TOP 5 activities for families in the Lake District | Newby bridge |Ulverston | The swan hotel & spa
- saragouthwaite
- Sep 22, 2022
- 5 min read
We recently had the pleasure of visiting the stunning national park during the summer holidays, our usual haunts are Europe or Asia but for the avoidance of the current catastrophe that is air travel we decided to swap the risk of a potential flight cancellation for convenience on home soil…just a 5/6 hour door to door journey (from Brighton) and voila! We were at THE SWAN HOTEL & SPA in Ulverston, Cumbria….in all its glory, it really is a magical setting! Let’s talk about the wide range of activities on offer in the surrounding area and breathtaking Lake District, here’s our top 5, tried and tested by yours truly……and my 2 little munchkins!
Ps bonus points for these activities, because we didn’t need a car AND did all of them with total ease…yes, just me with a 4 & 8 year old, no stress, just friendly northerners and absolute scenes everywhere you look!
1.) Rent your own electric boat
On one of our visits to Bowness we hired an electric self sail boat from Windermere lake cruises. For £38 you’ll get an hours sail time around the lake, under 16s go free and it’s £6 per extra adult. Now, I’ve never sailed a boat and feeling like an imposter the majority of the time, I agreed to get in and begin sailing it even though I thought I was certain to crash….much to my surprise it was pretty much like a go kart on water and even little Cass and Ivy had the chance to sail for themselves! The photos I got were nothing short of jaw dropping, I can honestly say this was an unmatched feeling and a memory I won’t be forgetting in a hurry! It’s easy as pie and honestly one of the greatest things you’ll do while visiting the magnificent lakes. Check it out!
2.) Cruise across lake Windermere
Lakeside & Windermere cruises, sail to multiple destinations across the magnificent and famous Lake Windermere, doubling up as transport to your destination AND a breathtaking ride through the lakes….paddle boarders, boats, trees and the most beautiful skyline, there is something to catch your eye everywhere you look. With comfy and modern seating inside and a fully stocked cafe and bar you’re in total comfort, or you can choose to scale the top deck for a broader, outdoor view, the scenes of your journey do not disappoint. A great option for views and travel would be the ‘freedom of the lakes’ pass that will last you a full 24hours and give you the option to jump on any of the cruises stopping across the lake for just £26.50 for adults, £13.25 for kids or £72 for a whole family….it would be rude not to take advantage, we certainly did!
3.) Visit Bowness day trip
Bowness is a bustling and friendly village, abundant with both mainstream and local places to eat, amusements, a regular fair, boat trips, cruises and self hire boats, as well as hordes of family activities to keep you busy. The world of Peter rabbit is just a moments walk from the port, family friendly pubs serving delicious meals and drinks, cobbled streets in the old town, there are open top busses running through the area regularly from the port and boats through the lakes to get you to and from your destination.
On one of our day trips to Bowness, we took one of the pleasant lake Windermere cruises, Walking around the port after having absorbed the busy and welcoming atmosphere, the kids were of course hungry for a…..tattoo, whilst I batted off the wasps and the prospect of an imminent sting, they chose themselves a tattoo each and said hi to the enormous amount of what can only be described as GIANT swans surrounding us, there are literally thousands of these guys to say hi to, it’s brilliant! We visited the fair, got what I think were some of the most insatiably delicious chips I’ve ever eaten (seriously I don’t know what they did to make them taste like that) at a snack hut outside of the amusements, and walked around 10 mins to the Windermere jetty museum, where the kids did an engaging and educational workshop with the lovely ‘the knotted project’.
You won’t be stuck for family activities in this vibrant little town, it’s definitely worth a day or two’s visit, and probably one of my fondest moments in the Lake District, just a short distance from The Swan and close proximity to major transport links! Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed! Check out the Jetty museum below!
4.) A day (or a stay) at The Swan hotel & spa
The swan is a great little spot for families to visit, even if they’re not staying at the hotel! On offer are scenic views across the River Leven and beyond, with Newby bridge comfortably sitting outside. If you choose to stay for a night or mini break, the rooms are the ideal setting for a family, high end luxury and comfort, nothing is left to spare, you’ll be in your element in these cosy country themed spaces. An interconnecting set of double/twin rooms prove invaluable for families, especially those with young children who want some alone time in the evenings, with the kids just next door you still have that feeling of being able to enjoy your own time in the safety of them being close, with your own space for peace and privacy….or older kids who equally want their own independent area.
The hotel & Spa is home to a stunning family pub and restaurant with a range of yummy dishes for both kids and adults, in a cosy yet stylish setting - after lunch you have the choice of the kids play park, a refreshing and picturesque walk or even paddle boarding at PADDLE AT THE LAKES (link below) - Just a moments walk from the hotel. Its also just around the corner from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway which brings us to our next family activity……
5.) Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
A great adventure for both kids and adults is the LAKESIDE AND HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY, running from Haverthwaite, through Newby bridge to lakeside station where you can hop on a cruise across the impressive lake windermere and beyond. Jumping on the 1950s steam train is like stepping back in time. This genuine and well preserved steam train features original carriages, seating and a friendly set of staff to check your tickets and offer kids activity packs at just £4! The steam train Doubles up as travel to and from The Swan hotel & spa, and can be purchased alongside a boat ticket, perfect for non drivers or those looking to experience a historical and scenic ride. The steam train offers hourly journeys throughout the day, a cost effective option around the area, alternate to walking, driving or other public transport.
Haverthwaite station is complete with a cafe serving luxury ice creams, lunches, coffees and I noticed hot drinks with the added bonus of baileys or spirits….what an excellent treat after a long day of exploring! The station also features a gift shop and play park, an original vintage setting just like something out of a retro postcard, worth arriving early to spend some time looking around the station for sure.
Tip: Jump off at lakeside and you’ll see the aquarium, entry can also be purchased with train tickets as a combination.
That rounds up out top 5, of-course there are plenty of other activities I didn’t manage to cram into the list..or our visit, I would recommend between a 3-5 day visit for families or al long weekend for couples. Please check out Beetham nurseries of you get the chance, perfect for a relaxing family day out, activities and stunning scenery….a pleasant little cafe/restaurant and farm shop for high quality produce gifts and souvenirs… link below:
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