How to Spend a Day in Lakeside, Lake District

Looking for a fun, family-friendly day out in the Lake District? We’ve got just the ticket. Deciding which are the best places in the Lake District to visit is tricky so we’ve put together a series of Lak District itinerary options to help you make the most of your time here.

Lakeside, located at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, is a favourite spot with families looking for Lake District holidays and a great place to visit whether you’re staying nearby or just visiting for the day. With nearby attractions including the Lakes Aquarium, Lakeland Motor Museum, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway and Fell Foot Park, Lakeside offers plenty of scope for an enjoyable day out.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a full day at Lakeside Lake District, including how to get there, what to see and do, where to eat and where to stay (something we know a lot about!).

Why visit Lakeside?

The small village of Lakeside Windermere is a hidden gem in the Lake District that’s perfect for a fun-filled day with the family. It has everything you need for a jam-packed day trip, with a wide range of attractions all conveniently located within easy walking distance. From beautiful lake views, a family-friendly aquarium and a heritage steam railway to scenic boat cruises and great food right by the water, there’s so much to see and do here.

Morning

Visit the Lakes Aquarium

Start your day with a visit to the Lakes Aquarium, which opens at 10am. It’s small enough to get around in an hour or two but packed with cool stuff.

Inside you’ll find various exhibits showcasing different aquatic environments. You can see native fish like pike and perch, as well as exotic species from around the world. There’s also an underwater tunnel where you can watch fish swimming all around you.

As well as the fish, the aquarium has amphibians, reptiles and even two resident otters, Ollie and Sophie! You can watch the otters play, learn about their habitat and even attend one of the daily talks and feeds taking place at 11:30am and 14:30pm each day.

The aquarium also focuses on conservation, so you’ll learn about the importance of protecting these ecosystems. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages!

To visit the Lakes Aquarium, booking in advance isn’t essential, but it’s a good idea to guarantee entry, especially during busy times.

Afternoon

Lunch at Lakeside Hotel

Afterwards, head across the car park to enjoy a leisurely lunch by Lake Windermere at the Lakeside Hotel. Whether you’re after a light bite or a more indulgent meal, you will find a range of delicious options made with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a relaxed meal by the lakeshore. Booking is definitely recommended to secure a table with a view and avoid disappointment.

Families will love John Ruskin’s Brasserie which has a relaxed atmosphere and a menu with plenty of options for children. The brasserie offers dishes like fish and chips, burgers and salads, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.

For a more formal experience, you can try the Lakeview Restaurant, which offers a menu of classic dishes with a modern twist.

Catch the ferry at Lakeside Pier

No trip to the Lake District is complete without going on the water! From Lakeside Pier you can climb aboard a Windermere Cruiser and travel to Ambleside, Brockhole or Bowness-on-Windermere.

One popular stop is Ambleside, a bustling town with plenty of outdoor shops, cafés and scenic walks nearby. Brockhole is another great option for families, offering activities like mini-golf, tree-top trails and beautiful gardens. For attractions like the Beatrix Potter Museum and picture-perfect jetty settings, Bowness-on-Windermere is another wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

As you journey across the glistening waters of Lake Windermere you can take in the spectacular Lake District mountain scenery from a different perspective. It’s a convenient and enjoyable way to see the best of the Windermere and the surrounding fells, and an experience the whole family will love.

How to get to Lakeside

By car

If you plan to visit Lakeside Windermere by car, simply follow the A590 from the M6 (junction 36) to Newby Bridge. Take the first right after the roundabout, over the bridge and follow the road to Hawkshead for approximately one mile. There is a large pay and display car park right near the aquarium and hotel, but it can fill up on busy weekends throughout summer, so getting there early is smart.

By train

Hopping aboard the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway steam train is a fun way to travel to Lakeside and perfect if you’re planning a day out with the kids. Park at Haverthwaite Station and enjoy a short yet scenic journey through the Lake District countryside to Lakeside Station, where you’ll find plenty of things to keep everyone entertained.

By ferry

If you’re staying in Bowness-on-Windermere or Ambleside, you can take a ferry straight to Lakeside. It’s a lovely way to arrive and the pier is right next to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, making it easy to connect to other attractions. Windermere Lake Cruises offer regular services, allowing you to hop on and off as you wish. They also offer combined boat and local attraction tickets which are perfect for a family day out!

By bus

The X60 bus route is the most direct way to get to Lakeside by bus, connecting Ulverston, Bouth, Haverthwaite, Backbarrow, Finsthwaite, Newby Bridge and Lakeside. Alternatively, the 6 and X6 route travels from Barrow to Kendal via Newby Bridge. From Newby Bridge it is a 1 mile walk to Lakeside along the West Windermere Way, a gravelled walkway along the lakeshore which passes through lush grassland and avoids the main road entirely.

Where to stay

In terms of accommodation, Lakeside Lake District has a good range of options. There are several hotels with lake views and guesthouses offering a cosy place to rest your head. But for a unique stay like no other, you’ll find a fantastic collection of holiday cottages in Lakeside each offering peaceful settings, ample facilities and a wonderful base for your Lake District adventures. The added space is ideal for families, offering separate bedrooms and living areas, and being self-catered gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and explore the area at your own pace.

See our Lakeside holiday cottages to find the perfect place to stay for your next visit.