Best Family Friendly Lake District Towns and Villages

Nestled amidst the Lake District’s jaw-dropping scenery of lakes, mountains and forests lie a string of postcard-perfect towns and villages.

These quaint Cumbrian hamlets make perfect bases for exploring the great outdoors with the family. From lively hubs like Keswick to sleepy villages like Grasmere, you’ll find historic sights, indoor attractions, and easy access to incredible hiking trails and water activities.

Getting around is a breeze, with cute cafes, quirky shops, and family-friendly pubs right on your doorstep. These authentic communities also offer a taste of warm Cumbrian hospitality and a glimpse into rural English life.

Whether you want lively lake towns or tranquil hideaways, this guide rounds up the Lake District’s most beautiful, fun and family-friendly villages to suit every crew.

1. Kirkby Lonsdale

You’ll fall for the rustic charm of Kirkby Lonsdale as soon as you arrive. This cute little market town feels frozen in time, with its cobblestone streets lined with independent boutiques and cafes.

Don’t miss wandering along the babbling River Lune – there are beautiful riverside walks and picnic spots. On Thursdays, a bustling market sets up selling fresh local produce.

Address: Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6, UK
Getting There: Located just off the A65, around 13 miles from Kendal

2. Keswick

Keswick makes an awesome family base for exploring the northern lakes. The compact town centre has a real buzz, with quirky shops, pubs, and cafes lining the streets.

But the real stars are the incredible lakes and fells surrounding it. Don’t miss renting rowing boats to explore Derwentwater – it’s just a short walk from the centre. The lake’s shoreline trail is an easy, scenic walk too.

Address: Keswick, Cumbria, CA12, UK
Getting There: Around 30 mins drive from Penrith, just off the A66

3. Bowness-on-Windermere

As its name suggests, this charming little town sits right on the shores of Windermere – England’s largest natural lake. Families love strolling along the lakeshore promenade, catching boat tours around the islands, and visiting The World of Beatrix Potter.

The compact centre is made for wandering, with cafes, sweet shops, and arcades to explore. Check out the quirky Hole in t’Wall too – a tiny pub you can only enter through a little hole!

Address: Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23, UK
Getting There: Around 6 miles from Windermere

4. Ulverston

For an offbeat family day out, make tracks for Ulverston. This historic market town has a few unusual attractions up its sleeve. Visit the Laurel & Hardy Museum dedicated to the comedic duo, before checking out the incredible outdoor Furness Streetscape museum.

Little ones will love exploring the old-fashioned shops, cottages and even a pub! Don’t miss climbing to the top of Hoad Monument too for incredible views.

Address: Ulverston, Cumbria LA12, UK
Getting There: Around 18 miles from Windermere, just off the A590

5. Grasmere

Soak up the inspiring scenery that prompted Wordsworth’s famous works in idyllic Grasmere village.

Start by touring the poet’s two family homes – Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Then explore the walking trails around Grasmere lake and refuel with the legendary gingerbread from the vintage shop.

For adventurous families, tackle challenging hikes like Helm Crag or discover off-the-radar tarns like Rydal Water.

Address: Grasmere, Ambleside LA22, UK
Getting There: Around 5 miles from Ambleside, just off the A591

6. Ambleside

As the unofficial capital of the Lakes, bustling Ambleside makes an action-packed family base. It’s surrounded by incredible hiking territory, with trails fanning out in all directions. Don’t miss unique sights like the tiny Bridge House built over Stock Ghyll stream!

Cruise companies offer scenic boat tours across Windermere too. The compact town is made for strolling, with indie shops, bakeries and pubs to discover.

Address: Ambleside, Cumbria LA22, UK
Getting There: Under 6 miles from Windermere, just off the A591

7. Coniston

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Coniston Water, this traditional Lakeland village charms with its slow pace and abundance of activities.

Take the gondola across a disused mine for incredible fell views, or get out on the lake itself with boat hire, kayaking or wild swimming.

Don’t miss poking around John Ruskin’s historic home Brantwood either. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hike up The Old Man of Coniston!

Address: Coniston, Cumbria LA21, UK
Getting There: Around 13 miles from Ambleside

8. Hawkshead

You’ll be enchanted by Hawkshead’s time-warp vibe as soon as you arrive.

This perfectly preserved medieval village is a joy to wander, with its ancient inns, bakeries, toffee shops and historic houses. Relics of its past like the village pump and archery green still remain.

Don’t miss the Beatrix Potter attraction and Walker Gallery. Hire a boat out onto Esthwaite Water, or try your hand at archery on the village green.

Address: Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22, UK
Getting There: Around 5 miles from Ambleside

9. Cartmel

Delightfully off-the-beaten-track, Cartmel is a winner for families. The village clusters around its striking 12th century Priory and medieval gatehouse – fun to explore.

But it’s most famous for its hugely popular sticky toffee pudding! After indulging at its birthplace, walk it off with a wander around the cute cottages and craft shops. On race days, the family-friendly racecourse makes for an exciting day out too.

Address: Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11, UK
Getting There: Around 13 miles from Windermere, just off the A590

10. Pooley Bridge

Dramatic Ullswater provides the stunning backdrop for picturesque Pooley Bridge. The village’s iconic bridge across the lake makes for a memorable photo op.

Spend lazy days strolling the shoreline paths, renting boats out onto the water, or learning to SUP. Its location provides beautiful views of the surrounding fells too. Don’t miss grabbing provisions from the crafty shops and cafes either.

Address: Pooley Bridge, Penrith CA10, UK
Getting There: Around 15 miles from Penrith, just off the A592

Start Planning Your Trip

So there you have it – 10 of the cutest, most family-friendly towns and villages to base yourselves for a Lake District adventure. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a warm Cumbrian welcome, incredible scenery and stacks of activities to keep everyone happy.

I’d recommend booking accommodation well in advance as these villages get booked up quickly, especially in peak season. A centrally-located family-friendly hotel or self-catering cottage makes the perfect base.

Pack plenty of weatherproof gear too – those Lake District downpours can strike at any moment! Don’t let that put you off though. There’s a real charm to cozying up in a classic Lakeland inn with a pint of local ale when the heavens open.

Related Stories/Histories

The Lake District is steeped in history and literary heritage. From the medieval monks of Cartmel Priory, to the famous Romantic poets and children’s authors who found inspiration here, these lands are rich with stories.

Venture off-the-beaten-track a little and you’ll find prehistoric monuments, eerie abandoned mines, and ancient homes like John Ruskin’s Brantwood. So take time to delve into the fascinating histories of whichever villages you visit.

Lake District Travel Essentials

📍Getting Around: Having your own car makes getting around rural Lakeland much easier. But there are decent public transport links to the main hubs too.
📍When to Visit: The summer months are understandably most popular. However, spring and fall offer milder crowds and beautiful blossoms/foliage. Even winter can be magical though, with crisp snowy scenery!
📍Where to Stay: While hotels provide convenience, renting cottages or lodges gives you more space and facilities. Campsites are another affordable family option.

Most Beautiful Views in the Lake District

You’re utterly spoiled for breathtaking views in the Lake District. Some unmissable vistas include:

➡️ The tiny Rydal Water lake, framed by craggy fells
➡️ Hooker Crag in Wasdale – one of the most iconic Lake District panoramas
➡️ The bleakly beautiful expanses of Hardknott Pass
➡️ Catbells Terrace hike for knockout views over Derwentwater
➡️ Blea Tarn’s remote mountain tarn surrounded by rugged peaks

Money Saving Tips in the Lake District

✅ Purchase an English Heritage or National Trust membership for access to attractions
✅ Pack picnics from supermarkets to save on eating out
✅ Camp or stay in budget accommodation like hostels and B&Bs
✅ Look for free days at museums and attractions
✅ Travel in the off-season when costs are lower

Best Festivals in the Lake District

🔘 Kendal Mountain Festival (November): Films, lectures and events celebrating the great outdoors
🔘 Grasmere Gingerbread Festival (December): Celebrating the village’s famous spiced treat
🔘 Windermere Air Show (August): Spectacular aerobatic displays over the lake
🔘 Keswick Beer Festival (June): Showcasing local ales in a fun celebration
🔘 Coniston Country Fair (May): Traditional games and entertainment in beautiful surroundings

Off the Beaten Track Activities in the Lake District

🔘 Go wild swimming in remote hidden tarns like Stickle Tarn
🔘 Book a quirky Alpaca Trekking experience
🔘 Go underground into the abandoned Honister Slate Mines
🔘 Try your hand at traditional sports like Cumberland wrestling
🔘 Forage for wild foods like mushrooms and herbs with a local guide

Best Hiking Trails in the Lake District

🔘 Scafell Pike: Tough but rewarding hike to England’s highest peak
🔘 Fairfield Horseshoe: Classic circular walk with stunning panoramas
🔘 Catbells Terrace: Achieve incredible views without too much effort
🔘 Buttermere Circuit: Beautiful waterside loop taking in lakes and peaks
🔘 Orrest Head: Short but sweet walk with lovely vistas over Windermere

Best Things to Do in the Lake District

👉 Boat Tours: Scenic cruises on Windermere, Ullswater and other lakes
👉 Visit Beatrix Potter’s World and Home in Hawkshead and Bowness
👉 Go Ghyll Scrambling – climbing up mountain streams and waterfalls
👉 Cycle a section of the Coast to Coast path
👉 Indulge in a vintage English afternoon tea

Best Castles and Ancient Ruins in the Lake District

🔘 Muncaster Castle: Haunted historic castle with vast gardens and owl centre
🔘 Lowther Castle: Romantic ruined mansion set in lush parklands
🔘 Wray Castle: Quirky Victorian neo-gothic pile right on the lake
🔘 Shap Abbey: Evocative remains of a medieval monastery
🔘 Ravenglass Roman Bath House: Ruins of an ancient Roman bathhouse

FAQs on Best Family Friendly Lake District Towns and Villages:

Final Thoughts

The Lake District really is a magical place for a family holiday. With its storybook villages, incredible outdoor playground, and rich cultural heritage, it ticks every box.

While popular hot spots like Bowness, Ambleside and Keswick offer plenty of action, I’d also encourage you to get off-the-beaten-path. Discoveries like remote tarns, ancient monuments, and little-known valleys await for those who veer away from the crowds.

Wherever you end up, take time to slow down and embrace that famous Cumbrian pace of life. Linger over lazy pub lunches, stroll around picture-postcard villages, and simply soak up those breathtaking views.

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