Child-friendly Days Out in the Lake District & Cumbria
Disclaimer: We were previously provided free entry to The World of Beatrix Potter. All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.
Whether you're in the Lake District and Cumbria for a weekend away - or even a week-long family holiday - it's likely you'll want something to do! If you explore my blog, you'll notice we love to discover places to go and enjoy family days out. Here are a few places we've visited that I think are great days out for children. For ease I have listed them in alphabetical order.
N.B. These days out will all require you to pay for entry. If you're looking for free days out check them out on my blog here.
Carlisle Castle
This 900 year old, English Heritage castle is a lovely day out for all the family. It is not all fully accessible, but there are ground level areas to explore. It's certainly not a cheap day out, but if you’re into historical places, this is somewhere I definitely recommend. Plus, if you're an English Heritage member, entry is free.
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the English Heritage website Carlisle Castle page.
N.B. Earlier this year, English Heritage began a huge renovation project at Carlisle Castle. They have brought in specialists to repair some of the roof and masonry. I just think you should be aware of if you’re planning to visit. The scaffolding currently in place doesn’t exactly give off 15th century vibes. They're hoping to have this completed by Summer 2022 however!
Greenlands Farm Village
This is one of the smaller (and cheaper!) places to visit, but it’s well worth it. It's been a number of years since we visited but there was plenty to do there. From the sheep racing to the donkey rides the farm may be small but it still has plenty to offer. Plus, it's not just a farm. Why not check out the play barn, farm shop and more while you're here?
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Greenlands Farm Village website.
Lake District Wildlife Park
With mid-range priced tickets, you get a lot of bang for you buck at this little wildlife park in my opinion. When we lived in Wigton and were just up the road we would go once every couple of weeks or more! Sadly we're a bit further away now and don't visit as much. However, no matter how often we visit the children love seeing the animals, and of course using the outdoor play area never gets old.
For more details, including ticket prices and to book animal experiences, check out the Lake District Wildlife Park website.
Lakeland Motor Museum
This one is not one that a lot of people wold expect to be child friendly, but Squidgy had an amazing time. She was so excited by everything there, from the hot air balloon suspended from the ceiling to the old school racing car games which cost a whole 20p to have a go on (and were over fifty years old!) Apparently this one doesn't just appeal to adults who are into old vehicles!
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Lakeland Motor Museum website.
Lake District and Cumbrian Aquariums
Depending on which end of the county you're visiting, you have a couple of options when it comes to aquariums. None are quite The London Sea Life Centre, but they do offer a lovely indoor day out if the weather is a bit touch and go. Which let's be honest, it can be up here!
Lakes Aquarium
If you're in the South, this will be your closest aquarium to visit. We haven't been for a number of years, but it is still holds some amazing memories for us. Squidgy's favourite part was the “fish tunnel” as she called it.
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Lakes Aquarium website.
The Lake District Coast Aquarium
If you're in the North, why not check out the aquarium in Maryport? All the children loved exploring here. They provided a little checklist to find different fish inside, and allow you to see the “nursery” and more here too. You can check out the Instagram reel I created here.
For more details, including ticket prices, check out The Lake District Coast Aquarium website.
Safari Zoo Cumbria
a.k.a South Lakes Safari Zoo
As annual members, we have been a fair few times to Safari Zoo Cumbria and no matter how many times we visit, it never disappoints. There is a variety of animals to see, and no two visits we've made have been the same! This is a more expensive choice of day out, however the range of animals and activities available definitely make it worth it in my opinion.
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit, check out the Safari Zoo Cumbria website.
Walby Farm Park
This working farm has a lot to do and see and the children had the best day ever with their grandparents here (check out the reel I made for Instagram!) With an indoor barn full of lambing sheep, an epic indoor wooden castle, soft play, huge sand pit area, trampolines, of course animals to see and so much more Walby Farm Park has a lot to offer. The children spent hours playing and exploring - so I think it was worth every penny of the mid-range ticket prices.
For more details, including ticket prices and to book your visit (which is essential), check out the Walby Farm Park website.
The World of Beatrix Potter *
Although this is one of the more expensive days out available in Cumbria, it is a great place to visit for any Beatrix Potter fan. It was really well done, with so much to see and interact with. They also run events, host shows and have a cute little shop for all your Peter Rabbit and friends gifts and more. You can read my full review here.
For more details, including ticket prices, check out The World of Beatrix Potter website.
There are so many wonderful days out for children in the Lake District, to suit all different budgets. Whatever your plans, you're sure to have a wonderful time here thanks to the quiet lifestyle and beautiful scenery found in the Cumbrian county we call home.
For more posts about our family adventures, from UK staycations to days out for kids visit my Travel blog. If you have any questions about places to visit in the Lake District, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Pin It!
Check out the beautiful Buttermere Circular, with all the info you need to plan your own visit.