For a special Mother’s Day treat I took my mum on a Windermere Lake Cruise and explored the area by boat which made a lovely change to being in a car. We started our trip from Ambleside just before lunchtime and arrived at Bowness in time to have a picnic on the Glebe and take a good look around the shops before getting on another cruise to Lakeside.
We both hadn’t been on the cruises for such a long time and it was such an enjoyable way to spend the day out in the fresh air and taking in the breath taking views we can sometimes take for granted. The weather didn’t start out to be great in the morning but by the time we were approaching Waterhead on our return trip the sun was shining and made for the perfect end to a lovely relaxing day for both mum and daughter! We really recommend getting a Freedom of the Lake ticket as it meant we could get on and off any boat at any destination and really make the most of our day.
Family fun at the Lakes Aquarium…
This Saturday I took my husband and two children to the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside. We had loads of fun and saw otters, snakes, tortoises, marmosets, lizards and lots and lots of fish! There were discovery bags in different areas which contained dressing up outfits for the kids, hence the photos of Barney dressed as a lobster!
There is a cool underwater tunnel where you can get really close to the fish and otters, the tunnel was being brushed clean by a member of staff and the otters loved trying to catch it - great to watch from underneath. After the Aquarium we went to Oscars (the cafe) for lunch and was pleasantly surprised to find out that with a receipt from the Aquarium you are entitled to one free drink. I recommend visiting the Aquarium and maybe trying out Haverthwaite Railway or a cruise on the lake while you’re there.
Sam, Fran, Barney and Tilly
There are some truly memorable days to be had in Cumbria…lets start making the most of them!
A trip out on a steam train…
On a perfect Sunday morning, Paul and I drove over to Ravenglass to ride on the fabulous La’al Ratty railway. The train journey was fantastic, the weather perfect and the scenery jaw dropping. Having reached Eskdale Bridge we walked about 4 miles all down the valley back to the Green Station. We took the detour to see Stanley Force which was absolutely spectacular .
Having never walked in this area I was impressed, and shall definitely be back to do some of the other walks which can be found in the ‘Eskdale Walks with Ratty’ leaflet which was very easy to follow.
The cafes at each end of the railway were very good and I can definitely recommend the hot chocolate! I was also impressed that there were children’s play areas at both ends of the railway which would this a perfect day out with young children.
Afterwards we drove home over Hardknott and Wrynose Pass, Tyres and brakes still intact - a truly memorable day…one for the treasure chest!
