Top Family Friendly things to do in Ennerdale Bridge

The Lake District is a great place for families and children, and Ennerdale is no exception. From summer camping nights and kayaking to little hikes, horse riding and alpaca walking, here are some of the best things to do in and around Ennerdale as a family… 

  • Camping

Ennerdale Bridge offers a small selection of nearby family friendly campsites with plenty of space for kids to enjoy ball games and a night under the stars… 

  • Fearon Place Campsite 

£10 per pitch, per night for tents and campervans. 

Fearon Place is an idyllic little campsite perfect for a back to basics, off grid camping trip. The remote site offers stunning views over the Cumbrian fells, with the camping field bordering the River Ehen. There is plenty of green space for your children to enjoy ball games alongside a little dip and play in the river during the summer months. The campsite is set in the wilderness and does not offer running water, showers or electricity but does have portable toilets.  Barbecues can be hired on site or food can be enjoyed at the nearby family-friendly Fox and Hounds Inn pub that offer an extensive children’s menu. The site is suitable for classic tent camping and campervans however there is no electric hook-up. 

  • Dockray Meadow 

Prices vary during seasons with the cheapest pitch prices starting at £5.40 per adult, £1.70 per child. 

Dockray Meadow is a family friendly campsite and caravan park in the nearby village of Lamplugh. The site has classic tent pitches as well as hard standing, electric hook-up pitches for tourers and campervans. The site offers easy access to Holme Force waterfall, Ennerdale, Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere. The scenic site is surrounded by hills and woodland with plenty of space for children to play. 

  • Little Walks for Little Legs

When hiking with kids, you want to choose an easy, accessible walk with lots of exciting features. Here are a few family walks from Ennerdale to start with… 

  • Smithy Beck Waterfall Hike 

Starting from Bowness Knott car park, this short yet rewarding route explores peaceful woodland and visits the picturesque lakeshore waterfall at Smithy Beck before returning. The route follows well-maintained lakeshore and forest tracks and passes a picnic bench overlooking the water for a refreshment stop with a view!

- Ennerdale Forest Trails

Ennerdale has over 20 miles of forest trails to explore with most starting from Bowness Knott car park. From here, explore as much of the woodland as your children’s little legs can handle! You can follow the trail for as long or short as you desire, with plenty of picnic spots and river trails along the way. One section of woodland offers stunning views over Ennerdale Water. 

  • Ennerdale Water 

The footpath circling Ennerdale Water is ideal for a family hike due to the lack of traffic and accessible paths. The path around the western shore of the lake is flat and well maintained making it suitable for prams. There is a little pebbly beach swarming with little fish for children to spot! Although the water looks tempting, ensure your children do not swim in the water due to its status as a reservoir. However, swimming spots along the nearby River Ehen are popular amongst local children! 

  • Spring Meadows Alpaca Walking

Children and families will love visiting Spring Meadows resident alpacas in the nearby village of Rowrah. The farm is home to three lovely alpaca’s named Chewpacca, Snoopy and Boo-boo who love exploring the farms 15 acres of land which is filled with wildlife and offers stunning views over to the Ennerdale valley and surrounding fells. Hikes last around an hour or so and are great for families although small children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children get the chance to sit with the alpacas following a hike to pet and feed the friendly animals and take photos with them. 

  • Bradley’s Riding Centre

Ennerdale valley is home to the family run, Bradley’s Riding Centre who offer horse riding for all ages and abilities, often trekking horses through the beautiful surroundings of Ennerdale valley and water. Trained instructors accompany all horse rides with the centre providing hats and group family trekking options