Bird Binoculars Craft

Ten free things to do in the Lake District

1. Go for a walk

The Lakes is heaven on earth for ramblers – there are a huge number of websites that list local walks. We have several on the web site for our dog-friendly Lake District holiday lodges web site.  Treat yourself to a healthy and free slice of rest and relaxation. The scenery is spectacular and there is a huge variety of walks from low level rambles around the lakes to serious fell walking and Wainwright bagging.

2. Go for a bike ride

Whether its on the winding lanes, the bridle paths or the exciting trails at Grizedale and Whinlatter there’s something for everyone on two wheels.  Again there are numerous web sites offering routes. If you don’t want to bring your bike with you you can hire bikes locally.

3.  Go and look at the wooden carvings in Grizedale Forest

There seem to be more of these whenever we go. These are great fun for the kids and it’s a great way to winkle them away from their screens for an hour or two.

4.  Take in the “Arts and Crafts ” window and the daffodils at Jesus Church, Troutbeck

You won’t find a prettier country church in the whole of the Lake District. If you are lucky enough to visit it in spring when the daffodils are in full bloom you will see the churchyard covered in a golden carpet. The main church window was designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

5. Go skateboarding in the park in Windermere Town

When the kids have had enough of grown up stuff it’s cool to let them have a bit of teenage fun. Our son makes us take him here regularly!

6. Go and find Wordsworth’s Daffodils

They can be found at Glencoyne Bay on Ullswater – a picnic by the lake watching their heads nodding away is sheer poetry.

7. Go Geo-caching

All you need is a map and access to one of the geocaching web sites. You can then go treasure hunting around the countryside.  Again this is a great way to get the kids out on a walk.

8.  Visit Grasmere

Grasmere is the village where Wordsworth lived – one of the prettiest in the Lakes. There is a lovely walk around the lake and a variety of shops and tea rooms.  Don’t forget to visit the gingerbread shop!

9.  Go and see the ospreys at Bassenthwaite (from about April)

These birds are seriously regal! Each year they return to Bassenthwaite from Africa to nest and to rear their young. You can go to the viewing station and see them. Don’t forget your binoculars

10.  Visit  Holehird Gardens near Windermere

Holehird Gardens between Windermere and Troutbeck on the A592 is one of the Lake District’s hidden gems and houses two national plant collections.

11 – Go browsing in the Lakeland Shop in Windermere

This one is probably not going to end up free so it’s an extra! You don’t have to buy anything – just marvel at man’s ingenuity and capacity for creating useless but interesting kitchen items! I bet you can’t stop yourself buy something.

About the Author

John has 4 dog -friendly self-catering holiday lodges to rent at Limefitt Park in Troutbeck, near Windermere. You can follow him on Twitter @windermerelodge