Lake District with 2 small kids - recommendations please

[EezyOozy]

Hi,

We are planning to visit the lakes this July (Scottish and planning to go before English school hols). Have extended family around Kendal area that we’d like to see but can’t stay with.

we have two kids - 3 and 5. Last year we went to Spain to a super child orientated resort and they really enjoyed it.

im thinking we either go to a “resort” like a big caravan site … or rent a cottage but in a town with stuff to for kids to do (it doesn’t need to be Kendal itself, maybe 30 mins away max).

budget super tight 😬 for accommodation we could only spend 700-800…. Willing to do 5 nights to save money (although that would be a shame as it’s a long drive).

has anyone got any recommendations for specific destinations please ?

thank you :)

I definitely think your best option is White Cross Bay. It’s 20 mins from Kendal and just 10 mins walk to the Brockhole Visitor Centre where there’s loads to do www.brockhole.co.uk/activities/ It’s also close to Windermere and the World of Beatrix Potter. The park itself has an indoor pool and outdoor play area.

We stayed here a couple of years ago with a 3 and 5 year old and it was great!

www.newlandsfarm.uk/

short drive to lots of nice places

We stayed in the braken which was bigger and had 2 bedrooms it’s maybe just a bit out of your budget but they also have the barns which are well under budget (although you’d be all sleeping in the same room and less space inside and a bit closer to the other guests who hopefully would be lovely (as ours were!).

White cross bay caravan park is definitely a good option with kids but I do think it's gone downhill in the last few years...maybe just your luck which caravan you get though. I'm not a fussy person when it comes to things like this but when we arrived in November the caravan was filthy!! I cleaned what I could but we then realised the curtains/walls were mouldy and the couch and cushions were covered in food stains etc. We complained and they moved us into a lodge the next day which was better but still a bit tatty and in need of some tlc. It's a shame as the location is great (love bowness on windermere) and the little clubhouse is pretty good with the pool as well but I'm not sure I'd be back, it's not exactly a cheap break.

Haven have a caravan site in the south lakes, Lakeland I think it's called. About 40 mins from Kendal. There's a zoo down that way too which is quite good.

Awesome ideas thanks so much. Whitecross sounds particularly excellent.

Oh just read the second review to whitecross 😬 will give it some thought

White Cross Bay is brilliant for kids, location is perfect, caravans are absolutely fine (Obviously having a filthy one isn't acceptable like poster above but don't think I've stayed anywhere where there's no negative reviews unfortunately).

I've booked again for the last week of August - me, my mother, DS5 and DD2 (DH doesn't have as much leave so staying at home with a list of jobs! Lol).

So far on itinerary is Windermere lake cruise, Steam train, Aquarium of the Lakes, Beatrix Potter attraction, South Lakes Safari Zoo, swimming and lots of fish and chips!

I’ve booked whitecross bay :) so close to Kendal too. I’ve booked a privately owned Lodge on Sykes cottages rather than one of the Parkdean ones. Can’t wait!

@MaryShelley1818 I think we will be doing all those things . My DDs love beatrix potter!

I was just coming on to say here - it’s brilliant.

Definitely do the Beatrix potter museum and also if u have time take the little ferry over to the side of Windermere where you can then walk to Beatrix’s actual cottage (about a 20 min walk) it’s a lovely walk and a very cute cottage and there’s a couple of outdoor food stands with a covered area to eat. A boat ride on Windermere is a must and there’s a little aquarium and steam train on one of the stop offs.

For future Fallbarrow is an amazing Parkdean site, absolutely beautiful setting and you can walk into Bowness in 2 mins. So much to do.