Windermere Lake Cruises is one of the most popular days out in the region. Cruises on England’s largest lake can be from 45 minutes to three hours depending on where you want to go. Cruises go to Ambleside, Brockhole, Windermere Jetty and Lakeside at Newby Bridge and see you cruising past stunning mountain scenery, secluded bays and wooded islands as well as the many spectacular hotels, which were once homes to the wealthy Lancashire cotton mill owners. You can make trips of between 45 minutes and three hours or buy an all-day ticket.

Just a few minutes by car from Lindeth Fell is Blackwell. This is one of Britain’s finest houses, surviving from the turn of the last century with almost all of its original decorative features intact. Blackwell’s period rooms have been furnished with a blend of Arts and Crafts furniture and early country made pieces made by many of the Arts and Crafts designers and studios. There’s also a beautiful garden layed out by Thomas Mawson which visitors can sit on the terrace and enjoy.

Windermere lake cruises stop at Brockhole. Visitors can take in the scenic views and gardens which stretch down to the shores of the lake, browse round the shop or look around the free exhibitions. There’s a soft play area for the children and an aerial woodland adventure, Treetop Trek and wildlife experience Predator Park. They also have a new restaurant.

In the summer season Windermere canoe and kayak by Ferry nab rent out ‘sit on top ‘kayaks which are great fun and suitable for all abilities. Windermere lake cruises at Bowness pier have a range from traditional wooden rowing boats to small motor cruisers, while Low Wood Bay watersports centre offer water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding, and also motor and sail boat hire. Or choose Sail’n’Dine for a luxury dinner onboard.