The Lake District is a fantastic destination for families, offering breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and plenty of child-friendly activities. If you’re visiting with young children, here are some of our favourite spots that are both accessible and fun for little explorers, including some Wainwrights for little legs!
Wheelchair & Pushchair Accessible Spots
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness is a great starting point for families visiting the Lake District. You can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Windermere, visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, or take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside. The promenade and many attractions in the town are wheelchair and pushchair accessible, making it a hassle-free stop.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a stunning, easy-to-walk circular route that is ideal for young children. The path is relatively flat, well-maintained, and pushchair-friendly, offering beautiful views of the surrounding fells. It is also suitable for wheelchairs, with an accessible parking area nearby.
Keswick & Derwentwater
Keswick is a family-friendly town with plenty to do. The town center is wheelchair-friendly, and the lakeside paths around Derwentwater offer accessible routes. The boat trips on the lake also cater to wheelchair users.
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Forest has accessible walking trails and adventure play areas. While some paths are steeper, there are wheelchair-friendly routes, and the visitor center provides accessibility information.
Sizergh Castle
Sizergh Castle has accessible gardens and a café, making it a great place for families. While the historic house has some restrictions due to its age, the grounds offer smooth paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
More Adventurous Spots (Limited Accessibility)
Black Crag
For those looking for a little more adventure, Black Crag is a nearby fell that offers fantastic panoramic views. However, the route is uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Lake Coniston
Coniston Water is another beautiful lake with plenty of family-friendly activities. You can take a boat ride on the historic Steam Yacht Gondola, but some shore paths can be uneven. There are accessible areas near the main parking areas.
Aira Force
If your kids love waterfalls, Aira Force is a must-visit. The main route involves steps and rough paths, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. However, there is an alternative accessible viewing area near the car park.
Latrigg
Latrigg offers breathtaking views over Keswick and Derwentwater. While the traditional route involves steeper paths, there is an accessible path from the car park that allows wheelchair users and pushchairs to reach a fantastic viewpoint.
Honister Pass
Honister Pass is a scenic drive rather than a walking destination. The Honister Slate Mine offers family-friendly tours, but accessibility within the mine may be limited for wheelchair users.
The Lake District offers endless opportunities for family adventures, with options for all levels of accessibility. Whether you’re looking for easy walks, boat rides, or nature trails, there’s something for every family to enjoy.
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