Explore the Lake District’s cultural, historical, and industrial past

In the nearby village of Bowness, we have Windermere Lake Cruises whose tours take you to all points of interest on the lake. Their self-drive electric hire boats are great fun for families, so pre-booking is advisable.

Contrast the landscapes of two lakes, take a trip over breathtaking Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding, for a cruise on Ullswater, with Ullswater Steamers’ heritage vehicles. Running between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, with a stop at the famous Aira Force waterfall.

Beatrix Potter’s beloved home Hill Top is an intriguingly personal and domestic insight into her life, balancing her love for hill farming and herdwick sheep with her artistic side. The Gift Shop here is beautifully edited, including rarer collectables.

The World of Beatrix Potter is in Bowness. It’s suitable for littler Potter fans, who can mingle with models of scenes from her stories brought to life. It has a gift shop packed with Potter themed gifts for all ages.

Heading South to Lakeside, there’s a cluster of indoor attractions to keep you occupied for hours – from amateur conservationists to petrol heads. We’ve an informative itinerary at Reception. The Lakeland Motor Museum, Lakes Aquarium and The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.

Baillie Scott’s Blackwell Arts & Crafts house; and the steam boat museum, Windermere Jetty are in Bowness. Kendal’s Abbot Hall houses a remarkable art collection. We’ve a discounted entrance fee for LAT - ask reception for a card to claim.

Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s one time family home, houses a collection of works by him and his creative contemporaries. There’s a small spectacular Turner painting of Ullswater, predating the famous ‘Blue Rigi’ bearing striking similarities. Ask us about our discounted tickets.