Things to do
A lot of our guests have commented that they didn't realise that there were so many places to visit and things to do in the area around our lodges!
Troutbeck is an ideal base from which to take advantage of the many activities and venues that the Lake District is justly famous for:
In the list below we have put together a selection of activities that we hope you might enjoy during your stay with us. Wherever possible we have added links to the relevant web sites.
We have added many of these locations to an interactive map that you can find on our location page.
- Touring
- Outdoor centres
- Pony Trekking
- On the water
- Walking
- Cycling and mountain biking
- Rock climbing
- Multi Activity Centres, Golf, Fishing and other activities
- Cultural
- Eating & drinking at local pubs and fine restaurants
- Body and Soul
- Duck races and other local festivals
Please read our disclaimer at the end of these listings.
For a very useful listing of local events please follow this link to the Go Lakes web site
| Touring | Return to the top of this page |
| Show Me Cumbria
Tel : 01768 866880 Why not indulge yourself with a chauffeur driven tour? |
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| The Quirky Traveller
Tel : 01524 784343 Zoe Dawes, and acclaimed travel writer offers tours and will entertain with little known facts and quirky anecdotes along the way |
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| Calico Trike Tours
Tel : 07775 691678 See the Lakes from a totally different perspective with a chauffeur drive motor-trike tour. We did and it's great fun! Here's a video of our trip across the hairy scary Wrynose Pass. |
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| Helivation - Lake District Tours
Tel : 01253 405 945 See the Lakes from above in a helicopter |
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| Outdoor Centres | Return to the top of this page |
| Lake District Visitor Centre - Brockhole [ 4 miles]
Tel: 015394 46601 Enjoy the , lakeside setting, famous adventure playground, exhibitions, glorious gardens, the information centre, gift shop and cafe, Brockhole has good pushchair and wheelchair access. Free admission. Pay and display car park. It's a fantastic day out for the whole family! Brockhole Promo from Lakes Creative on Vimeo. |
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| Fell Foot Country Park - Ulverston [11 Miles]
Tel: 015395 31273 This beautiful country park has great access to the lakeshore of Windermere . There are picnic areas and rowing boat hire. Come and see the impressive displays of daffodils and rhododendrons in season and revel in the magnificent views of the Lakeland fells. |
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| Horse Riding | Return to the top of this page |
| Lakeland Pony Trekking [ 100 yards]
Tel : 015394 31999 This pony trekking and horse riding centre is right next to Limefitt Park |
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| On The Water | Return to the top of this page |
| Windermere Canoe Kayak Ferry Nab Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JH [3 Miles]
Tel: 015394 44451 You can hire canoes and kayaks for full or half-days. Other activities can be arranged from mountain biking and archery to climbing and abseiling. Tuition is by fully qualified instructors. |
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| Lakes Leisure - Windermere [3 Miles]
Tel :015394 47183 Whether you live locally or you are visiting the area for your holidays Lakes Leisure have a wide variety of activities for kids on offer |
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| All ages can learn to sail learn to sail [4 Miles]
Tel :015394 39441 The Low Wood Hotel The sailing centre does sailing lessons in Wayfarers. |
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| Teenagers and grown ups can learn to water ski or wake board [4 Miles]
Tel :015394 39441 The Low Wood Hotel lessons can be for up to 4 people in one boat. |
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| Boat Hire [4 Miles]
Tel :015394 39441 The Low Wood Hotel If you already have an RYA level 2 certificate (at minimum) the sailing centre hires out Pico and Wayfarer boats. You can also hire kayaks and motor boats. You can also hire boats on Ullswater. |
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| Cruising on the Lakes [4 Miles]
Large cruisers shuttle up and down Ullswater (017684 82229), Windermere (015395 31188), and Coniston (015394 36216). At certain time sof year special cruises might feature dinners or musical evenings afloat. The Coniston Launch provides an environmentally friendly passenger service to seven jetties including Brantwood. It is ideal for walkers, cyclists, or for just enjoying a peaceful cruise and taking in the scenery. |
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| Luxury Dining on Windermere [4 Miles]
Tel : 07976 214569 Indulge yourselves with some private dining on a luxury yacht on Windermere. There is free transport to and from the yacht for your evening cruise up to 5 miles radius from the boat. |
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| Walking | Return to the top of this page |
| Treasure Hunts in Cumbria
This site has downloadable local "treasure hunts". Coming very soon the Troutbeck trail! |
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| Local Treasure Hunts
Downloadable "treasure hunts" for local towns including Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and Penrith |
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| Walks Around Britain
One of our favourite web sites, son to feature the walk we did with them up Wansfell Pike next to the lodges. |
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| Lake District Walks
A directory for walks in the Lake District. It contains many walks, with information on tarns, wainwrights, ancient remains, scrambles, lakes, waterfalls and villages |
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| Walking Ways
The Lakes offers fantastic opportunities for walking, but not all of us know where to go. You might find it easier to start off with a few organised walks. Walkingways offer guided walks for every level of ability. |
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| Walking World
For those of you who prefer to be independent but who want good clear directions for their walks, we recommend Walking World. This subscription based web site has a database of over 4,000 walks in the UK. |
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| David Hall Lake District Walks
Providing walk details from Troutbeck, David Hall Lake District Walks has a section on safety on the fells which should be compulsory reading for all walkers |
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| Dales and Vales
This site has an interesting list of walks and photos of the local area. |
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| Walks in the Lake District
A list of graded walks in the local area, along with listings for local restaurants and pubs. |
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| Walking Britain
Walking Britain is a well laid out free site with plenty of walks in the Lakes. |
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| Cycling and mountain biking | Return to the top of this page |
| Cycling Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism have a web site dedicated to cycling in the lakes. It covers road cycling, family cycling and MTBing. |
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| The North Face Trail
There are some great MTB trails in the area. The new North Face mountain bike trail at Grizedale is definitely worth a look. Starting at the the Visitor Centre the North Face Mountain Bike Trail is a ten mile track consisting of nine sections of sinuous singletrack trail on the west side of Grizedale Forest. The trail offers adrenalin charged sections of single track descent with leg burning up hills, contouring through oak woodlands and conifer forest. This challenging trail also gives the mountain biker tricky board walk sections through meadows yet reward the trail rider with outstanding views along the way. The new facilities at Grizedale are just across on the ferry from Bowness |
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| Country Lanes Cycle Hire
Tel :015394 44544 For the less adventurous amongst you cycles can be hired at Country Lanes by Windermere Railway Station [3 miles] and various other locations including the Grizedale Forest |
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| Grizedale Mountain Bikes[13 Miles]
Tel :01229 860335 Based at the newly developed forest visitor centre our shop and hire centre are open 7 days a week and here to help you enjoy your day in the forest |
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| Rock Climbing | Return to the top of this page |
| Climb365
Tel: 015394 48046 Climb 365 is owned and run by Stuart and Anna Carter and offers a wide range of rock climbing and mountaineering activities. Climb365 caters for all levels of ability from the complete novice trying rock climbing for the first time, to the experienced mountaineer wanting to learn how to to lead in winter. They have taken out children as young as 6 and adults as young as 70. |
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| The Ambleside Climbing Wall and Cafe Altitude [4 Miles]
Tel: 01539 439800 An indoor climbing wall with a bouldering room, cafe and a vast selection of kit for all your outdoor and climbing needs. |
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| The Keswick Climbing Wall
Tel: (0)17687 7200050 (Keswick) The Keswick Climbing Wall and Activity centre has activities under cover that will burn off some excess energy on those days when the weather means you don't want to be outside. |
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| Multi Activity Centres, Golf, Fishing and other activities | Return to the top of this page |
| Go Ape
Tel: 0870 444 5562 Tarzan swings, rope bridges and zip wires up to almost 35 feet above the forest floor. If you fancy yourself as Tarzan (or of course Jane) this acourse set in the Grizedale Forest is a must. (Lower age limit is10 years old, lower height limit is 4 ft 7 in - booking essential) |
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| Predator Experience
Tel: 07733 366748 Interactive Predator Experiences professionally delivered by dedicated qualified falconers in a breath- taking environment. |
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| Wild Play at Whinlatter forest [30 miles]
Tel : 017687 78469 Whinlatter WildPlay is a children's adventure trail. It is 600m long and takes you through the trees to nine different play zones. |
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| Bigland near Newby Bridge [12 miles]
Tel : 01539 736006 A multi-activity centre where the activities include: Clay Shooting , Archery, Target Shooting, Quad biking, Fishing, Simulated Game Shooting. |
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| Rookin House - Troutbeck near Keswick [20 miles]
Tel : 017684 83561 A multi-activity centre where activities include: For kids Cub Karts, Family Fishing Pond, Mini Quads, Pony Rides For Adults All Terrain vehicle, Argo Cat, Mad Trax, Human Bowling For Horse Riders Of All Ages Trekking from one hour to a Full Day, Riding Weekends, Riding Lessons. |
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| The Bassenthwaite Ospreys - Bassenthwaite Lake
The magnificent ospreys choose each year to nest in the forest overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake in North West Cumbria. The viewpoint, exhibition and live video close during the winter season and normallyreopen in early April. The Lake District Osprey Project provides an open air viewpoint and indoor exhibition with live video feeds for visitors from April to September annually. |
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| Lakeland Segways
Tracks and trails using second generation Segway PTs. See if you get the "Segway Smile". |
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| South Lakes Wild Animal Park [25 miles]
The Lake District's very own zoo Many people dom't realise that the Lake District has its own zoo! The zoo is in Dalton in Furness has been highly recommended by many visitors to our lodges. |
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| Fishing [Various]
This magnificently named web site (lakedistrictfishing.net geddit?) has copious information for angles in the area. |
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| Fishing - Esthwaite Water
Esthwaite Water is the largest stocked lake in the whole of the North West of England. It offers renowned top of the water action in true loch style and is set amidst breathtaking scenery. |
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| Windermere Golf Club (18 holes) [5 Miles]
Tel: 015394 43123 Guests can play at Windermere Golf Club as long as they are members of a recognised golf club or golf society and have an official handicap. |
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| Carus Green Golf Club (18 holes) [11 Miles]
Tel: 01539 721097 Set in a beautiful riverside location the course has tree lined fairways and spectacular views. |
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| Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool [2 Miles]
Tel: 015394 43243 For a full timetable click on the link |
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| High Adventure - Hot Air Ballooning [2 Miles]
Tel: 015394 47599 Why not fly over the stunning South Lakeland landscape on a hot air balloon flight? This activity is weather dependent so you may have to come back again! (Well you will be looking for an excuse anyway won't you?) |
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| Cultural | Return to the top of this page |
| Jame Bell Photography - On-line shop [0 Miles]
Tel : 07971 825 918 Use the wifi for a virtual visit to this lake district photography website which shows James' current range of prints which includes greetings cards, loose and framed prints as well as contemporary stretched canvas prints. A 10% discount is offered to guests using the discount code supplied after booking. |
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| Better Photos - Courses in Ambleside [4 Miles]
Tel : 07964 887 338 Spend an agreeable afternoon with Mark whilst he shows how to get the most from your camera in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District |
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| The Old Laundry Theatre - Bowness [4 Miles]
Tel : 01539 4884449 < With around 260 seats the Old Laundry theatre is an intimate venue which has hosted many famous names. Comedy acts also do gigs here throughout the year. |
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| The Brewery Arts Centre - Kendal [12 Miles]
Tel: 01539 725133 Choose from 2 Cinemas, a Theatre/Cinema, The Malt Room (music/functions), Various Exhibition Spaces, The Green Room Restaurant, Vats Bar & Intro Cafe Bars |
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| Eating & drinking at local pubs and fine restaurants | Return to the top of this page |
| The Haybarn (on site)
Full of Lakeland character you can enjoy a superb range of meals and a selection of local ales. The fish and chips comes highly recommended. |
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| The Queens Head [3/4 Mile]
The Queens Head - Troutbeck - just up the hill from the lodge thsi gastropub serves fine beer and meals. It is very popular so book or get up there early if you want a table. |
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| The Mortal Man [3/4 Mile]
The Mortal Man - Troutbeck - (3/4 mile) The beer garden has the best view I've ever seen with a pint in my hand. The beer is great, the food is excellent and the service is cheerful. My definition of the perfect pub. |
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| Holbeck Ghyll
Tel: 015394 32375 This is the only Michelin starred restaurant in Windermere is only a short distance away. A memorable dining experience. |
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| Broadoaks Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Tel: 015394 45566 Situated on the way to Windermere. Award winning Michelin recommended kitchen. |
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| Wilfs café
A café in Staveley which provides good food in a tranquil, riverside setting with decking overlooking the River Kent, as well as plenty of room inside for when the weather is less kind |
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Body and Soul | Return to the top of this page |
| JK Jikiden Reiki
Tel: 07887 904 251
JK Jikiden Reiki, provide relaxing and energising treatments to enhance your holiday. |
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| Duck races and other local festivals | Return to the top of this page |
| Troutbeck Duck Race
Troutbeck's famous duck race takes place in August in the field next to Jesus Church. Local trainers spend the Summer months training teal for this, the most prestigious of Cumbria's duck races. (OK that last bit may not be true but the duck race is a great experience for your kids!) |
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| Disclaimer Please note that these links are provided for your convenience. No endorsement of services or products is intended and no responsibility or legal liability for any problems incurred as a result of using services or products listed above will be accepted under any circumstances. |
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