Family Holidays Overview
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Family Holidays: Lake District family holidays and breaks
Take the Family holiday rating 
Why
Families have taken holidays or breaks in the Lake District for decades come rain or shine or indeed more rain. And they've always been welcomed warmly.
The National Park may include England's wettest village (Seathwaite in the Borrowdale Valley), but on a sunny day on top of a fell looking down on a shimmering lake it is very difficult to beat. It's fairly accessible from almost anywhere in the UK and when you arrive there are plenty of options – from the indulgent (great local specialities like sticky toffee pudding) to the energetic (great local specialities like, er… the mountains). You can even see the UK's native red squirrel while stocks last; The last remining members of the Tufty Club.
There's plenty for kids of all ages – ok so you may not all be dreaming of Helvellyn's summit, but even on a short pony treck, you'll really appreciate the vastness and beauty of this great outdoors.
- Top left: Sunset on Wastwater
- Top middle: Buttermere
- Top right: On holiday at Hawkshead
- Bottom left: Footpath in the Lake District
- Bottom right: Kids feeding lambs
When
The Lake District is worth visiting any time of year but there is a definite season from around Easter to October. Outside that time some tourist attractions close down and on a wet January weekend you may not be seeing it at its best.
Spring and Autumn are Take the Family's favourite times of year. Without the tourist crowds, the roads are clearer and so are the busy walking paths.
It's also at its most beautiful with daffodils in the spring and a canopy of red, gold and yellow leaves in the autumn (Wordsworth: eat your Romantic heart out). And with the unpredictable British weather, you're just as likely to get a good spell as in the summer months.
How
take the train
It's less than three-and-a-half hours from London Euston with Virgin Trains. Approx two hours from Glasgow. One-and-a-half hours from Manchester.
They offer kids activity packs in the school holidays full of games, pens and goodies.
Kids under five travel free but don't get a seat. A family railcard can save a fortune (approx £20 for an annual pass).
Trains stop at Oxenholme the Lake District for the southern lakes with connections for Windermere and Ambleside. Or Penrith for the Northern Lakes – Derwentwater, Ullswater etc, with connections to places such as Keswick or Cockermouth. You can also buy tickets online from TheTrainline.
take the plane
Nearby airports include Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow.
take the car
The Lake District is easily accessible by motorway, lying conveniently off the M6 artery. Expect busy roads in the National Park itself. Particularly to and from major towns during peak summer periods – Ambleside and Keswick can be chaotic.
Stay
The Lake District is packed to its slate rafters with self-catering accommodation. And we can offer you a great selection of cottages in the Lake District with partners Cottages4you. From cheap to luxury. But book early to enjoy a good choice, and quote 'TaketheFamily' to receive our exclusive 5% discount. We can also suggest a number of great family hotel options from luxury, such as Armthwaite Hall, to secluded lakeside such as Lodore Falls, or if you fancy an on-site full-on activities then take a look at both CenterParks Whinfell Forest or Acorn Venture at Derwentwater.
Do
Beatrix Potter’s house – Hill Top Farm at Sawtrey is where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her most famous children’s books. Small but worth a visit to see exactly where the legend was born before the huge merchandising campaign came along. Books are laid out around the house showing views that she used to illustrate her books. Open from Good Friday until October 31. (10.30am to 4.30pm). Adults £4.50, child £2, family £11 (2 adults & 3 children). More information can be found on the National Trust site.
Aquarium of the Lakes, Windermere – Discover the UK’s largest collection of freshwater fish, including the fierce and scary pike. Over 30 displays featuring the weird and wonderful aquatic life of The Lake District.
World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere – A 3D opportunity to discover Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor’s garden and call in on Mrs. Tiggy-winkle in her kitchen. In an undercover re-creation of the Lakeland landscape, the world famous stories of Beatrix Potter are brought to life.
La'al Ratty This beautifully restored and wonderfully run narrow gauge railway lets kids of all ages and sizes discover the western lakes.
The Rum Story, Whitehaven – a fascinating journey through rainforest and slave ship as you discover the story of the spirit that helped this intriguing coastal town.
The Lakes themselves – Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater all offer the opportunity to explore the shoreline by launch / pleasure boat. If you want more information about messing about on the water, visit the Keswick Launch site (for Derwentwater), the Ullswater Steamers site (not surprisingly for Ullswater) and Windermere Lake Cruises for (yes you've guessed it) Windermere.
The mountains – Get up ‘em. They're marvelous. Or walk round a lake. It’s all there and, more importantly, it’s all free.
Pony Trekking - Get on your horse and drink your milk – Many centers have trekks for those over 5 yrs, and can provide lead reins for children .Treks duration is 1 or 1.5 hrs. Foot Park Trekking Center by Lake Ullswater (017684 86696).
Click here for an up to date family friendly events guide to the Lake District.
Eat
The Lake District is perfect for people who like large portions of hearty food.
In Keswick, the Old Keswickian is a particular favourite for fish and chips while Rembrandts does traditional fayre at good prices and welcomes kids.
The Yew Tree in Seatoller is worth a visit for a traditional Cumbrian culinary experience. (017687 77634)
But almost anywhere in any of the major towns is a good bet whether it’s Cumberland sausage for breakfast, Kendal mint cake for elevenses or a slice of parkin cake or Grasmere gingerbread for tea.
This is superb picnic country with beauty spots round virtually every corner.
Cost
Unless you stay at the very swankiest hotels and dine at the top-end restaurants, you shouldn't leave the National Park too out of pocket. Self-catering cottages start at around £250 per week. B&Bs are also a great value option, or camping (during warmer months) can be great fun. Remember to book well in advance for peak season stays.
And remember the best things in life (and the Lake District) like the fells and the views are totally free.
Travel reading
The Rough Guide to the Lake District
by Jules Brown
Tips for enjoying the great outdoors and the indoors.
Eco Escape - The New handbook to responsible escapism
by Laura Burgess
Buy from Ecoescape - only £8.99 - Save an Exclusive 10% by quoting 'TTF01'
Eco Escape - The New handbook to responsible escapism
by Laura Burgess
Buy from Ecoescape - only £8.99 - Save an Exclusive 10% by quoting 'TTF01'
Swallows and Amazons
by Arthur Ransome
Read and reread by millions since 1930. A great introduction to the Lake District for children.
Days Out 2008
by Days Out
Buy from daysout.co.uk - only £4.95 - (inc. p&p). GET £1 OFF SEE BELOW
Days Out magazine offers hundreds of ideas for a perfect day out AND over £700 of discount vouchers at the most popular attractions. Buy the magazine from the Days Out website where Takethefamily visitors will receive £1 off by using discount code TTF0601.
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Ready to go
Late Rooms
Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
from £270*
Near Keswick with children's activities during the holidays
* per room per night, offers available
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Lake District
from £350*
One of four Center Parcs resorts, formerly the Oasis
* for a weekend break in May for a family of four
Active Hotels
Lodore Falls Hotel, Lake District
from £100*
A family welcoming hotel with indoor pool
* per room per night
Acorn Venture
Acorn Venture Activity, Derwentwater, Lake District
from £299*
6 stunning Acorn Venture activity centers in: -France, Italy, the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons.
* from £299 per person for 6 nights full board.
Lake District Summer Weekend, Lake District
from £325*
See the best of the mountains & lakes with fun family activities, and 3 star hotel
* from £325 per adult for 3 nights, including most meals, all activities and tuition.
Lake District Summer 6 nights, Lake District
from £410*
7 days of mountains & lakes with fun family activities, and 3 star hotel accommodation
* from £410 per adult for 6 nights, including most meals, accommodation and tuition.