There are so many things to see and do during your stay at the Broadlands Guest House. Why not amble down to Bowness on Windermere and catch a cruise on one of the traditional lake steamers. Or roam around some of the many quaint villages here in the Lakes. Maybe even take a guided tour, or have a picnic in the beautiful countryside. Or conquer a mountain peak or two, visit a museum or go shopping. You could even treat your self to a relaxing Spa day, complete with afternoon tea.
Even during wintertime, you will find something magical to do such as visit a festive christmas market or roam around the local shops for some unique Christmas gifts. Or maybe take a walk in the snow and see some spectacular sights before stopping for some food at a local pub with cosy log fires.
There truly is something for everyone here in the lake district, whether you are a hiker, a biker, a photographer, an artist or someone who just wants to get away for a few days to relax. Below you will find some more recommendations of things to do. We are sure you will be spoilt for choice!
Gothic Revival castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers and informal grounds
Over 180 years ago a surgeon and an heiress from Liverpool began building a castle that would only ever have to defend itself from the Cumbrian weather. With all the furniture and artwork long gone and the last family moving out in the 1920s, the castle has had mixed uses, church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views.
There are several great walks straight from our home. One of them which is minimum effort for maximum result will take you approx 30 minutes to see a 360° spectacular view from Orrest Head, considered to be one of the must see viewpoints that the Lake District has to offer. Other walks will take you to LoughriggTarn, Tarn Hows, Brant Fell, School Knott, Biskey Howe, the gentle waterfalls at Millerground and Sherrifs Walk and the Lake Shore, all of which are about 30 minutes from our front door.
One of the best ways to see The Lake District without a car would be to take the open top buses. These buses, which can be caught from right here in Windermere, stop at some of the most iconic places in The Lake distrcit including;
Ambleside, a small town in the Lake District, has now become a major tourist resort with shops, restaurants, cinema. It is very popular with walkers and climbers. A short walk from the centre of the village leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. In spring the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils. The 17th Century Bridge House over Stock Ghyll beck is one of the most photographed scenes in Lakeland. It is owned by the National Trust. You can visit without charge to see the 2 sparsely furnished rooms.
Grasmere is probably the Cumbria’s most popular village, thanks to William Wordsworth (1770-1850). Today Grasmere has of gift shops, places to stay and places to eat. Most of the buildings date from the 19th or early 20th Century, though the farms around Grasmere are much older. Grasmere is also home to the famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop.
Keswick, situated between the huge bulk of Skiddaw and the gentle beauty of Derwentwater, has become the major centre for tourism in the northern Lake District. This pretty market town offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, from shops and restaurants to museums with a difference, and boating trips around lake Derwentwater. Keswick can be reached by taking the 555 bus from Windermere.
Hawkshead is an ancient township that has flourished since Norse times. The tiny village still has the same collection of higgledy-piggledy houses, archways, and squares that were beloved by William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Cars are banned from the village, however, there is a large car park on the outskirts of the village. Tourism is now the main industry in the village, with many pleasant inns, guest houses, teashops, pubs and gift shops. If you visit, we highly reccomend the Queens Head Inn for lunch. Also, remember to bring home a bag of delicious individual chocolates from the Hawkshead Chocolate & Fudge company. Yum!
The Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre, also known as the Brockhole National Park Visitor Centre, is a visitor centre and tourist attraction managed by the Lake District National Park Authority. It is situated on the shore of Lake Windermere, roughly equidistant between the towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. It includes the Brockhole house and 30 acres of grounds, including 10 acres of formal gardens and an adventure playground. The centre organises a number of activities, including orienteering, kayaking and open water swimming, as well as regular exhibitions.
Mountain Goat a local based company in Windermere run some great tours and have a few to choose from, the most popular being The Ten Lakes which is a full day tour. The High Adventure is also a full day whereas Beatrix Potter Favourite Countryside is half a day.
So if you time is limited and you would like to see as much as possible with a experienced knowledgeable driver then have a look at Mountain goat.
Have the perfect day out with a Windermere Lake CruiseNo matter where you start your journey, be it Ambleside, Bowness, Brockhole or Lakeside Pier, you’ll be treated to stunning views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.Many of their cruises visit popular local attractions that are conveniently close to their piers. Choose a combined ticket to save money and enjoy a great day out.
The fascinating Lakeland Motor Museum nestles in the picturesque Leven Valley, at Backbarrow, close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere.A diverse and unique road transport collection of some 30,000 exhibits assembled over a period of almost 50 years is thoughtfully displayed alongside many non-motoring additions, in fully DDA compliant state-of-the-art premises with a beautiful riverside setting.A perfect, whatever the weather, all year venue certain to entertain and enthral all ages.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction can be found in Windermere. The attraction as won a number of awards and is One of the Top Ten most Popular Visitor Centres and the centre is a place for all the family young and old. Within the centre you will discover Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and all their friends in a magical indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter classic tales, with the sights, sounds and also the smells of the countryside. You will be able to see Mrs. Tiggy-winkle in the Kitchen, go past Jeremy Fisher's Pond and even walk through Squirrel Nutkin's Old Oak Tree? Also at the centre you will be able to learn more about Beatrix Potter's life in the Hidden Beatrix Potter's presentation and video wall. Take a break in the Tailor of Gloucester Tea Rooms and then a visit to shop where you can browse and purchase top quality Beatrix Potter merchandise.
Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'.The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.Hill Top is a small house and a timed-ticket system is in operation to avoid overcrowding and to protect the interior. Hill Top can be very busy and visitors may sometimes have to wait to enter the house.
Windermere Steamboats & Museum is located on a former sand wharf site where, for many years, barges unloaded gravel dredged from the bed of the lake. When this operation ceased in 1975, the Windermere Nautical Trust acquired the use of the site and the Museum was built in 1976-77 with the help of The Maritime Trust and the English Tourist Board. For a great day out visit the Windermere Steamboats & Museum situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere. This Windermere attraction offers a unique and historic collection of Steam and Motor Boats. Steam Launch Trips, Shop and Refreshments. The Museum is open 10am to 5pm daily from mid-March to the first week in November
From mountain-top to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing voyage of discovery. More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more. Come face to face with playful otters in their riverbank home, discover the mysterious life of a river after dark and take a closer look at Lakeland life in AquaQuest's educational activity centre. Then enjoy the ultimate underwater thrill as you stroll along a recreated section of Windermere's lake-bed surrounded by surrounded by gigantic carp and the amazing diving ducks.
Windermere Golf Club is situated in the heart of the English Lake District. It has spectacular views over Windermere and the surrounding fells; the scenery is breathtaking. We are sure you’ll agree that the outlook exceeds that from any golf course in the UK. Windermere Golf Club has been referred to as a “miniature Gleneagles†by the golfing press. A truly friendly welcome always awaits you at Windermere Golf Club. So, whether you wish to play the course, soak up the friendly atmosphere in the bar or enjoy the stunning scenery whilst eating in the restaurant.
