Things to do with the kids in Buttermere

It might seem like the kids have just gone back to school after the Christmas break but the February half-term holidays are almost here! The Cumbrian Schools seem to have their half-term break a week later than lots of other regions in the country so you might find it’s still pretty peaceful when you’re out and about!

We know it can be tricky keeping the kids occupied, especially if the Lake District weather is up to its usual tricks, so we’ve put together some suggestions of things to do to keep everyone entertained.

1)Buttermere Lake Walk 🥾🥾

This is the perfect walk for kids as it’s only roughly 4.5 miles and there’s an ice cream stop half way! The terrain is reasonably flat and there’s a good path the whole way, perfect for little legs. Stop to have a skimming comp. along the way at one of the lakeside beaches and if you’re feeling brave why not take off your shoes and socks and have a refreshing paddle? The water is crystal clear. Kids will love walking through the spooky tunnel too! It can get a bit soggy in there if there’s been a lot of rain so make sure you have good footwear. There’s a van at the Honister end of the lake selling ice cream and refreshments and two cafes in Buttermere village selling delicious ice cream, home made cakes and light lunches. If you’ve worked up a good appetite you can always call in to The Bridge for some hearty home-cooked food, we have plenty of options on our Children’s Menu.

2) Visit the Highest Waterfall in the Lake District! 💦

Kids will love a visit to Scale Force Waterfall. It’s pretty impressive in dry periods but when it’s been raining, and let’s face it that’s pretty often in the Lake District, it’s spectacular! It’s a short walk from The Bridge, roughly a 2.5 miles round trip. Just head towards the lake and follow the signposts, it can be pretty boggy if we’ve had lots of rain so make sure you wear decent footwear. A shorter walk from The Bridge to the lakeshore path will bring you to Sour Milk Gill, another spectacular waterfall. Kids will love standing on the little bridge that crosses over the waterfall and watching the water come cascading down. Don’t worry, muddy boots and paws are always welcome in our bar so treat yourself to a well earned drink when you get back to the village.

Photo Credit: Gary Robson

4)Explore the Buttermere Fells ⛰️

You’re literally surrounded by stunning fells in Buttermere. There’s something for all abilities, from the relatively easy Rannerdale Knotts to the more challenging Haystacks and Red Pike. Just make sure you have the right gear as the Lake District weather can be unpredictable! Kids will love the little scraffly bits and have a real sense of achievement when they reach the top. You can always bribe them with the promise of an ice cream or a but to eat at The Bridge when they get back down!

5) Check out the Buttermere Wildlife 🦌

The area is a haven for red squirrels and deer and more recently there have been sightings of otters nearby. There is an abundance of birdlife in the valley too, why not find a quiet spot to sit and see how many species you can spot? There are also plenty of friendly cows and sheep in the area too. You may have to physically step over the highland cattle that often like to lie right across the lakeshore path.

Photo Credit: @emily_bunting

6) Visit Honister Slate Mine ⛏

Located at the head of the spectacular Honister Pass, there’s something for everyone at this unique attraction. The last working slate mine in England offers regular mine tours and for the more adventurous of you there are several activities that are sure to get the adrenaline flowing such as Canyoning, and the Via Ferrata.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

7) Have a Picnic 🧺

There are plenty of lakeside beaches and benches just perfect for a picnic in Buttermere. Visit one of the cafes in the village where you can pick up plenty of delicious treats. But be warned, you might find it difficult to concentrate on your food. The views are simply breathtaking!

8) Tuck in to Something Tasty From Our Childrens Menu 🍽️

When you’ve explored all that the area has to offer why not treat yourself to a delicious bite to eat? There’s plenty of options on our Children’s Menu such as Fish and Chips, Sausage and Mash, and Tomato Pasta with Garlic Bread. Remember to leave room for pudding, our Triple Chocolate Brownie and Wicked Waffles are both firm favourites with our younger visitors. There’s no need to book a table, just turn up and we’ll get you seated as quickly as a possible.