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There are plenty of things to entertain children of all ages around Patterdale and the Lake District. As well as the Local Walks and Activities on the Lake, there are some great activity and play centres nearby. We recommend the following:
Crookabeck Farm Experiences
Just 10 minutes walk from The How in Patterdale, Crookabeck Farm offers half and full day “Farm Experiences” where you can get hands-on with their flocks of Herdwick Sheep, Angora Goats, and Chickens. You’ll learn about the care of the animals, feed them and see how their fleeces are used in the production f the wool and mohair products on sale in the Crookabeck Farm Shop. Depending on the time of year you can also help out with lambing and even painting the Herdwicks for shows and sales. You can also try your hand as a Shepherd with their sheepdog Fly. As a guest at one of our cottages you are also entitled to a 10% discount on the cost of your session. Please see here for more details on these Farm Experience Days.
Brockhole Visitor Centre in Windermere
Brockhole Visitor Centre is on the edge of Windermere. It has an array of things to keep children entertained including an excellent outdoor play area, crazy golf, and a small climbing wall. Your can walk down to the shores of Windermere and paddle in the lake and also get the Steamer from the pier to tour the lake. There is also a cafe and a small indoor play area.
Whinlatter Forest near Keswick
Whinlatter Forest Park is the other side off Keswick off the A66. It has a fantastic play area for kids set in the forest. There is also the Whinlatter Go Ape for older children and adults. There are also a number of mountain bike trails through the woodland and you can hire mountain bikes there. The centre has an excellent cafe and restaurant (although it can get a little busy!) And you can even watch the Ospreys on Bassenthwaite via a video link.
Zoos and Animal Parks
There are several zoos and animal parks within an hour’s drive of Patterdale. Our favourite one is Trotters World of Animals near Bassenthwaite, which has a wide range of animals as well as indoor and outdoor play areas and cafes. There are also some good aquariums at Newby Bridge and Maryport.
Other Useful Links
A trip to Windermere would not be complete without a visit to one of the many shrines to the great Beatrix Potter. We recommend the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction which is ideal for smaller children and has a good cafe. Please click here for more suggestions of Children’s attractions in the Lake District.
