Such a beautifully curated attraction. We all loved it (adults) so beautifully done. It must have been such a joy to put to together, the modelling and art work was so clever. I loved going into the garden it looked just like the real garden at Hill Top (though smaller). The little boxes with Beatrix Potter figures in a mini tableau were exquisite. A must for all ages.

I first visited this place three years ago, and I found that this place was quite small. I cannot believe how much bigger it has become this year. They have not only added more visual aids of scenes in mainly Peter Rabbit’s stories, but also added a brand new gallery showing the background of Beatrix Potter, involved with the Lake District history. It’s quite fun to take photos here and observe cute little animal figures in the barrows closely. The gift shop has not changed much, and the products there remain the same. Overall, it is an interesting place to visit, especially when you come with families and friends.

I’m in love! Totally worth a visit if you are a fan or in town with the kids. Lovely exhibition and enough activities to keep the kids entertained. Even if you’re not a fan it is worth a visit for their display! From an artistic perspective they did a marvelous job. Unfortunately for we visited quite late in the day so we only got to spend so much time inside. Would recommended the latest admission at 15:00 if you truly want to enjoy the full experience and get lost in the world of Beatrix Potter!

Such a nostalgic place to visit as an adult (with no kids) who thoroughly enjoyed reading the books as a child. The exhibition is in great condition and it was lovely to have all the memories brought back. We thoroughly enjoyed stopping at the Peter Rabbit Café afterwards too!

This was one if the loveliest, cutest museums we have been too. The animations and displays were beautifully done, and took straight back to your childhood days. It was so informative and interactive for kids. Highly recommend a visit

Superb!! The highlight of our holiday. We started at the cafe across the road (well worth a visit) and then came here. It starts with a short film which my 2 year old enjoyed, and then the free-pace walk around was outstanding. Low stimulation great for toddlers, beautiful displays and garden really brings the books to life. We’ve told everyone about it as we enjoyed it so much. I hope this stays with my daughter as a childhood memory and hope we can come again in the future

This was so much more than we ever expected! We thought it would just be a quick one-hour visit since it’s quite a small area. But guess what — my girl spent almost three fun hours inside! There was so much to learn and explore, and she was determined to answer every question and not miss a single hidden gem. What a world of imagination and creativity!

Lovely place. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. We hadn't booked anything in advance, walked in and was 5 minutes before the next sailing. We managed to get on it and we were the only 2 on the boat other than the staff. The staff on the boat Asher and Paul were fabulous making it a really special time. The cafe was lovely for a cup if tea and a slice of cake to warm back up with afterwards. We didn't get chance to look around the museum as it was close to closing time, however the ticket price was very reasonable with them saying the ticket lasts for a year too. I would very highly recommend!

Nice museum experience, it’s small but well made. The boats are well taken care of, there’s a couple floating in their garage that are quite cute. They have one steam boat that you can book an experience with that’s £475. Inside the museum there are clothes from the old era (I think the 1930’s) that you can try out and take pictures, for men and women. There’s a playground for kids so expect to see families.

One of the best museums I've seen, really worth the while visiting. Apart from the actual exhibition pieces, we loved the modern architecture, the workshop, the caffè with kitchen with great views on the lake. Large carpark.

We are regular visitors here, great little place. Normally you get your car park fee returned at the cafe after buying lunch. Not over summer however... its £5 for 2 hours which is just ripping their visitors off. So today with the car parking fee on top of food we just had coffee ! Very limited lunch menu these days but you can always grab a cake. Breakfast finishes at 11.30 and then half an hour wait with no food available. It just seemed today that this place is run to suit the staff more than the visitors. Still a ni e place to visit though.

Interesting museum about the boating history of Windermere. Didn't know they held water speed record runs on the lake. There's a puzzle to solve, which is great for kids. But you have to pay attention.

One of the best rainy day attractions in the Lake District in my opinion, but it has a lovely waterfront location which is gorgeous on sunny days too. Superb cafe and really well laid out exhibits.

The staff were prompt and polite. Tickets can last a year, so you’re free to return as oft as you like. The Lake cruise was also very serene, informative and beautiful

Lovely ride on the boats today. Glorious weather. Two hours was £65 plus £60 deposit returned after we got back Only issue was the difficulty in getting in and out the boat, there’s no hand rail or mid step to get in and out. I hurt my hand getting back out of the boat and needed something cold to relieve my pain, I was telling my partner as we were in the reception area, a staff member did overhear but didn’t offer any help, yes I get there not liable for anything but even a cold compress would of helped at that point knowing I’d hurt myself getting off.

Booked this from seeing the poster at the Windermere pier and it didn't disappoint. We were a small group in our 30's and the other guests were generally a fair bit older. The boat is very spacious, not over booked and everyone gets a seat by the window. The buffet was surprisingly filling and the downstairs bar was well stocked. The staff were all very happy to be there and very professional. There was a brilliant female live singer doing various covers and by the end of the trip, half the boat was dancing around and belting out the tunes. Ended with a real feel good factor. Would make a perfect gift for parents and I do highly recommend this trip.

Easy to book online, we booked the self drive boats at their southern location - Lakeside. Excellent service on arrival, great clean boat, easy to drive, lovely to pootle the along bottom end of Lake Windermere. Great value!

Awesome experience with Windermere Lake Cruises! Stunning scenery, relaxing boat ride, and plenty of laughs. A perfect way to enjoy the views-would 100% do it again. Highly recommended!

Beautiful cruise on Lake Windermere! Peaceful, scenic, and well-organised – a perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of the Lake District. Highly recommended for a relaxing day out! ⛴️🌿✨

I was very disheartened to see so much plastic bottled water and other beverages sold on the ferries provided by Windermere Lake cruises. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, and over 95% of the plastic that we intentionally try to recycle does not actually get recycled. Rather it ends up in landfills, incinerators, in our bodies via microplastics, and of course, in our parks and lakes. It feels unacceptable to normalize the sale and consumption of such a toxic material that wreaks havoc on ecosystems all over the world. Especially from a business that is profiting off tourism to this gorgeous ecosystem in the first place. This demonstrates immense cognitive dissonance. I appreciate that you have the ability to serve coffee and tea to customers on board with real mugs. To me, that shows that more as possible, when it comes to reducing the plastic that you sell and normalize. I hope you consider how to connect your customers to Windermere, as well as to the lake District at large. And blind consumption of plastic that degrades these very landmarks, is not the way to do so. We didn’t used to live this way, and we can’t afford to keep living this way. Consumption of plastics at this scale and at this rate is killing us.

We were visiting Windermere late June. It was Sunday and a beautiful day. We were 20 people and we decided to go on a 1 hour cruise in the afternoon. Luckily, we were able to buy tickets at the pier. We had a wonderful time and the scenery was spectacular. The boat has a snack bar and drinks that were reasonably priced.

Beautiful location, the house and gardens are gorgeous and worth a visit if you're a national trust member. We were not so £17 per person was quite expensive for such a small property and parking was really difficult, despite having booked parking we did have to wait some time to get a space. The house was lovely but being a period property it's small and it was cosy with so many people! The ticket timing system wasn't really adhered to so it was quite full and it was hard to take your time to look at the different rooms and read all the information when it's busy.

There is something incredibly special about Hilltop! When walking around her small estate you can visualise all her characters from her stories. A perfect visit for little ones and adults. They sometimes have little hide and seek activities on for the little ones. If you visit in the colder months they may have their fires on, the house is cosy and features some beautifully designed wall paper. We have visited Hilltop twice. Both at different seasons, Spring & Summer. Some things to keep in mind; it can get super busy and they only have a small car park. I'm pretty sure we had to book a parking space. There is a toilet inside the garden and a quaint little gift shop with some Peter Rabbit themed gifts.

Beatrix Potter’s charming home in the Lake District, and it’s an amazing experience for fans of her work. The house itself is fascinating, feels like going back to time. filled with intricate details that bring her stories to life. Every room feels like stepping into a page of Peter Rabbit, with well-preserved furniture and personal touches that reflect her creativity. The staff are knowledgeable, offering great insights into her life and writing process. The vegetable garden is a highlight—beautifully maintained and true to the era, it’s easy to see how it inspired her tales. My only gripe is the parking, which is quite cramped and can be a hassle, especially on busy days. Still, the experience inside makes it well worth the visit. Highly recommend for a literary trip back in time!

Parking is free if you prefer book your tour ticket only. Otherwise you have to find your own parking. One place nearby was pricing parking at £10. The place is a great place to learn more about Beatrix Potters life and books. Recommended.

A lovely little visit here, making the most of our National Trust membership. Nice see learn more about B Potters life. Very quaint. Staff lovely and knew their stuff.

Another national trust treasure. A simple garden and a house with many of the contents in original condition. A glimpse into the life that was Beatrix Potter. The reserve parking is a very small for busy times so you might have to wait a few minutes until someone leaves. B road access was easy.

We had a great time exploring the house and gardens! Was very well kept with a nostalgic feel. We also picked up some lovely things from the gift shop. Would recommend booking in advance to secure parking

Lovely waterfalls. You can follow the steep climb along the river, part walk up the road or a short distance from the nearby car park (Force Cafe, need to be a customer for parking first). We did the cafe, which was about 10 minutes, but still not ideal for those with mobility issues

Took a walk to Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall and really enjoyed it! The trail is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful woodland, with the sound of water along the way. The waterfall at the end is stunning — definitely worth the short hike. A lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature in Ambleside!

A short walk from the centre of Ambleside, these delightful, popular waterfalls are well worth visiting. Well marked tracks lead up the side of the river to the falls and then cross over small bridges so that you get the best views. An easy walk for children with lots of spots to pause and take in the view.

Stock Ghyll Force, Ambleside’s Hidden Waterfall. Located just a 15 minutes walk away from Ambleside town centre. Start your journey from the road opposite the Ambleside Inn, and follow the waymarked woodland path through Stock Ghyll Woods, where the sound of rushing water guides you to various scenic viewpoints along the river. 🌊🥾Follow the red arrows trail and cross a wooden footbridge, Just below the bridge, kids can paddle in the shallow stream. It’s a perfect spot for photos and refreshing treats.📸 🌿 Free, easy, and perfect for little explorers and nature lovers!

Always great to see the waterfalls all year round. This visit was on the loop walk from Troutbeck over Wansfell then down into Ambleside via the falls. Great walk.

A lovely waterfall within easy walking distance of Ambleside. The path splits about a third of the way up - the left route is classed as the more ‘challenging’ walk. We went up the left and then down the right which is definitely a more accessible route

We walked from the local Force cafe - you can park here but do need to visit the cafe to enable you to park. The walk isnt far from the cafe taking about 5 minutes. It was very busy with queues to take photos at some view points. You can walk a loop of the falls, crossing the bridge at the top, falling the path down to the second bridge. We would advise caution in the wet weather as with any environment like this as a slip here landed our afternoon in a&e! The paths are well maintained

Decent food portions. Not particularly special. Notable is the pork trotter which is sizeable and fairly good. Service is average, unintrusive but perfunctory. Environment is warm and kid and dog friendly.

We ate here twice during our week in Bowness, and popped in for a drink every day. The pub is absolutely exceptional! Food is great, service is excellent and the atmosphere is so friendly. We took our dog with us everytime and we were made to feel so welcome. They have a special dog menu and station for biscuits, water and bowls which is some of the best facilities we’ve ever seen. We can’t wait to come back on our next break!

Fantastic food after a day walking in the hills. Good beer, but the stand out really is the food - tasty and good portion sizes. They're also really good at catering for gluten free

This pubs website states that the british food is usually described as bland and not good to compared to other countries (which they then said they changed that). however they made perfectly true in the food we were served! took about 5 mins to speak to someone about getting a table and the staff themselves were nice however the food was terrible. we had a roast dinner each (trio meats) and cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets, food took about 20mins to come out which wasn’t terrible timing i suppose, however i would’ve waited longer if that meant i got something hot! the gravy was like water and had no taste and cold, the meats themselves were bland and cold. potatoes were fluffy however not crispy and had no flavour except soil, unsure if you see the theme but they were cold. the veg was good, once again cold. cauli cheese was hot!! and flavourless… yorkshire tasted store bought and not fresh (cold!!!). pigs in blankets were good but not sure how you could mess that up, they were warm! took about 30mins to get a servers attention, i’m not one to complain but it was a disgrace. so i complained lightly to the server ( who was new and was not trained enough to be serving alone, i’ve worked in pubs i know how this should work.) and he was somewhat apologetic, then the manager came over shortly and he was nice about everything and gave us a 10% discount (i did not ask for any discount this was at his own doing) and offered us free deserts for when we next come, which we won’t be.. atmosphere was nice however nice fire and building, cleanliness was good. however does not make up for the disgrace of a roast and service! we left not happy and still hungry. should’ve got ice cream for desert and the running theme was cold through our visit.

I’ve eaten here a fair few times now. The food here is always nice with good portion sizes. This time I had the new pork knuckle which was huge. Had this dish in Prague recently and this was just as tasty. Traditional pub with nice selection of real ales. Recommended.

Absolutely shocking. Ordered the half chicken and the skin on the chicken was burnt. The meat beneath it was dry and over cooked. Didn’t even offer a discount or for it to be taken off the bill. I tried to eat it all but just wasn’t edible! I don’t complain much at ever. Their response was they had a new cook helping the chef. Well that’s not my problem! You can’t serve food like this!!! If they had offered a discount or taken it off the bill I would not be writing this review. They didn’t even try rectifying the situation.

I was very disappointed in this restaurant which looked so lovely from the website and from the outside. We deliberately chose this place because of the range of options available, since some of our party have certain dietary requirements. To find out that the first menu item they ordered had run out is one thing. That the second had also run out is annoying. We weren’t told of this before ordering at all. Then to find out that of the two burgers we’d ordered, only one could actually be delivered was the last straw. Funnily enough, the one that they did choose to provide was the more expensive of the two. This obviously left a bad taste and I was cross enough that I no longer enjoyed the meal I had been so looking forward to. No great surprise, though, as the quality of the food we were provided with was average at best. We didn’t stay for desert, even though we had initially wanted to, because we didn’t want to spend more of our money here, we were no longer in the mood, and I very much expected to find out that they didn’t have what we wanted anyway. The excuse given was that it was late in the day, which is true, however, this would have been one thing if we were walk-ins, but we had reserved a table days in advance. The least you can expect of a halfway decent restaurant is that they’re actually able to serve you the food you’ve come for, especially if they’ll happily take your booking without mentioning that they might run out.

Lovely cocktail bar located in Bowness, by lake Windermere. Lovely service and atmosphere. Good selection of cocktails, but pricey. Extra £5 for their signature version of classic cocktails, with not much difference to the classic version on the menu - ie: smoke in an old fashioned.

Lovely little place to eat. Service was excellent, cafe was nice and quite. Server was excellent. Great all round

Lacking a savoury aspect, sandwiches small and skinny and bread dry. This was £68 for two, voucher bought last November 2024 when the afternoon tea looked indulgent now September 2025 and the owners obviously cutting back and using cheaper ingredients. Would not go back, would advise this is worth no more than £17 pp.

Came here on Sunday night bought 3 lovely cocktails and decided we would come back in the next couple of days for the offer of 2 cocktails for £17.95. Big board outside the premises advertising the offer. Yet when we went in no offer!! Don't advertise an offer just to get people in, if it isn't on 😡😡😡

Called her for a drink. We sat outside but undercover. Patio heaters were on and blankets provided. A large choice of cocktails.

lovely guys, nothing was too much trouble. if you have a basic understanding of people trying their hardest as much as is humanely possible ignore the bad reviews and get down here 🙌😀

This was a great find. Love the Decor and atmosphere. The staff are really friendly, helpful and attentive. We stopped for a lunch and shared a board with some extra bread. It was the perfect amount and tasted fantastic with great presentation. The coffee was really good and the non alcoholic cocktail was spot on. Cannot fail this place.

We recently returned to this lovely spot after first visiting four years ago, and we’re happy to say the food is still just as great—delicious and beautifully presented, bringing back fond memories of our previous visit. The terrace is a real highlight, offering stunning views out over the lake and the yacht dock—perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view. Service was warm and attentive, and they were especially accommodating of our dog, which we really appreciated. The only small gripe would be the noticeable price increase compared to our last visit. That said, with everything that’s happened in recent years—COVID, inflation, and rising costs—it’s understandable, and probably to be expected. All in all, a lovely experience in a beautiful setting. We’ll definitely be back again.

Great service, great food, great atmosphere, provided treats and water for my dog and even sold dog meals! Steak was cooked to correct temp, the steak sandwich was delicious, and the ribs fell off the bone. Staff very friendly and reasonable prices, would definitely recommend this place

The menu is well done, popular dishes we tried were the pulled pork, cock a doodle pink burger, chocolate smoothies, larger. The portion size is satisfactory. The fish and chips were very well done. The restaurant has a nice view overlooking the lake, the ambience is nice and the service is timely, courteous and great. FYI: it’s one the places BeardMeetsFood did the burger challenge, it’s well worth a try. P.S couldn’t add the picture of the chocolate smoothie since I inhaled it in 10 seconds.

Where to begin!! Upon booking there was a section for "special notes/comments", I had wrote that on the day I was proposing to my now fiancé and that if possible we could have a table with a view, they didn't disappoint! Upon arrive all staff were congratulatory to our engagement, Upon seating we received a complementary glass of prosecco and a card of congratulations. Soon after ordering our starters (calamari and halloumi which was delicious 😋) it was with us so quick we was shocked in a very good way, for mains we had 2x 12oz rib eye steaks, after 15yrs of catering experience we have never tasted such a well cooked steaks! Chef's my hat off too you thank you. This was a truely amazing venue for our special occasion! To everyone at Boardwalk Bar & Grill thank so much from the bottom of our hearts for such an amazing meal, service, attention to detail and just thank you, your establishment forever has a special in our hearts and stomachs 😂 thank you again!

I loved the fish and chips, and my Guinness and zero cocktail was great too. They have a huge selection of drinks, and the place has an amazing view. The staff are very lovely and kind. I also really appreciated that some drinks on the menu support donations to a breast cancer association — such a thoughtful touch. Highly recommended! 🍻✨

From your entrance into the restaurant to your table the staff are so welcoming. Then you get fantastic views of the Lake before you look at the menu , I enjoyed the steak as pictured cooked to perfection I will add. The staff are so attentive to your eating experience we were made so welcome and relaxed during our visit . This restaurant is now on my fav list 😋

A very beautiful location with a great plus! What made me choose this place was that it’s right by the lake and also because of their Early Bird special: two courses for £22, three courses for £26, which I think is excellent and very convenient. The only downside was that I came with my dog (2.5 kg) and was told we could only sit downstairs, not upstairs. The upstairs tables are much nicer, which was why I originally wanted to sit there. Perhaps they could consider making the upstairs area dog-friendly. Also, it would be great if they could add more options to the starters or main courses. If you visit more than once, the choices can feel a bit limited; for example, Piri Piri isn’t for everyone and besides fish and chips or a burger, there aren’t many other options. Adding more variety would give customers more to choose from. The service was exceptional and the food was very good. I highly recommend this place and will definitely come back!

Lake Raj Bangladeshi Restaurant Review Food (4/5) While the food was enjoyable, it wasn’t outstanding. The prawn puree starter had a generous portion of prawns, though the puree itself was not as soft and flaky as expected. The main courses (mix grills, lamb chops, chicken biryani, and prawn bhuna) were solid but didn’t surpass previous experiences. Service (5/5) Exceptional service with highly attentive staff. Plates were cleared quickly after the starter, and hot plates were promptly provided for the main course. Atmosphere (4/5) The restaurant’s exterior was appealing, but the interior decor didn’t quite match the expectations set by the outside. However, the facilities, including the clean toilet, were well-maintained. Overall, Lake Raj offers a pleasant dining experience with great service, decent food, and a comfortable atmosphere.

The food was amazing. The staff were helpful and polite. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

We arrived at the restaurant and was immediately welcomed. We were shown to our seats and had a lovely meal. The food was very tasty and tasted very fresh. I would definitely recommend this restaurant , it is good value for money and the staff go to every effort to make sure your experience is a good one. Andy and Jo 👍

We had a meal at Lake Raj whilst visiting the Lake District. We've visited on previous occasions where we have been impressed with the experience. This visit was no different. The food was lovely, the dining area was pleasant and welcoming and Matin and the team were fantastic and very attentive, leaving no stone unturned. All the staff made sure that we were enjoying our meal. Thank you once again for your outstanding service. John & Cheryl

I had a wonderful experience at lake raj restaurant! The food was delicious, full of authentic flavor, fresh, and perfectly spiced. But what really made the visit stand out was the service. Raj, who served us, was absolutely fantastic, friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. He made sure we had everything we needed and went above and beyond to make our meal enjoyable.

Enjoyed a date night here visiting Lake District. Ordered a spicy chicken biryani, lamb kharai, chicken masala and a saag aloo with buttered naan. Was insanely tasty & hosts were super lovely. Halal friendly and lovely cosy area.

Booked a table for 2x. Prices for the beer is extortionate, lamb tikka starter was very very fatty / chewy as though not cooked properly. ( lamb can be chewy but not like you could chew it for a month ) Felt very rushed and the staff were just walking around as if they didn’t want to be there. Atmosphere mood was very low and not very welcoming at all. I also looked around and staff members did ask people how there food was…. Why didn’t you ask us? Is it just as of when you feel like it? For such a location you should all be dressed smart where as the one lad had curry all Over his sleeves on his white shirt. Take pride in what you do and welcome customers for a great experience in a great location in the UK. To eat popadoms / starters and mains all in less than an hour is very rushed food! Very disappointed. And for £56 I feel Iv had my wallet dipped.

Lakeland Motor Museum – A Timeless Journey Through Motoring History! The Lakeland Motor Museum is an absolute delight for anyone with even the slightest interest in cars, bikes, or the history of transportation. Nestled in a picturesque riverside setting in the Lake District, this museum offers far more than just a collection of old vehicles — it tells the story of human creativity, engineering progress, and the evolution of travel. From elegant vintage cars to quirky micro vehicles and shining motorcycles, every exhibit is thoughtfully displayed with detailed information and a touch of nostalgia. One of the museum’s biggest highlights is the Bluebird Exhibition, which celebrates the legendary speed record attempts by Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald Campbell. Seeing the replicas and learning about their daring journeys adds an inspiring historical dimension that leaves you in awe. There’s also an interesting display of bicycles, pedal cars, and transport memorabilia that bring back the charm of a bygone era. The staff are incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, making the visit even more engaging. The on-site café by the river offers great food and a relaxing spot to unwind, and the gift shop has lovely souvenirs for all ages. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring unique places, the Lakeland Motor Museum is a must-visit destination. It’s educational, nostalgic, and full of charm — a perfect mix of mechanical beauty and storytelling that captures the true spirit of motoring through time. 🚗🏍️🏁

Wonderful exhibition, so many cars and memorabilia. The museum is situated in an old warehouse that made Blue powder for the washing of whites. The Campbell exhibition was very well set up too. A great place to visit for car enthusiasts and non car enthusiasts. There is a Cafe on site that is reasonably priced with nice food, freshly cooked on site.

Visited with my wife following a day of trains & boats on Lake Windermere. I didn't plan far enough ahead but was happy to pay full admission for this. A fantastic exhibition of vehicles, parts, tools & automobilia. The vehicles are in stunning period condition and are a credit to their former owners. Motor cars having their own A4 crib sheet on model history and quirks of the vehicle stood in front of you. Cars, bicycles & motorcycles get a fair shake at their own space including an upstairs bike exhibition. Archival Pathé News reels, advertisements, metal garage signs & packaging from the ages really flesh out the history of the museum. A short walk away on the same site is a tribute to The Campbells & their recording breaking Bluebird Machines. Although full size replicas it goes a long way to help you imagine the grit & determination of those visionary men. Certainly the museum is a worthwhile visit if you have a few days up in the Lake District.

Great little museum, with something different. Welcoming and a nice cafe and gifts. Personally I found ypu where alot closer to the exhibits than other museums, and it was nice to be able to lean into the cars etc. Not to busy so good for photos. Bonus find as it has the Campbell land speed exhibit. Would recommend. Price was fine good parking, nice way to spend an afternoon

Would recommend for all ages. Our car and bike mad toddler loved it. So many to look at and some great nostalgia aswell with the toy cars from childhood. Would definitely recommend a visit. Great bluebird exhibit aswell.

A Brilliant Family Day Out at Lakeland Motor Museum (Visited Early 2025) We visited Lakeland Motor Museum earlier this year as a family — and this review’s long overdue. We’ve eaten nearby and driven past the signs plenty of times, but only recently stopped in properly. Until now we hadn’t really used reviews, so we’re catching up where it counts. A Nostalgic Treasure Trove Housed in the old Reckitt’s Blue Dye Works in Backbarrow, the museum is packed with an incredible mix of vehicles, memorabilia, signs, tools, and themed scenes. There are beautifully restored classic cars, motorbikes, bicycles, mopeds, and displays recreating old workshops and garages with period mannequins and signage. Everything’s laid out with care and clear passion. It isn’t just a hall of cars — it’s a full immersion into the culture of motoring, engineering, and British road history. Donald Campbell & the Spirit of Speed One of the most powerful parts of the visit was the Campbell Bluebird exhibition in the separate riverside building. It showcases the incredible history of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell, their record-breaking achievements, and Donald’s final attempt at Coniston. There’s a full-size replica of the Bluebird CN7 and an in-depth look at the K7 hydroplane — along with an original AC Aceca that Donald owned. It’s respectfully done, atmospheric, and hard not to be moved by. Even without prior knowledge, you come away feeling the weight and ambition of what they tried to do. Smooth, Well-Paced Experience Entry price: Reasonable for what’s on offer — especially when you take your time with it. Parking: Easy, right outside. Café: Café Ambio next door is a handy extra, especially if the weather holds and you can sit outside by the river. Accessibility: Well thought out throughout the site, with clear access and lifts where needed. Why It Works So Well Not overwhelming, but thorough. Great layout — the flow works and keeps you engaged. Clearly maintained with pride and enthusiasm by people who know their subject. Plenty to see without feeling cluttered or repetitive. Final Thoughts For us, this was one of the most rewarding museum visits in recent memory. It strikes the right tone — detailed and knowledgeable without being dry. Whether you’re into cars or not, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the sheer scope and atmosphere of the place. We’ll be back again without hesitation — and we’re happy to finally be adding our voice to its growing list of well-earned 5-star reviews.

Visited a few times before but this time was on my motorcycle tour and thought it was definitely worth a revisit. If you like cars and motorcycles and their history or the history of the Campbell’s journeys to world speed records then this is a must. I think good value for money too. Cafe serves food and nice coffee too. Having laugh with their price of small bottled water though!!!!

We visited Fell Foot last weekend with the kids and had a lovely time. The park is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Lake Windermere, perfect for a relaxing family day out. The kids enjoyed running around and we had a small picnic by the water, which made for a peaceful afternoon. There are good facilities, and it’s a great spot for both play and relaxation. The only downside was the parking — quite expensive for just a few hours, which was a bit of a letdown. Still, overall a great place to spend time with family and enjoy nature.

Arrived late afternoon, in early October & the Saturday crowds had gone home. No issues finding a spot in the car park at all. The machines use the Just Park app so paying for parking was easy @ £6 for 2 hours a little on the expensive side but worth it. Walked down to the lake edge & it was just perfect. Found a bench by one of the slip ways & changed for my swim. Water was 14°C, clear as a bell & there was hardly anyone around, other than another swimmer & a couple of SUP users. Stayed in for about 25 mins & changed on the side. Although it was quite late once I had got changed the loo’s by the cafe were still open which was handy. Beautiful autumnal colours & an amazing golden hour.

Fell Foot is a fantastic spot on Windermere, especially for National Trust members (free parking!). Beautiful setting with loads of green space to set up for the day. You can launch your paddleboard for free, and if you pay for the activity hub, you get access to changing rooms and showers — really handy after being on the water. There are free toilets on-site and plenty of space, though it can get very busy, especially on sunny days. Also worth noting there’s a friendly Parkrun every Saturday at 9:00am. Great place for a full day out with family or friends!

Nice walk, wasn’t much there - entry cost was parking only the parking fee unless a national trust member. Parking was tight but they have 2 parking areas. Views across the water were stunning.

A lovely park beside the lake 🌊—a perfect spot for a day out! Plenty of options for water sports and fun-filled activities for children. Paid parking is available, and there are cafes on-site to grab a bite.

Beautiful National Trust park with lovely views across the lake. Recommend coming here on Saturday morning for the parkrun and then going for brunch in the café afterwards. This venue also has a stamp for any National Trust passport holders

Highly recommend this very beautiful amazing stop and park. We loved this park we visited a number of times. Really highly recommend such a beautiful place. It was very busy everyday though

Quicker walk through than expected and didn't seem to give a possibility to walk through again. Lovely little shop at the end. It would have been nicer to have more interactive sessions like with the starfish area could involve a hands on session throughout the day or a feeding view in the big fish area

We weren’t sure what to expect from Lakes Aquarium, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable visit. It’s not huge, but there’s loads packed into the space — otters, rays, frogs, fish from around the world, and a cool underwater tunnel with local species like pike and perch. The otters were a highlight, especially at feeding time. The tanks are well kept, and everything feels clean and well looked after. There’s a nice flow to the place and plenty of signs with interesting facts. It’s perfect for families — kids loved it, but we found ourselves enjoying it just as much. Good value for money, and you can pair it with the steam train or a boat ride nearby to make a full day of it. Staff were friendly, the gift shop had some fun stuff (not too overpriced), and overall it made for a really lovely stop. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area and looking for something fun and educational that doesn’t take up the whole day.

Was pleasantly surprised when visiting, it was a bit bigger than I expected given the reasonable price! Lots to see, the whole family really enjoyed it. Took just under an hour from start to finish. The location is beautiful right on the lake. Small car park at the front and a larger one to the back so parking was fine. Would recommend if your visiting the area with children. We bought tickets in advance.

We had a fantastic time at the aquarium! The exhibits were beautifully designed and full of fascinating marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful stingrays. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions, making it both fun and educational. Highlights included the interactive touch pools and the underwater tunnel — a truly immersive experience. A great day out for all ages — highly recommended!

Surprisingly good. It is larger than I expected making use of multiple floors inside the building. The Otters, for me, are the stars! They are great to see. My youngest son was entertained looking at all the fish and animals, and my eldest also liked the fish but was kept entertained by trying to answer the quiz sheet handed to him. Great value for money.

Went the aquarium last weekend and it was better than expected. Plenty to see and do. No queue. Many more animals than a standard aquarium and the bridge over the water as well as the tunnel under it were my favourite part. Very reasonably priced too.

Decent to visit but a bit small. The underwater tunnel is interesting. The surrounding area is nice. This will be a quick visit if you go.

You can imagine Beatrice in all the rooms and outside sitting in her garden. Full of things she loved and the stories she wrote, the house is big (lowish ceilings) and interesting but lots of visitors make the rooms seem small. Dog friendly, a few benches in her garden to enjoy a picnic or a drink\bite from the mobile cafe, toilets down a step. 2hrs parking is ample for looking round, so arrive a few minutes before your booked time, check in and collect your token for the house. Book and gift shop plus a house had cake for £2 and another a few plants for sale.

Beatrix Potters beloved farmhouse. You need to book car working if visiting here via the National Trust website. It’s a nice way to spend and hour reminiscing on the books you had in childhood. Beatrix used the farmhouse and local area as inspiration for her famous children’s story books. You see story boards around the side demonstrating this. The house is interesting with lots of the original contents on display. These are refreshments, toilets and a shop on the site.

My visit to Hill Top was a cherished return after 25 years, and it was just as magical as I remembered. It was a joy to walk through Beatrix Potter's gardens and home, which truly sparked my imagination. I was especially excited to find a Peter Rabbit book for my grandson, a perfect memento of the visit. ​The grounds are pet-friendly, which was great for our group. However, dogs are not allowed inside the house itself, so we took turns visiting to make sure everyone got a chance to see it. ​The views and the small village are incredibly quaint and charming. I highly recommend stopping at the pub located between the car park and the property entrance—it’s a great spot. ​A major tip for visitors is to book your tickets online in advance. We purchased our tickets the day before and got the last two available spots for the entire day. I would have been so disappointed to have traveled all the way to the Lake District and not gotten in! We booked the last time slot at 2:30 PM, and it seemed to have the fewest crowds, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The main attraction here is to be in the same spaces that Beatrix Potter occupied and see how those spaces inspired the writing of some of her books. Having copies of those books open and available at points through the house was a nice touch which added an extra level of understanding to the place. The mice hidden throughout the house to find also added to the visitor engagement in a way that seemed to fit well with the general feel of the place. If you are not a Beatrix Potter fan (but you're other half is perhaps?) then do not fear. There is plenty of interest here for the tag along visitor too. The house holds its own as a purely historical attraction, and the garden areas surrounding the house are also noteworthy. The gift shop just before the exit is well stocked and the staff were welcoming and helpful. Some exclusive items here that can only be bought at the shop itself. They are not cheap but I would imagine a dedicated fan will not be deterred by the larger numbers involved.

Lovely place, well looked after by the national trust with almost all the original furnishings. So interesting to see more about Beatrix's life. Got the ferry across from Bowness and walked up, a bit of road walking at times but a beautiful walk.

The house is beautifully set for visitors to see how Beatrix Potter lived and worked. The garden is just as I imagined. Beatrix Potter did so many good things for children with her books and pictures. Her work with people in the Lake District helped to keep it looking wonderful for generations to enjoy. I am so glad the NT takes so much care of Hill Top. Thanks to Joey’s for the yummy coffee.

Its a quiet, small and beautiful garden to visit if you are in the area & a NT member. However it’s missing the usual NT tea room, facilities & information to make worthwhile a re-visit as we only spent 1.5hr there… which included a long sit in the garden.

Lovely place overlooking Windermere. We were watching the boats and cruises pass by while enjoying our meal. It was beautiful. The service was good. The place was quite crowded and loud but we were able to talk. There was a lot of options for food and they also had Sunday specials including dessert. Pizza was good though a bit oily. Wings were delicious. Sandwich was quite good. Service was fast and we got served our food without waiting too long. Staff was polite and respectful. Lovely place to enjoy your meal overlooking Windermere.

Amazing food! Amazing drinks! Amazing service! Incredible playlist! The staff are so friendly. We felt welcome as soon as we walked through the door. They’re very helpful, and very nice. Usually I can’t find nice onion rings. I was very happy tonight. They were so nice. Crispy, thin and very nicely plated! For the amount of food we ordered, it was very reasonably priced. Thanks for a great night! x

We choose this restaurant for its beautiful lake view as the sun set and was not disappointed. Their wonderful service staff made everybody feel right at home. What's more important - the food was excellent. The Peri Peri Spatcock chicken was great, as was the seabass, finished off with the delightful apple pie.

A nice spot for dinner. The portions were large and served almost instantly. The food was ok. Our waitress Ellie was brilliant and looked after us throughout the meal.

We didnt have food but from the food we did see it looked lush and reasonbly price! We just had drinks! Cocktails amazing! A really great place with lovely vibes!

Nice restaurant with best view to lakes. Staffs were so nice especially the guy served inside. No much waiting for dishes. Food were also good, ambience is worth mentioning.

We had 2 nice burgers a chicken and a Korean and they were so good Nice local beer 🍺 Very nice seats inside dog friendly too Great staff Nice views of the lake

We went to Heft for Sunday Dinner full of high expectations. This is not our first time at a Michelin starred restaurant and have been to a few in the area that have been fantastic. We received a warm welcome in the bar on arrival and had drinks whilst we waited for our table. We ordered the beef, which can only be ordered for two people, not individually. All the sides were lovely although I think it’s a bit much that you are charged extra for gravy and it wasn’t that flavoursome! Our biggest issue was the beef. I like my beef rare but only when it is a good piece of beef. Ours had a lot of sinew in it and therefore was not easy to eat. We had a few pieces that were ok but not particularly full of flavour. Both the desserts we had were nice- pavlova and sticky toffee pudding but pretty standard. The staff were efficient but not particularly engaging and just seemed to want to put the food down and go. We really wanted this to be a great experience and it’s such a shame it fell short.

I think we were expecting too much. Four of us walked an hour from where we were staying as this was the nearest place with food. We didn't want the posh dining so went for the bar food. The two things we all wanted were sold out (it wasn't late) so we elected for shepherds pie. This turned out to be a very small pie (almost comedically so tbh), with gravy and red cabbage. There were no other veggies available. Whilst tasty, it was very small, and there were no options to add sides. The gravy was excellent, but I don't consider it to be a side. Pudding was a small bar of chocolate. All in, one of the most disappointing pub meals I've ever had. Beers were good, so no complaints there. Atmosphere quite nice in an old pub that's been updated kind of way. I think this place needs to rethink what it's doing in the bar area - why have a Michelin starred restaurant in one half, and then something so disappointing in the other?

I made this reservation after searching for a nice place to visit to finish our holiday in The Lake District. For us Heft was a 25/30min drive from our accommodation. We were not disappointed, everything from the bread and butter to our desserts was fantastic. We had the Sunday 2 course menu and chose the beef which was melt in the mouth moorish! We ordered additional sides, definitely more than we needed but wanted to try everything that appealed to us. Heft is located in a lovely spot, even if you just wanted to sit outside with a glass of something refreshing. I would definitely visit again and would recommend to anyone in the area to try.

Early evening Sunday dinner was delicious at Heft. We had the hoggett with cauliflower and macaroni cheese; we didn't need the potatoes as portions are generous. Good quality ingredients simply but deliciously done. The absolute stand out of the meal was the sticky toffee pudding which tasted like the hard toffee my grandma used to make - I'd go back just for that. Great wine and friendly service too.

Lovely country location. The front of the restaurant is rustic, the main dining is done in a modern theme, I preferred the rustic look. The food was not amazing. Some dishes were salty and flavors were either too strong. Nothing was delightful. The food presentation was to a hight standard, but the proof is in the eating. Sadly we did not enjoy the food.

We went to Heft for their famous Sunday lunch to celebrate a family occasion. And their already amazing reputation came out of this unscathed. The food was fantastic in every respect: presentation, variety, generous portions (yes, we did take a “Heftovers” bag home), and oh-so-delicious taste and flavours. Service, especially from junior serving staff, was great.

We had a fantastic time visiting Heft enjoying their set dinner - delicious creative food, incredibly tentative and friendly staff going above and beyond plus a beautiful pub with a relaxing atmosphere. Would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a special meal out.