What is there to do in the Lake District with young DC?

[NotAnotherNewNappy]

We'll be there in April - so weather may be iffy (as always in the Lakes!). Last time I went it was just me DH and we spent our time on long walks or drinking wine in front of cosy fires in dark pubs.

We are staying near Hawkshead and will have or car. DC are 2 and 4yo.

TIA.

The Aquarium

And the steam train.

South lakes animal park is great

Steamers on Windermere and Coniston.

You may find some ideas here - its not all lakes but I think the book recommendations are.

I was wondering this myself. DH and I used to go every year BC. But we were kind of bored then tbh. would be nice to take the boys but I'm reluctant due to fear of bad weather ( I lived there for a year - we had a lot of bad weather!) and boredom. And whinging children.

Thanks everyone, I have bookmarked everything. Brockhole looks fab.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Pencil Museum.

BOF - that's for when it has rained 45678534788 days and nights in a row and you have lost your mind.

The swimming pool at Keswick is great as is the walk on the old railway - a really cool wooden bridge ( honestly for a bridge it's cool). And there's a great playground for the children - big sandy one.

the ullswater steamers and the south lakes animal park and Beatrix potter world all take Tesco days out vouchers

If y

There's also Sizergh castle (DD always enjoys the rock garden); Levens Hall (sometimes has steam engines); Muncaster castle (big owlery and other stuff).

I believe the soft play in Ambleside is called Rufty Tufty's.

I can totally recommend the Keswick Museum, which has a massive xylophone you can play, made of slate, and a mummified cat in a trunk. And a box of dressing up clothes for kids as they look round. Bizarre, but cool.

We used to go to Brockhole on rainy days when I was a teenager, and we called it Grotthole. I think it's got a bit more exciting now. The DDs went on a Barnaby Bear tour when they were there and quite enjoyed it.

DD1 was at South Lakes Animal park for her birthday when she was 5, and loved it.

As a family we have a real weakness for crazy golf, and there's a really good course in Keswick.

My aunt really recommends Trotter's World of Animals for her younger grandchildren about the same age as yours.

Lots of good tips at this site

Pancake, I do believe you are right. But if I got dragged round it, I don't see why the next generation should miss out

BOF - the giant pencil was actually pretty impressive.

My 8 yr old still asks when the famous car museum will return.

Loving this thread as I've just moved here and am in need of inspiration. Do the rest of you live locally?

What I've discovered so far:

• Soft play in Kendal and Bowness
• Grizedale has walks, play area, cafe etc
• The boats at Windermere, Ullswater and Derwent Water all fascinate toddler DS
• Feeding the swans at Bowness is officially terrifying

Oh, and most cafes etc are very child friendly. Wilfs in Staveley and the Brewery in Kendal both have toys etc.

Going at Easter with our 4 dc and some great ideas. Can I second Muncaster Castle, it's absolutely lovely and ds1 loved the owls when we took him there aged 2.

The Rheged centre is great, near Penrith.

Booths supermarket in Keswick for lunch - lovely :)