Things to do near Whinfell Forest
Center Parcs Whinfell forest is in beautiful Cumbria which is perfect for exploring. There are loads of things to do nearby either during your stay or perhaps on the way their or home at the end of your stay. Here you will find 10 things to do near Whinfell forest that we love.
1 – Visit Acorn Bank National Trust
Acorn Bank is a short (10 minute) drive away from Whinfell forest. If you are a National Trust member then it is a great place to visit. There is a lovely walled garden and woodland walks. In the woodland you’ll find a partially restored watermill which is sometimes open to the public.
It is a small National Trust so there is a second hand book shop and café but there isn’t a National Trust shop or playground.
Whilst there isn’t a playground, you can borrow a nature toolkit (and even wellies) from the shepherd’s hut. These toolkits include spotter sheets, magnifiers, mirrors, tape measures and clickers. They also run regular events and children’s activities especially in the school holidays. There are also some fairy houses to find in the woods.
If you enjoy geocaching then there are 6 cache within the parkland. Find out more about Geocaching with kids here.
Find out more about Acorn Bank here.
2 – Visit Brougham castle
This is an English Heritage site with an early 13th century castle with a complex of passages and spiral staircases to explore.
This English heritage site is a 10 minute drive from Center parcs.
Find out more and book online here – Brougham Castle
3 – Visit Ullswater
Ullswater is the nearest of the Lake District Lakes to center parks Whinfell forest. There are loads of walks around Ullswater including hikes like Halin fell and low level walks around the lake.
You could also enjoy a day on the lake with a trip on Ullswater Steamers.
4 – See the stunning waterfall at Aira Force National trust
Aira force is also located on Ullswater and it is a fantastic place to visit. The waterfall is stunning to see at 65 foot! The National Trust has recently opened a new viewing bridge.
There is a National Trust car park and tea room here. You can also arrive by boat as part of the Ullswater steamers.
The walk to the waterfall isn’t suitable for pushchairs but we have done the walk with young children. There are various trails to choose but if you just want to see the waterfall is 0.9 miles (1.5km) and takes about 45 minutes.
Find out more about Aira Force here.
5 – Explore the ruins of Penrith castle and Penrith
This is another English Heritage castle, just a little bit further from Center parcs but still under 15 minutes. The ruins of this 14th century castle are free to visit as they are within the grounds of a public park in the centre of Penrith.
Whilst you are their you can explore Penrith itself too.
Find out more about Penrith Castle here.
6 – Visit Rheged
Rheged is perfect for a wet day or if you just want to do a little shopping and stop somewhere for a meal. There are a few shops ranging from a farm shop to clothing, outdoor gear and a toy shop.
There is also a theatre, cinema, exhibition space, soft play and a café and restaurant. There used to be an outdoor play area but this is permanently closed. There is making space too to create your own decopatch model.
I have lost count of how many times we have visited now but we all ways have a great time.
Find out what’s on when you visit here – Rheged.
7 – Visit Lowther Castle
Another castle but this one has one of the best adventure playgrounds in the North West! The adventure playground, “The Lost Castle” is one of the biggest in the UK. You’re kids are sure to love exploring this huge adventure playground with slides, turrets, swings and zip line.
You can also explore the dramatic castle ruins, beautiful gardens and enjoy walks in the wider estate. It’s a full family day out.
Find our guide to Lowther Castle Adventure playground here.
8 – Stop off at Tebay services
It’s not often I recommend a service station but this is one a few exceptions. Tebay is run by the same family as the Rheged family and the food is high quality. Kids can eat for £1 too. There is a large shop and a small soft play area too.
I have a full guide to Tebay services here.
9 – Visit Long Meg and her daughters stone circle
If you enjoy seeing stone circles, this is supposedly one of the best in the north! It is one of the biggest in the country too with a diameter of 350 meters with 60 stones, the tallest “Meg” is about 12 foot high.
10 – Visit Keswick
If you’re happy to drive a little further there are loads of great things to do in Keswick. You might also like to consider Whinfell forest with a Gruffalo trail and a play trail of almost one mile.
More places to visit and walks in Cumbria
If you are travelling up the m6 to Center Parcs then here is my guide to 10 Places to stop on the M6.
Bassenthwaite is only a short drive from Whinfell Forest. Find lots of ideas for Family walks near Bassenthwaite here.
This is one of our favourite local walks which is possibly one of the most accessible walks I know. Keswick to Threlkeld railway trail.
