Lake District

[icanlovemebetter]

Hi! I'm looking for some help/ ideas / inspiration/ advice for Lake District with a 3 year old. Things to do that'll be fun for all. We're thinking about staying around Lake Windermere/ Ambleside. Planning to go in June.

We still have his pram uppa baby vista. He does sit in it when he's tired for example late in the day at the mall while I'm shopping. Should we take it there ? I've read there's lots of walks to be done. We will be going there in our car.

In terms of hotels with a nice view , any recommendations?

Please any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you ☺️

I personally would take a hiking carrier to lakes for a 3 year old rather than a pushchair. Ot at least take both. You will be able to use a pushchair around a few of the towns. But lots of walks are unsuitable.

We went a few years ago with our 2 year old at the time and a few of the things we did were-

• Canoeing
• Walk around Buttermere lake (4 mile walk which is mainly flat)
• Brockhole (adventure play area, crazy golf, archery and boat hire)
• Lake windermere boat and steam train trip
• Ullswater steamboat
• Hired bikes
• Beatrix potters house

We stayed in a cottage so can't comment on hotels. Although I would say to book sooner rather than later as it gets very busy

I love Ambleside. I've been with a baby and 3 year old, there was so much for them to do. It has a lovely sprawling park surrounded by fells, the library is worth a visit on a rainy day as is the gem shop with a huge pit for kids to explore in, pram friendly waterfall walk (Stock Ghyll) with a marvellous cafe nearby (Force Cafe - amazing views).

It's easy to get to Grasmere from Ambleside, Grasmere has a lovely park and a child focused National Trust property called Allan Bank which is really beautiful and fun (crafts and games galore).

There are pram friendly walks to Windermere from Ambleside and nearby is Skelwith Bridge with a pram friendly walk to Elterwater. Rydal Hall also worth visiting. If you have a child carrier you can also do a short but wonderful walk to the very impressive Rydal Cave!

If it’s a wet day, there’s a small aquarium right next to the Lakeside pier on the west side of Windermere. You can get ferries to the pier from a few other points on Windermere and many of the boats have an undercover seating area.
This year there’s a Gruffalo trail at Grizedale www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale/gruffalo-party-trail-grizedale. There’s also a play area and child-friendly cafe.
We like staying at Cuckoo Brow Inn. It’s really child friendly (toys and games in a family dining room, great kids menu) and the family rooms have a bunk bed hidden behind a partition.

Wow thank you so much everyone for excellent suggestions.