3.The most awe-inspiring view! o If you want to experience a World Heritage site in all its glory, get yourself to Claife Heights Viewing station on the banks of Lake Windermere · By road …Junction 36 off M6, then take A684 which becomes the A591 to Windermere and Ambleside. B5285 from Windermere via Windermere ferry 3 miles. B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside 9 miles. B5285 from Coniston 8 miles. · Parking: Ash Landing, very near Claife Viewing Station and Harrowslack, on Windermere’s west shore. · There’s a cosy cafe in the courtyard and it is open every day 11am-3pm. Dogs are welcome on the west shore of Windermere. · This colourful Viewing Station has endless lake views and waterside paths for you to explore. Children love looking through the amazing coloured glass. 4. The coolest boat ride in the Lakes · Coniston Water is home to The Goldola. This lake is nearly five miles long, and has a maximum depth of 184 feet. The elegant Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola sails between March and November. Renovated by the National Trust, its passengers can travel in opulently upholstered saloons – a superb way to appreciate the magnificent scenery. The traditional timber craft of Coniston Launch provide regular hourly sailings throughout the year to jetties around Coniston Water, including Brantwood. · The Victorian philosopher John Ruskin bought Brantwood house to the east of the lake in 1871 declaring the view over the lake to ‘The Old Man of Coniston’ to be ‘the best in all of England’. · Arthur Ransome based his book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ on Coniston Water, and much fun may be had trying to discover the locations of the stories. There are both boat hire and sailing courses & centres on Coniston Water. · Sir Malcolm Campbell chose Coniston for his attempt at the water speed record in 1939, which he achieved at over 141 miles per hour. On his death, his son Donald Campbell [left] took up where his father left off.
His aim was to better 300 miles per hour, which he did on 4th January 1967, but the craft, ‘Bluebird’, shot up into the air and disappeared into the lake. Until early in 2001, his body had never been found. There is a memorial to him near the Information Centre in Ruskin Avenue. The story is told in the refurbished Ruskin Museum. 4.A steam train back in time . Head for the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway at either Lakeside or Haverthwaite , where you can travel back in time when you climb aboard these amazing train. If you are staying at Woodside it is a short walk to lakeside to pick up the train. o A distant memory of bygone years for some and new experience for others, it’s a unique day out for all. · If you want to, you can combine your day out with a visit to The Lakes Aquarium or continue your journey aboard a Windermere Steamer to Bowness or Ambleside. The trains welcome dogs and owners. 5.Explore an amazing garden of weird and wonderful trees. · I’m talking topiary at Holker Hall. Just off the A590 the house and gardens is the family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. It is a delightful family home with fine displays of antique furniture and art. · You can tour the house without the restriction of ropes and barriers, and see the distinguished library, elegant drawing room, and ornate dining room. Climb the striking staircase and you can view portraits of Charles II, and Catherine of Braganza. You can visit the bedroom where Queen Mary stayed in 1937. · Children will be fascinated by the unique shaped trees as they complete a quiz (bought from the shop) of the garden. The café is very good. In the Summer they sometimes have the steam engine working in the court yard. 6. Fancy hiring a bike to explore the lanes around Consiston? https://lakedistrictbikes.com/ o All sorts of bikes can be hired including electric bikes o 7.Enjoy a Kayaking at Brockhole https://www.brockhole.co.uk/ · Kayaking on Lake Windermere is something rather special! Peace Quiet only the lap of the paddle can be heard. · Places are limited (8 per session) so please book. 8.The Aquarium of the Lakes is an ideal wet weather attraction and a short walk from Woodside at Lakeside. 9. If you want something really different check this out https://www.predatorexperience.co.uk/useful-information/ 10. Paddleboarding Whilst you are at Fell Foot you can hire boats of all description. Check this out for great fun on the water https://www.stokedwatersports.co.uk/ | 
