Other Activities
Although many fishing enthusiast think that you don't need to do anything else other than go fishing when you have access to so many stunning waters, it's not unheard of that the odd enthusiast enjoys taking part in at least one of the many other activities available in the Lake District.
If you are happy to fish for the full duration of your holiday, but the rest of your family/party members aren't or if you would like to break up your fishing time, we have put together a collection of some of these activities and places to see for your reference.
Activities For The Active Visitor
At Lakes Canoe & Kayak we also provide professionally run activity journeys and expeditions throughout the Lake District and Scotland combining many other outdoor activities. Our open canoes and sea kayaks are brilliant water borne vehicles to transport you between one stunning place and another which does require some effort but on the plus side we gain access to some of the remotest parts of the UK and have the trip of a lifetime!
Lakes Canoe & Kayak also offer a wide range of other outdoor activities including rock climbing and abseiling, ghyll scrambling, archery, team building activities and more.... Call us today to discuss your ideas.
Get yourself afloat amongst the stunning scenery of Ullswater in the English Lake District! The Glenridding Sailing Centre provides a wide range of sailing dinghies and traditional boats, canoes + kayaks for hire.
Expert sailing tuition by RYA qualified staff is available in our boats or indeed your own if it's suitable.
If you are thinking of bringing your own boat to this fabulous location you may launch and use the facilities on the site for a small daily or weekly fee. If you are lucky enough to live close enough to keep your boat here throughout the season, then check out our launching + storage fees for the entire season - they are very reasonable.
Safety boat cover, and qualified + experienced help, are on hand every day during the sailing season (typically March to end-October).
The Centre is located at:
The Spit
Glenridding
Ullswater
Cumbria
CA11 0PE
Centre Phone :: 017684 82541
Windermere Canoe & Cycle -
The Boathouse,
Ferry Nab Road,
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3JH.
Tel: 015394 44451.
Dramatic mountain biking over Lake District peaks and rolling valley trails can entice families and committed bikers alike; winding backroad cycling with stunning views and little traffic are ideal for a gentle spin or a 100 mile epic; safe and enjoyable family rides for all ages and abilities are mapped out or waymarked right across the county.
There are few climbing locations in the UK that can match the Lake District. The sheer variety of crags, the beauty of the surroundings, the sense of history mixed with the present day...
Picture this. You've reached the belay. Above you, another hundred metres of perfect rock. Below, past the immaculate pitch you've just climbed spreads a glorious green valley dotted with dark crags, rushing streams and the occasional grazing sheep. The peaceful sounds of a mountain summer rise in the air. In the distance, the silvery sheen of the sea. Tie on, sit back. Welcome to Lake District climbing.
Go Ape is an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the tree tops.
Providing a fun day out with friends, families or colleagues, you'll be fitted with a climbing harness and given instruction before trekking from tree to tree high above the forest floor. Split into a number of different sections, the experience takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete but may vary depending on how many people are up in the trees.
Offer a range of activities, please see below.
Our quad-biking treks have been described as incomparable, with some of our clients returning time and time again.
Our new fleet of 400cc fully automatic four wheel drive quad-bikes are capable of doing over 45mph. The terrain that is within the potential of these machines is astonishing, varying from rugged upland terrain to swamps and bogs. Our 1hr trek will cover up to 6 km.
Our l.a.n.t.r.a approved 4 x 4 driving course is one of the most exhilarating off-roading venues in the Lake District, used regularly by Jeep Chryslers offroad driving team. You will push our range of 4 x 4 vehicles to the absolute limits of their capabilities, over every type of terrain that the beautiful Lake District countryside can throw at them.
With our expert tuition you will learn to handle a gun with confidence. Using one of our three sites you will be shooting at clay pigeons released from our selection of electronic traps, simulating different types of game. Using the latest techniques and a Zoli over/under double-barrelled shotgun. All levels catered for.
Archery is a superb team and individual activity. At Holmescales, taking aim means setting your sights on the latest equipment and excellent tuition. Our instructors will take you to the purpose built archery shelter where you will be given a full safety briefing and the best technique to achieve the highest scores. You will be supervised and advised throughout the session to improve your technique and hopefully your scores.
Imagine the adrenaline as you go into action to try and retrieve your hostage, held captive in a hostile village. This is just what you will feel when you go into one of our numerous game scenarios. Using 4 different superb zones and all your safety equipment, we will ensure you come away feeling exhilarated. This includes 200 hundred free balls and refreshments. Experience paintball in the Lake District - the ultimate group activity.
This is your chance to take some high speed action with our new rally buggies 250 cc with alloy wheels; they really are an amazing piece of kit, race against the clock and get the adrenaline pumping.
At Holmescales activity centre in the Lake District, we have a 120ft abseil where you will feel pure exhilaration as you lean back over the edge! Take control of your decent as you lower yourself down the rock face onto our boardwalk. Once you have your feet firmly on the ground you can take your time to walk out of the flooded quarry floor on to the timber walkway. On the way out you are likely to encounter peregrine falcons, ravens or event a great crested newt!
Places To Visit & Things To Do
Visit Britain's award winning freshwater aquarium. Over 30 wonderful displays featuring the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish as well as mischievous otters and diving ducks. Walk on Windermere's re-created lake-bed in the Lake District's only underwater tunnel. Open All Year.
Brantwood was the home of John Ruskin from 1872 until his death in 1900 and is regarded as one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. It enjoys the finest views over Coniston Lake and mountain views in England and there is no other house in the district with such a diversity of cultural associations. Brantwood became an intellectual powerhouse and one of the greatest literary and artistic centres in Europe. Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, Marcel Proust and Frank Lloyd Wright can all be numbered amongst Ruskin's disciples.
Brockhole is an Edwardian house beautifully situated on the shores of Windermere; enjoy extensive landscaped gardens, lake cruises, adventure playground, guided walks and activities. There are two floors of exciting interactive exhibitions; introducing the National Park, the story of how the National Park evolved; the people who have shaped the landscape and the special qualities which make the Lake District landscape such an important part of our national heritage. There is also a gift shop, information centre, film theatre and café with terrace seating.
No matter what time of year, whether you just want to savour the magnificent colours and scenery of Lakeland or partake of the many activities for young and old, Fell Foot Park on the shores of Lake Windermere offers a magical environment for all the family. Open all year.
Discover one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore the soaring ruins of red sandstone and soak up the grandeur of this 700-year-old site. Located in peaceful valley, explore the majestic remains of the Abbey using the audio tour. Open All Year
Following a major refurbishment the World of Beatrix Potter
has even more to see and do! Now all 23 of Beatrix Potter's
tales are brought to life in three dimensions, so you can meet
Cecily Parsley and the Amiable Guinea-Pig for the first time
and say hello to old friends like Jemima Puddleduck and
Jeremy Fisher in brand new settings.
Also see Hill Top
Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her famous children's stories in this little 12th Century farmhouse which she owned for 38 years, and it has been kept exactly as she left it, complete with furniture, china and a traditional cottage garden. The house is 2 miles south of Hawkshead, in Near Sawrey.
Tel: 015394 36269
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Beautifully restores steam locomotives haul comfortable coaches from the Victorian station at Haverthwaite through the contrasting lake and river scenes of the Leven Valley to Lakeside, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Europe's top tiger conservation centre. Take a unique safari on foot and see many animal wandering free in natural surroundings, walk with Kangaroos and Emu in the bush or watch parrots fly free in the trees.
Expereince one of the best preserved genuine early 19th century working mills. Take the inclusive 45 minutes guided tour and learn the fascinating story of the cotton industry, wooden bobbin manufacturing and the people who worked there.
Cruise the length of England's longest lake and enjoy the ever-changing panorama of Lake Windermere. Steamers and launches sail daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside with connections for the steam railway.
