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

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.

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.

Bowness on Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is a thriving holiday town, the largest in the Lake District National Park, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere. This dynamic town boasts hundreds of shops, eating and drinking establishments and many fine cultural and historical attractions. The views from Bowness out across the lake and up to the mountains are some of the finest in the Lake District. The range of activities and things to do is almost endless. From golf, walking and horse riding to water skiing and sailing or if you want to take things at a slower pace there are many visitor attractions to browse around.The fine 15thC church of St. Martin's is picturesquely set back from the road by a lovely approach festooned with trees and plants.The lakeside town is popular with all ages, with a bustling focus on the lakeshore at Bowness Bay. Many kinds of lake excursions can be made from here, from the hiring of wooden rowing boats to sailing on the 'steamer' taking visitors further out across England's longest lake (almost 11 miles long). Elsewhere in Bowness visit The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction and the many boating and aquatic attractions.