Recommendations for things to do in the Yorkshire Dales / Lake District

[redgecko]

Has anyone got any recommendations for things to keep two adults and a 2 year old amused in the Yorkshire Dales area? We're staying there for a few days before heading on to the Lake District (where we're hoping to do things like the World of Beatrix Potter / steam train ride etc).

Recommendations for good gastropubs and nice places for afternoon tea (in either the Dales or the Lake District) also much appreciated!

Where abouts will you be based in the Lake district?

We'll be by Lake Windermere.

Brockhole & fell foot for good parks, Ambleside for good food. Souh Lakes animal park in Dalton, boat rides onWindemere, aquarium of the Lakes, Haverthwaite railway

I quite like the Wild Boar Inn which is a couple of miles outside Windermere, they have a good childrens menu as well.

A trip on The Ratty.the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway...my DD loves that!

Can recommend:

The Forbidden Corner near Middleham is great although some of the inside bits are not so good for some toddlers if they are easily scared. Lovely setting and gardens though. Good lunch/afternoon tea cafe there also.

Nice cafe at the Wensleydale cheese factory in Hawes

Bolton Castle also has a nice teashop

Blue Lion at East Witton gastropub

Stone Close tea shop in Dent (the drive from Ingleton to Dent is something to behold - just make sure your brakes are working!). Also a microbrewery there.