As a new mum, I know how difficult it is to find things to do with your little one. Our daughter is only ten months old and at this age, you have to do your research when it comes to organising something to entertain the whole family.
Windermere Lake Cruises
We were keen to find somewhere to go in the Lake District as it is close to our hearts for many reasons and want to bring our daughter up to appreciate it as much as we do. Windermere Lake Cruises ticks all the boxes.
The beauty of this day out is that you can make it as long or as short as you like and as cheap or expensive as you like. It all depends on your baby’s schedule and your budget.
I would highly recommend the Freedom of the Lake Pass as this entitles you to any boat at any time over a 24 hour period, giving you the flexibility to hop on and off at Ambleside or Bowness, or enjoy the full trip along the lake if you prefer.
We decided to take the train from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to Lakeside to catch the boat from there.
We opted for the 11.00am boat, which took us to Bowness where we got off to get some lunch and have a look around.
We stumbled across the Lake View Garden Bar as this is one of the first eateries on the way to the main shopping street as you get off the boat. Although there are steps up to the seating area- it supplies high-chairs and has baby change- making it a suitable place to have lunch if you are with a young family. The giant umbrellas and outside heaters kept the drizzle off while we tucked into their signature ‘dirty fries’- (chips covered in either pulled pork, coleslaw or pepperoni), all while overlooking the lake. Not a bad way to spend an hour!
Bowness is awash with shops for little ones- namely the Beatrix Potter Shop which sells a selection of Peter Rabbit and co themed bibs, rattles and books as well as toys suitable for older children too.
Further up the hill is The Nursery Shop, The Rocking Horse Toy Shop and The Herdy Company Shop where you can pick up mementos for your baby if you want to treat them to a gift to remember your day.
We were blessed with good weather on our outgoing and return journey, however all of the boats have areas undercover and below deck if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The beauty of Windermere Lake Cruises is you can enjoy the experience in the sunshine or the showers. Lake Windermere looks beautiful come rain or shine and this boat trip showcases the dramatic landscape in both wet and dry conditions.
The bar on the lower deck was the ideal place to give our daughter her bottle as there are tables where you can prepare everything you need to. There are also changing facilities on board so if you need to freshen your baby’s nappy, you are able to do so with little fuss.
All of the boats serve refreshments, snacks and sandwiches too so if you are feeling peckish once your baby has been tended to- you can indulge in something as well. We all enjoyed a drink on the top deck- arguably the best way to have a cup of tea!
There were plenty of other families on board including young babies, so it’s suitable even for the littlest of travellers. The boats are so big, I felt safe taking my daughter on the water for the first time.
I would urge you to take as lightweight a buggy as possible as we took our push chair and struggled to get it up and down the stairs to change decks. There is no lift or ramp once you are on board so keep this in mind when choosing what to bring your baby in.
Another recommendation is to ensure your baby has a coat or blanket and something to cover the buggy with. It can get breezy on the top deck so your baby will need something to keep the wind off them and keep them warm even when the sun is shining.
Windermere Lake Cruises are ideal for the whole family. My parents don’t live nearby so this is the ideal location and half-way point to meet up for a day out together.
Whether it’s the scenery, the ride on a beautiful boat, a drink on the top deck, shopping for souvenirs, eating good food with a view or learning a little more about the lake- everyone who’s accompanying baby can take something from the day.
Overall, I would highly recommend Windermere Lake Cruises if you are looking for a baby friendly day out in the Lake District. The views and activities on the lake kept our daughter interested throughout the journey. It was an ideal opportunity to show her where we got married as the boat took us past the Langdale Chase Hotel and to test her sea legs out for the first time!
Thank you to Windermere Lake Crusies for providing the tickets to do this review.
MORE: Baby friendly days out in the Lake District: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Tagged in Babies lake district The Lake District