itinerary ideas for a great day out...

If you are looking to plan a day out in the Lake District and Cumbria but are not sure what to do why not browse our pre-made itinerary suggestions. .

Windermere without the Car

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If your thinking of really being carbon conscious, why not try these itinerary's.

Morning

From Bowness on Windermere pier, Windermere Lake Cruise will sail you past the magnificent mountain scenery, lovely secluded bays and shore line, where you will end up at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. From here you could do a combination of things. Aquarium of the Lakes is a facinating display which brings you face to face with an array of life found in and around the Lakes. With plasma screen documentaries, film presentations, information boards, a children’s quiz trail as well as daily talks and presentations, the Aquarium of the Lakes is a unique all weather attraction. Take a train journey on the famous Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Hard working steam trains haul trains on this steeply graded railway. Comfortable coaching ensures passengers have a pleasant and leisurely journey through contrasting lake and river scenes of the Leven Valley. Trains run from April through to the end of October.

Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere Lake Cruises trace their origins back to Victorian days, steamers and launches carry over 1.35 million visitors each year. The steamers have saloons, promenade decks, teashops and licensed bars.

Lakes Aquarium

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Operating daily, steam engines haul comfortable carriages through the picturesque Leven Valley to Lakeside; the southern end of Lake Windermere.

Lunch

The Lakeside Station is at the Lakeside Pier, at the southern end of Windermere, has a restaurant on the Pier with panoramic views of Windermere.

Afternoon

Windermere Lake Cruise will return you back to either Bowness, for some shopping in the variety of shops and an afternoon visit to 'The World of Beatrix Potter' or you could head to the northern tip of Lake Windermere to Waterhead pier. From here you could hire your own boat to paddle at leisure on the Lake, or if you have had enough of water, there's a Roman Fort to have a look at on the way to Ambleside centre. Busy, bustling Ambleside, has lots of shops, galleries, outdoor retail outlets and restaurants/cafes to keep amused for the afternoon. If you feel energetic, there is Loughrigg Terrace to go up, 20 minute walk from the centre, one of Wainwrights favourite spots, so don't forget your camera!

The World of Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attaction is a vibrant family visitor centre bringing to life all 23 enchanting stories in a magical recreation of the beautiful Lake District countryside complete with sights, sounds and smells.

Ambleside

Ambleside, one of the jewels of the Lakes, is set in the centre of the Lake District at the head of Lake Windermere. Blessed with beautiful scenery, this bustling market town provides everything a visitor could want.

Evening

There are plenty of place to eat, in Ambleside, ranging in price too! Just have a wander around and see which one takes your fancy. There is a regular bus service from the Bus Terminus which will take you back to Bowness on Windermere - Bus no 599.

Bowness on Windermere

Situated on the shores of lake Windermere, the bustling town of Bowness on the shores of Lake Windermere, offers a great variety of visitor attractions, accommodation and shops.

Lakes Aquarium

The Lakes Aquarium allows you to visit creatures from the lakes of the world along with those a little closer to home too. From otters and diving ducks to marmoset monkeys and British sharks and rays.

Set off from a Lake District mountain top and follow the tranquil water flow to find jumping trout and river bank creatures. Leap over the paddy fields to Asia, homeland of our delightful and mischievous otters. NEW for 2011 watch otters swim from our underwater tunnel.

Walk through our incredible underwater tunnel, home to the breath taking diving ducks!
Don't miss the worlds first virtual dive bell where you can discover just how fast a crocodile can swim!

The Lake Windermere collection of creatures includes one of Cumbria's most iconic - the Artic Char. This fish was one of the first to enter the lakes after the last ice age and has eveloved and survived the test of time. As a glacial fish, it seeks out the coldest water within the lakes in which it lives, typically the deepest waters. For this reason it is seldom seen by the general public. Lakes Aquarium has a collection of Char that visitors can not only watch, but come to fully apreciate, thanks to an informed education programme delivered by our dedicated team talks.

Make time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Lake Windermere from Oscar's cafe and restaurant which serves a mouth watering menu.

Or visit 1872 for a shopping experience alongside the station and pier. Both Oscars and 1872 now proudly brew Starbucks coffee, so experience a brew with the best view.

Buy Aquarium tickets on-line and save up to 25%! Or purchase combined aquarium, train and cruise tickets for a great day out.

key

Contact

Reception
Tel: 015395 30153

info@lakesaquarium.co.uk

www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
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Venue

Lakes Aquarium

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS

LA12 8AS www.lakesaquarium.co.uk

See location of Lakes Aquarium on Google maps. See location on Google maps. Map reference: SD 377874
Lat: 54.27841 Long: -2.95829
By Train: Arrive in style from Hatherthwaite via the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Puff along through stunning scenery on the steam train. Saver tickets are available, offering discounts on entry to the Aquarium in combination with a ride on a steam train.

By Boat: Lakes Aquarium is right next to the southern 'port' of Windermere Lake Cruises, with links by boat to Bowness, Ambleside, Brockhole, Fell Foot and other waterside attractions. Take a ride across the Lake then go and see what is in it! Promotional tickets are available offering discounts on combined entry to the Aquarium with a Lake Cruise

By Bus: Newby Bridge, a 20 minute walk from the Aquarium, has a good bus service from Kendal/Barrow (X35), and a link from Windermere (618). A shuttle service also operates to and from the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow. Over Summer the X32 South Lakes Freerider operates a free service taking in Lakeside, Cartmel, Rusland pool Haverthwaite and Ulverston.

By Bike: Back roads to the north and west of Lakeside, whilst rather hilly, offer access for cyclists to Lakeside avoiding major roads. Electric bikes are available to hire from the nearby Lakeside Hotel.

On Foot: Between Lakeside and Newby Bridge there is a pretty, permissive footpath through the woods wich is predominantly off the road.

By Car: Leave M6 at jct 36 take A590 to Newby Bridge.Take first right after the roundabout towards Hawkshead. Follow the fish symbols to Lakeside.

Parking : with charge

Public Transport : 10 miles from Grange Over Sands station

There are regular sailings to the Aquarium from Bowness and Ambleside, discounted combined tickets are available, and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Easter-October.