School Holidays in the Lakes

Now that teenager is safely installed at Sedbergh school playing rugby until Thursday I turn my mind to all those lakeland visitors who are on holiday here, and do not have the option of a residential activity camp to occupy their kids.

Since I will be in the position of entertaining two energetic youngsters next week though ( teenager and his cousin from the North East, and perhaps a couple more interlopers) the reality of 'fun stuff to do' is not far from my mind.

So a few ideas. First of all there is the LAKELAND MAIZE, which is good for young kids ( little maze for them and a playpark with trampolines), and also for bigger kids ( much bigger and more complicated maze). Beware that the kids ( old and young) have to be accompanied in the maze by a responsible ( ho ho) adult. Any dreams you have of drinking coffee and reading your book will stay just that- dreams.
I took teenager and our friends from the US recently ( variety of ages from fifteen to five) and it was a success.
www.lakelandmaze.co.uk

Another good fresh air thing to do is BROCKHOLE. There are nice walks by the lake, and a really good adventure playpark which bigger kids can do. And it's free ( other than the rather extortionate parking charge). There is a visitor centre and a cafe in case..... it is raining ( as if?)

www.lake-district.gov.uk/


One more idea for smaller kids is 'QUAYSIDE KIDS' which is a soft play area. It looks over the lake ( Windermere) and is lovely for parents: comfortable sofas with nice views, coffee and cake etc. It is rather pricey at £4.50 for two hours, but what price peace ( and dry comfortable entertainment?). It is kept clean and tidy, and behaviour ( from what I have seen) is kept well under control. If you park near the Glebe in Bowness it is easy to find ( not far from the Ship Inn).

www.quaysidekids.co.uk

This isn't so good for older kids but they can play crazy golf or pitch and putt across the road, or hop up to the Royalty Cinema in Bowness to catch a film. They can also hire rowing boats at the harbour or play ball games on the Glebe.