The Lake District Experience Road Trip

Located in a breath-taking woodland setting in the Lake District National Park, Coniston Park Coppice is the perfect central point for exploring the local lakes and fells.

You can exit the site at the foot of the hill to discover picturesque views of Coniston Water. Grab your hiking boots for walks around the water or pop on your wetsuit to take a dip. Boats can be hired at the local Coniston Pier. If you want to kick back why not book a ticket on the Steam Yacht Gondola.

Don’t forget to greet the Old Man of Coniston and his friendly flock of sheep whilst you’re here. The Old Man is the highest point in the Furness Fells. Brandwood house is nearby, a museum and vibrant art centre as is the Ruskin Museum. Both a memorial to the art critic Ruskin and a local museum covering the history of the Lakes and Coniston, here you will see the Bluebird k7, the boat of British speed record breaker Donald Campbell.

The enchanting Lake Windermere is a must visit whilst in the area. It is the largest natural lake in England and plays host to a variety of waterborne activities with steam boat trips, ferries and sailing all being popular with tourists. The lake boasts its own cryptic monster to rival its cousin in Loch Ness, affectionately named ‘Bownessie’ after the only town on the banks of Windermere, Bowness. But with so much to see and do, don’t worry if you don’t get the opportunity to head over to the magnificent Lake Windermere as the last leg of your tour also takes you close by.

The spellbinding town of Keswick has a rich and abundant history. The ancient Castlerigg stone circle is a fascinating site and lies just outside of the town boundary. Keswick holds a variety of public events, such as a film festival, beer festival and Derwent Water Regatta.

There are several country pubs and inns in the town, with the oldest dating to the 16th century. The Borrowdale Club Site is just 5 miles outside Keswick and lies within National Trust woodland.  On your way here grab your hiking boots to spend some time at the spectacular Helvellyn Mountain. Its location is ideal for walking as the beautiful and varied countryside has forested areas, nature trails and farmland walks.

There are plenty of local lakes to visit too, including Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Water Buttermere and Crummock Water. Adventure is never far off in the Lake District with Air Ventures Paragliding School and Honister Mine Adventures both being close to the site.

With so much to see and do in and around Kendal, it is no ordinary market town. Steeped in art, intriguing history and a bustling shopping centre with several restaurants; this stop may be last but it is by no means least.

If you didn't get to stop at Windermere on the first leg of your journey then you'll have a second chance to visit with Windermere being just a 20 minute drive away. Kendal is the perfect hub for exploring the area and has some fascinating history of its own being on the site of a 19th-century gunpowder mill. Brockhole is a fantastic stop on route that has something for all the family, with a range of activities from mini-golf and zip lines through to kayaking and archery.  Not just for little ones, The World of Beatrix Potter just on the edge of Windermere tells the story of Potter and her writing through interactive exhibits and detailing her importance to Lakeland conservation.

The ruins of Kendal Castle are also well worth exploring and from here you get a stunning view over the town.  Learn some new skills at Woodmatters who offer a range of lessons in woodwork, yoga and bushcraft skills; or for all-weather climbing head over to the award-winning Kendall Wall at the Lakeland Climbing Centre.