest mentioned in the on board commentary,\u201d thanks for the helpful tip Windermere Lake Cruises!<\/p>\n
Cramming too much into a day out with the family is definitely a big no-no, so why not finish your special day with a \u2018journey home treat\u2019 for the kids from expert toy shop Toys and Hobbies<\/a> on Lake Road.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s not hard to see why families return time and again to the magic of the Lake District. Welcome endless adventure, in peaceful and inspiring surroundings.<\/p>\n
What creatures did you spot during your day? Please send in pictures and we\u2019ll post them on our Facebook page.<\/p>\n
Parents, if you\u2019ve got any tips or advice for other Lakelovers, please leave comments below and we will add.<\/p>\n
Want to hear more? Sign up to our Family Friendly Newsletter:<\/h3>\n
Find out what happened to Peter\u2019s coat and slippers in The Peter Rabbit\u2122 Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter. <\/strong><\/p>\n Photograph: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction \u2013 www.hop-skip-jump.com<\/strong><\/p>\n Whilst the stunning Lake District National Park with over 3,000km of open access parkland is perfect for wearing your kids out, let their imaginations run wild too at the fun World of Beatrix Potter\u2122,<\/a> in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere.<\/p>\n Little eyes will be wide with wonder as you make your way through the indoor magical animal-character theme park.<\/p>\n 3D displays bring to life scenes from the adored Beatrix Potter stories. With atmospheric sounds, lighting and smells sure to delight.<\/p>\n \u201cBut there was something else \u2013 a door! Straight into the hill; and inside someone was singing. . .\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Which prickly character do you think is hiding behind the little door?<\/p>\n Have a look at the website World of Beatrix Potter\u2122,<\/a> for ticket information and print this fun kids activity sheet<\/a> to read on your journey to the Lakes.<\/p>\n The attraction brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit stories. It features interactive characters and activities, all at toddler eye-level to usher kids, from babies to children, along.<\/p>\n The magical stories are brought to life in the adjoining award-winning Peter Rabbit\u2122 Garden, which won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014.<\/p>\n So you don\u2019t miss anything we\u2019d recommend leaving buggies behind during the busy Summer season. Use baby carriers if you can, leaving toddlers free to join in.<\/p>\n The attraction is superbly executed, and will be fun for all ages.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re Peter Rabbit fans or have not yet read the children\u2019s stories, this magical attraction will likely get you and your kids hooked on the vivid imagination of Miss Potter!<\/p>\n The theme park is big enough to keep little people entertained for a couple of hours. By which time your little darlings \u2013 and grown-ups for that matter \u2013 will be ready for a pit stop!<\/p>\n A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is \u00a318.50 and we\u2019d recommend arriving early (opens 10am) to make the award-winning family friendly caf\u00e9 before they get too busy, especially at weekends.<\/p>\n The tearooms are a relaxing treat for grown-ups as well as kids; local, home-grown and seasonal soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones. Various dietary needs, including gluten-free, are catered for.<\/p>\n High chairs, baby food heating facilities and baby change facilities are all available. This the perfect start to your great special family day out in the Lake District.<\/p>\n Alternatively, make your own Mr. McGregor picnic to have alfresco at one of the many great picnic spots along the shore of Windermere.<\/p>\n For foodie parents, try Franchine\u2019s<\/a> brasserie\u2013style restaurant and coffee house, which serves a fabulously fresh, healthy menu and is children-friendly.<\/p>\n Based in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere, this kids\u2019 attraction is extremely accessible and perfect for heading to many other popular Lake District family activities that are close by, including cruising around England\u2019s largest lake!<\/p>\n So, let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photograph: Windermere Lakes Cruises \u2013 www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk\/<\/strong><\/p>\n Lakelovers were not surprised our spectacular Lake Windermere was voted second favorite view in the UK. (In a poll by DigitalOutdoors in 2014).<\/p>\n And what better way to discover the splendid mountain scenery? To explore secluded bays, the wooded islands and England\u2019s largest lake than from onboard one of the Lake District\u2019s iconic steamers?<\/p>\n It is only a half mile of easy, toddler-friendly walking from the magic of Beatrix Potter. Wander past the boutique shops of Bowness-on-Windermere. Walk along the lake shore, past the bustling Pier, where you\u2019ll get a real holiday feeling, and arrive at Windermere Lake Cruises.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re driving, Braithwaite Fold is a long stay car park, and remember to show your ticket at Lake Cruises for partial refund.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a Visitor Centre nearby for emergency toilet and snack stops!<\/p>\n The cruise is a year-round Lake District activity, with each season offering a different experience. Opening views as leaves fall, colours and atmosphere change from blossomed hillsides of Summer to mesmerising reflections and snow-capped peaks in the Winter months.<\/p>\n Although the steamers are equipped for all weather, open top and fully covered vessels, to get the best value from your trip, ideally you want to avoid wet months. Though also be aware Summer months can be busy and don\u2019t forget to pack suntan lotion!<\/p>\n For young families in particular, we\u2019d recommend the 45 minute circular \u2018Island Cruise\u2019,<\/a> other cruise times varying from 70 to 90 minutes. Under 5\u2019s travel free and the family ticket, for two adults and three children are \u00a320; great value for seeing homes of the rich, including Beatrix Potter.<\/p>\n Kids will love watching the \u2018Master of the Ship\u2019 guide passengers across the sometimes choppy waters. This fun short cruise runs from late morning all day with the last departure at 16.45.<\/p>\n \u201cBring some binoculars with you (for you or the kids). They\u2019re great for watching the lakeshore wildlife and places of interest mentioned in the on board commentary,\u201d thanks for the helpful tip Windermere Lake Cruises!<\/p>\n Cramming too much into a day out with the family is definitely a big no-no, so why not finish your special day with a \u2018journey home treat\u2019 for the kids from expert toy shop Toys and Hobbies<\/a> on Lake Road.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not hard to see why families return time and again to the magic of the Lake District. Welcome endless adventure, in peaceful and inspiring surroundings.<\/p>\n What creatures did you spot during your day? Please send in pictures and we\u2019ll post them on our Facebook page.<\/p>\n Parents, if you\u2019ve got any tips or advice for other Lakelovers, please leave comments below and we will add.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nLunch ideas for the family <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Windermere Lake Cruises <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Want to hear more? Sign up to our Family Friendly Newsletter:<\/h3>\n