Lakeside is an attractive spot on the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere. The tiny hamlet, surrounded by undulating fields and woodland, has a busy pier with lake views. Rent a boat from the dock to cruise around the many islands in the large lake.
Families are drawn to this area by the variety of fascinating tanks and sections of the Lakes Aquarium. See local crayfish, perch and harvest mice in the English Lake District exhibit. Marvel at the exotic creatures in the Tropical Rainforest, including frogs, lizards, snakes and crocodiles. Other aquarium highlights include Asian otters and the tunnel under a recreation of Lake Windermere.
Walk north for 15 minutes to reach the Stott Park Bobbin Mill, which produced millions of wooden bobbins for weaving and spinning. Browse the exhibit telling the story of the mill. Imagine what it was like to work here. Take a guided site tour and purchase your own bobbins from the gift shop.
Stroll along the lively Lakeside Pier and spot boats on the water. Dine at a restaurant on the wharf or nearby in the Windermere area for local specialties, such as Cumberland sausages and Grasmere gingerbread.
Relive the classy voyages of yesteryear with the steam trains of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which stands beside the pier. It runs southwest for 3 miles (6 kilometres) to Haverthwaite via a scenic route that passes through the hamlet of Newby Bridge.
Find Lakeside on the southwestern end of Windermere’s lake. Bowness-on-Windermere is 8 miles (13 kilometres) north along the eastern shore of the water. Arrive at Lakeside Pier by boat from Ambleside or Bowness. Fly to Leeds Bradford Airport in Yorkshire and reach the site by car in 2 hours. London is 280 miles (450 kilometres) southeast.
Expect wet and windy winters with snow flurries. Visit between April and September for drier, warmer weather.
With its busy pier and fascinating aquarium, Lakeside is an ideal family retreat.
