Brockhole Windermere
Adventure hub on Lake Windermere with zip lines, archery, kayaking, and a huge free playground for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Brockhole Windermere
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Adventure hub on Lake Windermere with zip lines, archery, kayaking, and a huge free playground for all ages.
"Such a great place to enjoy a day with kids, what we love the most is the archery."
🎯 Book Activities Early
Popular activities like archery and zip-lining sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Entry to the grounds is free, but parking charges can be high. Consider alternatives if budget is a concern.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zip World Windermere
Within Brockhole
Experience thrilling zip lines and treetop nets for an adrenaline rush amidst stunning lake views.
Archery Sessions
Brockhole Activity Centre
Engage in fun and challenging archery sessions, perfect for all skill levels. Book ahead!
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Lake Windermere Shore
Paddle across the serene waters of Lake Windermere, enjoying breathtaking scenery and a sense of freedom.
Adventure Playground
Brockhole Grounds
A massive, free-to-access play area that keeps kids entertained for hours with climbing and bouncing fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Activities in Advance
Parking Costs and Free Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Activities Early
Popular activities like archery and zip-lining sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Entry to the grounds is free, but parking charges can be high. Consider alternatives if budget is a concern.
🛶 Water Fun Essentials
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan on kayaking, paddleboarding, or even taking a dip in the lake!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially climbing, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Activities Early
Popular activities like archery and zip-lining sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Entry to the grounds is free, but parking charges can be high. Consider alternatives if budget is a concern.
🛶 Water Fun Essentials
Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan on kayaking, paddleboarding, or even taking a dip in the lake!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially climbing, so wear comfortable shoes.
☕ Cafe on Site
Joey's Cafe offers refreshments and is a great spot to refuel after a day of activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Brockhole on Windermere for its wide range of activities suitable for all ages, particularly highlighting the archery, kayaking, and the excellent adventure playground. The beautiful lakeside setting and friendly staff are frequently mentioned positives. However, some find the parking fees to be quite expensive.
"Such a great place to enjoy a day with kids. What we love the most is the archery. We booked an hour, but could easily spend another hour to two. Need to book in advance. The host Tom has been so helpful, friendly and fun. There is also forest climbing, different height zip lines, bouncing nets and playground for the little ones. Parking is very expensive but that’s almost everywhere in the region. Don’t understand why."
Lu B
"I hope the new operator is able to make a success of this site with something of value to a range of Lake District visitors. It’s a bit sad to see the state that Brockhole finds itself in now, given its potential. There’s a beautiful art deco mansion, extensive gardens and woodland trails, and the ferry service. Let’s hope arts and exhibitions return as part of the future mix."
Marques
"Visited Brockhole on Windermere and had the best time ever! 😍✨ The kayaking experience was amazing — there’s a real sense of freedom as you paddle across the lake surrounded by stunning scenery 🌅⛰️. The water is so peaceful, and you can go at your own pace, which made it really relaxing 🧘♂️🚣♀️.
We also went on a boat ride and the views were just breathtaking — perfect for photos and enjoying nature 🌳📸. After kayaking, we jumped into the lake for a swim 🏊♂️💦 — super refreshing on a sunny day!
Facilities available: toilets, showers, and lockers made everything convenient 🚿🚻🔒. And a big shoutout to the staff, who were all so friendly and helpful — they made the whole experience even better! 🙌😊
Would 100% recommend for a fun and active day out with family or friends ☀️."
Mohammed Mustakin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brockhole is conveniently located on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, between Bowness and Ambleside. You can reach it by car via the A591, by bus services that stop nearby, or even by boat with Windermere Lake Cruises docking at Brockhole.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around Brockhole. Windermere Lake Cruises also offer a scenic way to arrive, with a dedicated stop at Brockhole.
Brockhole offers parking facilities, but visitors should be aware that parking fees apply and can be quite expensive, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! Windermere Lake Cruises has a stop at Brockhole, offering a picturesque arrival and departure point.
Brockhole generally offers good accessibility with paved paths around the main areas and gardens. However, some specific activity areas might have limitations. It's best to check with individual activity providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and the adventure playground at Brockhole is free. However, individual activities like zip-lining, archery, and treetop nets have separate charges.
Parking fees are charged at Brockhole and can be a significant cost. It's advisable to check the latest pricing on their official website or be prepared for higher charges.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book popular activities such as archery, zip-lining, and treetop nets in advance, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.
Brockhole's grounds and visitor centre typically have extended opening hours, but individual activity providers may have their own specific operating times. Check the Brockhole website for the most up-to-date information.
Brockhole hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal experiences like the Halloween Forest of Fear. Keep an eye on their website and social media for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Brockhole offers a wide array of activities including zip-lining, treetop nets, archery, axe throwing, laser tag, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a large adventure playground.
Yes, Brockhole is very family-friendly, with a fantastic free adventure playground and activities like Treetop Nets designed for younger children.
Yes, visitors can swim in Lake Windermere from Brockhole, and it's described as a refreshing experience on a sunny day. Facilities like showers are available.
Beyond the activities, Brockhole features beautiful gardens, woodland trails, and quiet coves along the lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
Brockhole provides essential facilities including toilets, showers, and lockers, making it convenient for a full day of activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Joey's Cafe is located at Brockhole, offering a range of refreshments including flat whites and other cafe items.
Brockhole has extensive grounds and gardens, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy by the lake or in the park areas.
Joey's Cafe provides typical cafe fare. For more extensive dining options, nearby towns like Bowness and Ambleside offer a wider variety of restaurants and pubs.
📸 📸 Photography
The shores of Lake Windermere offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. The gardens and the views from the activity areas also provide great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Brockhole management or the Lake District National Park Authority regarding any restrictions on drone photography.
The combination of the historic Brockhole house, the expansive gardens, and the adventure activities provides unique contrasts for photography. Capturing the Red Arrows during events is also a possibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake provide a more relaxed, yet equally engaging, family activity. 💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
🚶 Day-Trippers
You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the adventure playground, a quick kayak trip, or a thrilling zip line experience. Remember to book any desired activities in advance to maximize your time. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventure Activities Galore
+4 For those who prefer ground-based challenges, archery and axe throwing sessions are available, providing a fun and engaging experience. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping options, Brockhole also provides opportunities for water-based adventures. You can hire kayaks and paddleboards to explore the serene waters of Lake Windermere at your own pace, enjoying the stunning Lakeland scenery.
With such a diverse range of activities, Brockhole truly offers something for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. The staff are frequently praised for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience.
Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
The historic Brockhole mansion itself is a notable feature, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape. While the focus has shifted towards adventure activities, the potential for arts and exhibitions to return is something some visitors hope for, reflecting the site's heritage.
Water Safety and Lake Activities
The Lake District National Park Authority actively promotes water safety awareness at Brockhole. They host events where visitors can learn essential skills like 'float to live', how to use a life ring, and who to contact in an emergency.
This focus on safety ensures that visitors can enjoy the water responsibly. Facilities like showers and lockers are available, adding to the convenience for those engaging in water sports. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit