Local Information

Gondola

The original 'Gondola', a re-built Victorian steam yacht, was first launched in 1859 and now, completely rebuilt by the National Trust, gives passengers the chance to sail in her sumptuous, upholstered saloons. This is the perfect way to view Coniston's spectacular scenery. Sail to Monk Coniston jetty at the north of the lake, then walk through the Monk Coniston garden on to Tarn Hows.

Tel: 015394 41288 Visit the website
Photo - The National Trust

(19.3 miles, 33 mins)

Windermere Lake Cruises

These depart from Lakeside which is a five minute drive from the park. Explore Lake Windermere from the water and also link up with the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Also available - evening buffet cruises with music by The New Hall Jazz Band. Departs from Bowness Pier during the summer months.

Tel: 015395 31188 or 015394 43360 Visit the website
Photo - James Gill

(5.7 miles, 12 mins)

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Operates a daily service between Haverthwaite and Lakeside at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Hard working steam locomotives haul comfortable coaches through the beautiful Leven Valley. At Lakeside, connections are made for Windermere Lake Cruises.

Tel: 015395 312273 Visit the website
Photo - James Gill

(13.7 miles, 25 mins)

Fell Foot Park

The views of Lake Windermere beyond the park are breathtaking. The Victorian lawns and garden sweep away to fine picnic areas and lakeshore. Enjoy the Boathouse Café with its patio, where you can enjoy watching the boats and soaking in the atmosphere. Bring your own boat to explore the lake.

Tel: 015395 312273 Visit the website
Photo - The National Trust

(10.5 miles, 19 mins)

Hill Top

Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top is a time-capsule of this amazing woman's life. Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Tel: 015394 36269 Visit the website
Photo - The National Trust

(18.3 miles, 32 mins)

Lakeland's Wildlife Oasis

Located in Silverdale, this exciting Discovery Centre guides the visitor through 3,000 million years of evolution and the development of life on earth. It blends unusual and exotic wildlife with interactive displays and hands on exhibits. The Oasis is an all weather attraction where you can wander freely amongst the butterflies, birds and bats, in the tropical hall where reptiles have their own enclosure. On outdoor days, enjoy the company of lemurs, monkeys and meerkats.

Tel: 015395 63027 Visit the website

(13.2 miles, 21 mins)

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

The North's leading zoo park in Dalton-in-Furness is a unique safari on foot, with many animals wandering free in natural surroundings. You can walk with Kangaroos and watch parrots fly free in the trees. This is an active conservation park with partnerships all over the world to save animals and their habitats.

Tel: 01229 466086 Visit the website

(25.2 miles, 45 mins)

Aquarium Of The Lakes

This award-winning aquarium takes you on a journey to discover the fascinating array of life found in and around the Lakes. Only a five minute drive from the park.

Tel: 015395 30153 Visit the website

(12.7 miles, 25 mins)

Lakeside Motor Museum

The Lakeland Motor Museum nestles in the picturesque Leven Valley and offers a diverse and unique collection of some 30,000 exhibits. Tracing over 100 years of motoring heritage, the museum oozes nostalgia and also has a gift shop and café in a beautiful riverside setting.

Tel: 015395 30400 Visit the website

(12.7 miles, 23 mins)

Sizergh Castle

The best kept secret in South Lakeland. A medieval castle with exceptional oak panelled interiors, intricately carved chimney pieces and early oak furniture. Beautiful gardens include a particularly imposing rock garden.

Tel: 015395 60070 Visit the website
Photo - Val Corbett and The National Trust

(8.1 miles, 13 mins)

Sizergh Barn

Join us for a farm trail through the beautiful countryside around our organic dairy farm, enjoy speciality foods in our late 17th century barn farm shop, discover craft and gift galleries, and watch our cows being milked whilst you enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.

Tel: 015395 60426 Visit the website

(6.5 miles, 10 mins)

Kendal

Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District National Park, is an old market town famed for its grey limestone architecture and commercial and cultural heritage .It is surrounded by beautiful Lakeland fells and there are dozens of shops many of which offer a wide choice of equipment to walkers and ramblers.

Dating back to the 11th Century, the town is also believed to be the birth place of Catherine Parr and more recently provided a home to the great W A Wainright, cartographer and author of unique guides to Lakeland walks. Today you will find intriguing museums, modern and historical art galleries and a vast array of leisure activities.

(3.7 miles, 8 mins)

Levens Hall nr Milnthorpe

Levens Hall is a remarkable and eclectic mix of house and garden. Home to the Bagot Family since 1854, having changed hands many times over the years since the initial medieval fortified tower was constructed, this house and home, contains very fine furnishing, works of art, clocks, and many of the rooms exhibit superb oak panelling. Similarly, the gardens and estate are outstanding with several Wellingtonia and topiary that is some of the oldest in the world.

(8.2 miles, 13 mins)

Silverdale

A nature lover’s paradise, Silverdale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty rich in diverse ecosystems including salt marshes, woodland , grasslands and limestone hills which provide homes for a host of rare butterflies and marshland birds. There is also the Silverdale Golf course where you will still expect to see the many wild birds in their natural environments as you play from hole to hole.

(17.6 miles, 31 mins)

Newby Bridge and Lakeside Pier, Windermere

At the Southern end of Lake Windermere, the Lakeside Pier near Newby Bridge provides the closest and most accessible point to the lake from Pound Farm. Lake Winderemere provides great access to the region via a relaxing lake cruise or from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway which offers a 3.5 mile historical rail journey under steam power. The Lakes Aquarium also worth a visit, features a spectacular underwater tunnel and otter enclosure.

(17.6 miles, 31 mins)