Best Family Days Out in the Lake District

I have brought my kids to the Lakes repeatedly. These are the days out that actually work, not the ones that look good on a brochure.

Tarn Hows circular walk

LA21 8DP, National Trust car park, charged. A flat circular path around a dramatic tarn, 1.5 miles, accessible for small children and pushchairs on the main path. The setting is excellent. The walk is short enough that it does not become a problem. Good for ages 2 and up. Combine with lunch in Hawkshead village (10 minutes drive) afterwards.

Windermere Lake Cruises: Ambleside to Lakeside and back

The full run from Waterhead at Ambleside to Lakeside at the south end of Windermere. Covered boats with outdoor deck sections. Children under 5 free. At Lakeside, the Haverthwaite Railway connects for a steam train section. Doing the whole thing boat-train-boat makes a full day and works for most ages. Book at Waterhead pier (LA22 0EY) or online.

Aira Force waterfall

CA11 0JS, National Trust, car park charged. A series of waterfalls in a wooded ravine, 2-mile circular walk, accessible for children of all ages. After overnight rain they are extraordinary. NT café on site. One of the most-visited NT sites in the Lakes and deservedly so. Go on a weekday if possible.

Dodd Wood red squirrel trail

CA12 4QE, Forestry England. A red squirrel trail through conifer woodland above Bassenthwaite Lake. Feeders on the trail attract squirrels. Go in the morning, move quietly, and there is a real chance of sightings at close range. The osprey viewpoint at the car park base operates April to August with telescopes and RSPB staff. Combine both for a full morning.

Ullswater Steamers: Glenridding to Howtown walk

Take the steamer from Glenridding (CA11 0PD) to Howtown and walk back along the lakeshore (6 miles, mostly flat). Good for older children who can manage a half-day walk. The combination of the boat outward and the walk back is better than just the boat. Carry lunch as there is nothing at Howtown.

When it rains

• →Pencil Museum, Keswick (CA12 5NG): genuinely interesting, two hours, not expensive
• →Windermere Jetty Museum (LA23 3JH): the best museum building in the Lakes, excellent for ages 8+
• →Go Ape, Grizedale (LA22 0QJ): operates in most weather, book ahead
• →World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness (LA23 3BX): aimed at under-8s, about an hour

Damian Roche

Founder, Churchtown Media. Builder of TheLakesGuide.co.uk, TheLakesWildlife.co.uk, and HikeTheLakes.com. Southport-based. Regular Lakes visitor for decades.