4 January 2022 Local area
Sightseeing itinerary for a short break in The Lakes
It can be difficult to decide how to spend your short break in the Lake District, when there’s so much to see and do. So, we’ve compiled a handy 3-day sightseeing itinerary to help you make the most of your holiday in The Lakes.
The Park Cliffe team have rounded up our pick of the best attractions and beauty spots, all within easy reach of Windermere. We’ve tried to include a mix of family friendly activities and couples’ days out.
Leave home early to ensure you have plenty of time to explore The Lakes on arrival day. With only 3 days in the Lake District, you’ll want as much time as possible to explore the National Park and take in the beautiful scenery.
When you arrive, we recommend heading to Brockholes on Windermere as your first point of call. Situated, just 20 minutes’ drive from Park Cliffe caravan and camping park, it offers a range of outdoor activities, all in one place. Here younger members of the family can let off some steam after the long drive. As a family you could try archery, mini golf and treetops.
Head to Park Cliffe at around 3pm to check in. One of our friendly team will direct you to your touring pitch, glamping accommodation or holiday home. Once you’ve settled in take some time to enjoy a leisurely walk around the site and familiarise yourself with our facilities. These include a modern amenities block, shop and on-site bar and restaurant.
If you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend walking to Gummers How from our park. Pick up the footpath near the children’s play area and make the steady ascent to the top of the hill where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Windermere and the surrounding fells.
Treat yourself to something special to mark your first night in The Lakes. There’s no shortage of delicious restaurants to choose from, many within easy reach of our caravan and camping park.
Below we’ve listed some of our personal favourites to start you in your search. All have an excellent reputation and glowing TripAdvisor reviews.
If you really want to push the boat out or celebrate a special occasion, the Lake District is home to more Michelin Star restaurants than any other region in the UK.
Today is your first full day in the Lake District, so an early start is in order to maximise your time spend out and about. Waking up early means you’ll beat the crowds and have time to explore some of the National Park’s most iconic beauty spots at a slower pace.
After a hearty breakfast make your way to Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can spend some time perusing the shops before boarding a boat for a scenic trip around the Lake. Windermere Lake Cruises have a variety of routes to choose from, so you can tailor the trip to the needs and wants of your group.
We highly recommend the Islands (Blue) Cruise, which lasts 45 minutes and showcases a range of scenery. From the top deck you can enjoy views towards the shoreline and see some of the islands that are dotted around the lake. An interesting commentary will give you an insight into local history and any points of interest that you pass along the way.
Next, make the 30-minute walk to Orrest Head. It’s one of our favourite viewpoints in The Lakes and offers stunning vistas across the water to Scafell. The walk is well signposted and perfectly doable with children.
After working up an appetite during your walk, make some time for a leisurely lunch in one of Bowness-on-Windermere’s fantastic cafés. There are plenty to choose from and many boast beautiful views over the lake.
We’ve listed some of our favourites below.
No trip to the Lake District is complete without taking some time to immerse yourself in the World of Beatrix Potter. The renowned Children’s book author and illustrator spend much of her life in this picturesque part of the world and drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape for her acclaimed work.
The World of Beatrix Potter offers a unique insight into Potter’s best work, by bringing tales from her enchanting stories to life. As you walk around the family friendly attraction, you’ll learn more about the characters through a number of interactive exhibits, performances and displays. Our favourites are the virtual walk around the Lake District and the Peter Rabbit Garden, which captures plenty of detail from the books
After such a busy day savour some much-needed down time and enjoy a dinner back at Park Cliffe. Grab a drink in the on-site Fellside Bar and Restaurant before stopping by one of our pop-up street food vans for a delicious bite to eat. The vans change on a regular basis and showcase cuisines from around the world. Regular visitors include Taco Chateau, Pizza Artigiano and The Flatbread Trailer.
Please note: Seasonal hours apply for both our bar and restaurant and food trailers.
Treat yourself to a hearty cooked breakfast in our on-site restaurant to set you up for your last day in The Lakes. You’ll want plenty of energy to explore Ullswater and the fantastic attractions on offer in the surrounding area.
The journey takes approximately 40 minutes from our caravan site if you take the A592, which includes the Kirkstone Pass. This scenic route is the highest mountain pass in the lake district and boasts magnificent views in every direction.
Please note: this route is not for the faint hearted and is best suited to experienced drivers. We do not recommend driving this road with a caravan or large motorhome.
The first stop of the day is Aira Force, the most famous waterfall in the Lake District and a must visit if you’re in the visiting Ullswater for the day. The towering falls thunder down 70 feet of rock from below a stone bridge, creating a dramatic spectacle that attracts visitors in their droves each year. From the viewing platform it’s possible to snap some impressive photographs and truly appreciate the sheer size and scale of this natural landmark.
The waterfalls form part of the larger National Trust estate. There is a network of footpaths to explore during your visit, which range in length and difficulty. The low-level footpath to Glencoyne bay is popular, as is the 6-mile trek to Glenridding and back. Visitors with children can enjoy a natural play area and a range of activity sheets.
You’ll need to refuel ahead of a busy afternoon. Here’s some of our favourite lunch spots that you’ll pass on the way to Lowther Castle, your final port of call.
Step back in time at Lowther Castle, a 19th century estate steeped in history. Explore the castle ruins and learn more about its chequered past in the interesting exhibition. Once you’ve toured what remains of the interior head outside and explore the extensive grounds. The gardens are vast, with a network of scenic footpaths, taking you through formal landscaped areas, woodland and along the Great Yew Avenue.
Lowther is home to the Lost Castle – one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the UK. It has been built to mirror the castle itself and features ziplines, turrets, walkways and slides. There is a dedicated toddler area with sandpit for younger members of the family. Adults can watch proceedings from the various benches and picnic areas.
We hope our 3-day sightseeing itinerary helps you plan your next holiday in The Lakes. Of course, it doesn’t cover everything on offer, but is an excellent starting point. You can check out more things to do in the Lake District in our handy holiday planner tool. Or, take a look at our blog articles for more suggestions.
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park in the Lake District overlooking Windermere. We have a wide range of fantastic self-catering accommodation, including glamping pods, shepherds hut, static caravans and touring and camping pitches.
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