The Visitor Centre
You could spend an entire day at Brockhole on Windermere and still only scratch the surface. The venue offers a myriad of activities for all ages. This sprawling visitor centre on the shores of Windermere has something for all age groups. You can hire boats, and swing through the trees or visit exhibitions, and explore the gardens. Refreshments are also available at the onsite café
Aquatic Adventures: Kayaking and Boating Options
For those eager to explore the water, Brockhole on Windermere offers a variety of options for hire. These include sit-on kayaks, Canadian canoes, rowing boats, motor boats, and stand-up paddle boards. During school holidays, booking a half-day guided kayak tour in a 15ft sea kayak is also possible. Its an ideal opportunity for first-time kayakers to get a taste of paddling… and in truly breathtaking surroundings.
Land-Based Activities and Treetop Thrills
Back on dry land, there’s archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, a nine-hole mini golf course and a free adventure playground. Take to the treetops, and there’s even more on offer. If you hear screaming at Brockhole, it’s likely coming from the Treetop Trek. This high-level ropes and obstacle course features rope bridges and an 800ft zip wire. There are three different courses available: two suitable for participants aged five and over. The third, more challenging course, requires trekkers to be at least seven years old. For younger children, aged three and up, the Treetop Nets offer slides, tunnels, and trampolines made from bouncy netting, suspended 30ft above the ground
Cycling Escapades: Bike Rentals and Scenic Trails
You can hire bikes, tag-alongs, and trailers for a full day or just a few hours. The hire charge includes a ticket, in the summer, for the Brockhole to Bark Barn Bike Boat. This takes cyclists from Brockhole’s own Windermere Lake Cruises jetty across to the beautiful western shore of Windermere. After the lake’s busy eastern shore, the traffic-free trails on this side of Windermere offer a striking contrast. They provide a relaxed and safe cycling experience, feeling like a different world altogether. Attractions include the National Trust’s Wray Castle and the restored Claife Viewing Station, with its unique outlook over the lake.
Indoor Fun for Families: Soft-Play Area and Brave the Cave
Back at Brockhole on Windermere, the adventure continues indoors. Young families will discover a soft-play area perfect for little ones. There’s also Brave the Cave, a simulated caving experience where adventurers don helmets and head-torches to navigate a network of dark, often narrow tunnels.
Educational Trails and Orienteering
In the grounds of Brockhole, visitors can enjoy more traditional outdoor pursuits, such as a series of educational trails and two fixed orienteering courses. Activity sheets, including trail maps, are available for purchase at the Brockhole shop. This shop also offers locally made gifts and doubles as a tourist information centre.
Dining Options at Brockhole on Windermere
For those spending the day at Brockhole, a variety of food options are available. Within the grounds, there are two basic outlets and a large café that features both indoor and terrace seating, where dogs are welcome. Additionally, The Gaddum restaurant offers lunch and afternoon teas in the more upscale surroundings of the Victorian Brockhole house.
Location
The Lake District National Park Authority manages Brockhole. It is situated roughly halfway between the towns of Ambleside and Windermere on the A591. All profits go into caring for the National Park.
