The Lake District in summer is pure magic! With its lakes, rolling hills, and endless outdoor adventures, there really is no better place for a summer family getaway. At The Kings Arms in Temple Sowerby, we’re ideally placed to help you make the most of it!
We’ve rounded up a list of the best summer activities for families in the Lake District.
Lake Adventures
No trip to the Lakes is complete without getting out on the water – and there are options for all ages and energy levels!
-
Boat trips – Hop aboard a steamer on Windermere or Ullswater for stunning views with minimal effort.
-
Paddleboarding & kayaking – Hire a board or kayak at Derwentwater Marina—great fun for older kids (and brave parents!).
-
Wild swimming – Buttermere’s shallow edges are ideal for paddling, while more adventurous swimmers will love Rydal Water’s deep pools (just don’t forget the towels!).
- If you’re looking for something closer to the pub, The Kings Arms has it’s own private fishing beat on the River Eden – reach out if you’re ready to get into fly fishing!
Family-Friendly Walks
You don’t need to climb mountains to enjoy breathtaking views – these routes are manageable for little legs but still reward you with incredible scenery.
-
Tarn Hows (1 hour drive from The Kings Arms) – A gentle, buggy-friendly loop around one of the prettiest tarns in the Lakes– with plenty of benches for picnic spots.
-
Aira Force (30-minute drive from The Kings Arms) – A magical waterfall walk with plenty of spots to cool off on a warm day. The main waterfall viewpoint is just a 10-minute walk from the car park.
-
Orrest Head (50-minute drive from The Kings Arms) – This short 20-minute climb from Windermere town provides you with what Alfred Wainwright called his “first view of heaven”.
Animal Encounters
Kids will love meeting the Lake District’s furry (and feathery) locals.
-
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis – Meet meerkats, lemurs, and more at this small but brilliant zoo.
-
The Lake District Wildlife Park (formerly Trotters) – Feed goats, llamas, and even wallabies at this hands-on farm.
-
Low Sizergh Barn – A working farm with delicious ice cream and outdoor play areas. The sticky toffee flavour is our favourite!
And don’t forget your own pets – The Kings Arms is dog-friendly & you can check out our guidelines on bringing dogs to your stay here.
Rainy-Day Fun (Because it’s Still Britain!)
Even summer has the occasional shower, but there’s still plenty to do indoors.
-
The Puzzling Place (Keswick) – A mind-bending attraction full of optical illusions. Allow at least an hour for maximum fun!
-
Rheged Centre – More than just a rainy-day backup, this cultural hub near Penrith has a 3D cinema – catch a family film, browse local crafts, or let little ones loose in the brilliant soft play area.
-
The World of Beatrix Potter – Bring storybooks to life in this interactive attraction featuring Peter Rabbit’s garden and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen.
Bonus tip: If you can’t be bothered to go out at all, why not have a family game night in our freshly renovated games room? We have a Halo-lit dart board, pool table, and TV. Great for kids and grown-ups alike!
Thrills for Older Kids
For families with adventurous teens or tweens, these activities deliver proper adrenaline rushes:
-
Go Ape Grizedale – Swing through the trees on zip lines and rope bridges (yes, exactly like Tarzan!)
-
Honister Slate Mine – Try the Via Ferrata (a cliffside climb) or explore underground tunnels with hundreds of years of mining history.
-
Brockhole on Windermere – Offers everything from archery to giant outdoor chess. The Treetop Nets let kids bounce 10m above ground.
Why Stay at The Kings Arms for Your Family Summer Trip?
Perfect location – Just outside the national park, with easy access to the Lakes and the quieter Pennines.
Family-friendly dining – Our summer menu is out, featuring all your traditional favourites and some exciting new dishes to enjoy. And of course! We also have a kids’ menu for our littlest guests.
Comfy rooms We have nine en-suite guest rooms with king-size or twin beds. Some of our spacious bedrooms have space for an additional ‘rollaway bed’ if required.
Dog-friendly – We welcome dog owners with amicable, well-behaved dogs. The area has some fantastic dog walks as well!
Ready to book your summer escape? Book your stay here, and get ready to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
1 Comment