Family Days out in the Lakes this May Half Term

May half term is here again and dare we say – it’s our favourite! With fresh, green leaves, long days and warm evenings, it really is the perfect time for rediscover your love for the great outdoors.

And with plenty of lovely sunshine forecast this half-term there is so much opportunity for family fun, emjoyable discoveries and memory-making adventures here in the Lake District National Park.

So if you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of our lovely cottages, or simply visiting for the day, here are some of our favourite things to do this half term (2023).

Have a Honister Adventure.

The home of adventure in the Lake District, Honister Slate mine has unique experiences for adventurers of all ages. From cave climbing and cliff camping to an Infinity Bridge and Via Ferrata you can test your nerve at some of these incredible and memorable activities which all take place within the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding the mine.

Plus they are currently offering “Kids Go Free on Mine Tours”. For more information and pre-booking visit the Honister website

Medieval Muncaster 27 May – 4 June 2023

This half term Muncaster Castle is celebrating all things medieval! The castle will be turning back the clock and encouraging everyone to get involved. The Muncaster team will be joined by knights, peasants, wizards and fools to put on a festival that King Arthur would be proud of.

Tickets include: Access to Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre & Gardens, “Laugh like a Fool”  live jester shows, “The Storming of the Castle” – where kids can join in, “Feast Like a King” and Muncaster Tavern – a outdoor bar with live music. There’s also archery, face painting, children’s jousting and a whole heap of other activities taking place across the week. More info.

Go on a Lake Cruise

No visit to the Lake District is complete without taking to the water. Several of the larger lakes feature boat cruises with operators including Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers and of course Coniston Gondola. Boat cruises can be combined with a walk, a stop off for a picnic or a visit to popular destinations such as Bowness or Ambleside – our recommendation is to park at Lakeside, Newby Bridge and our Stott Park Cottages, and cruise to Bowness and Ambleside – a great, stress-free way to visit these popular, often busy places. You can even enjoy a relaxing cold drink while you take in the stunning scenery from the open deck – what could be better?!

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The La’al Ratty is a perfect sunny day activity, with narrow gauge steam trains running everyday throughout the half term. The trains weave their way through of the most beautiful scenery in England. We recommend a return journey from Ravenglass to Eskdale with a visit to the spectacular Stanley Ghyll waterfall, walkable from Dalegarth station in Eskdale. Here there are also a lovely places to have a riverside picnic as well as a café at the station and pub in the village. More info

Brockhole on Windermere

There’s lots going on at Brockhole this half term. Originally a “summer house” for a wealthy silk merchant William Gaddum and his wife Edith (née) Potter, cousin to Beatrix Potter,  this grand country residence is now a Lake District Visitor’s Centre with plenty to see and do for the whole family. There’s a large adventure playground kids will love, treetop nets, archery, rafting, treetop treks as well as 30 acres of beautiful, lakeside gardens to explore, an art gallery, café and gift shop. Find out more.