Family things to do in Borrowdale and Derwent Water

With its gentle lakeshore walks, paths through the rainforest and fellsides to explore, the Borrowdale valley has plenty to capture young imaginations. Find out more about how to plan a day out with the whole family.
Planning your family visit
The Borrowdale valley has many options for the perfect day out in nature. Whether you prefer staying close to town, being down by the lakeshore, heading into the woodlands or taking in some views on a fellside hike, start your day in one of our many car parks and follow your feet.
- There are toilets at the lakeshore car park (not National Trust) as well as at Seatoller and Rosthwaite car parks.
- There are plenty of cafes and pubs in Keswick and you can get drinks, cakes and ice cream on the lakeshore at the Moon and Sixpence where a portion of proceeds go to the National Trust. If you venture further down the valley, you will find farmhouse cafes including Seatoller farm where you can purchase their famous stone oven pizzas - find out more on Seatoller Farm's website
- There are car parks throughout the valley to start your Borrowdale adventure. Find which one is nearest to your chosen adventure or plan to stop at a few different places to catch more of what the valley has to offer.
- Spend some time at Crow Park where there is plenty of room to run and play or settle down for a picnic lunch with a view.
- There is an accessible path along Derwent Water from Crow Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll with a push chair.

Places to see...

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'
What better way to spend your day than trying new activities from the list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'? Borrowdale and Derwent Water is a great place to become an explorer and you can do lots of the '50 things' activities here throughout the year.
Here's just a few ideas to get you started:
- No. 1 Get to know a tree: Which one will you choose? Step into the rainforest and find a tree dripping with mosses and lichen, can you spot any tiny creatures living in this miniature jungle?
- No. 5 Skim a stone: Find the perfect skimming stone on your walk around Derwent Water and see how many times you can get it to jump across the surface.
- No. 44 Watch a bird: To be a successful bird watcher, you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. Listen to them singing in the trees, can you spot them as they hop from branch to branch?
Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer
Plan an adventure this summer with our activity guides for children. Try everything from floating in a boat, to rock-pooling, identifying animal poo and fossil hunting.

Car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water
There are nine National Trust car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water to choose from. Find out how to find them and how much parking costs.

Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve
Find out more about the work we are doing to look after the Borrowdale Temperate Rainforest and why it has been declared a new National Nature Reserve.
Farming in the Lake District
Learn about the traditional farming practices in the Lake District and how the National Trust works with farm tenants to restore vital habitats, protect wildlife and support quality local produce.

Our work in Borrowdale
From conservation projects and protecting archaeological features to improving the experience of visitors or laying hedgerows, our work at this special place is rich and varied.

Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk
Explore the land around Thorneythwaite Farm to learn about Lake District hill farming, then climb to see a hidden valley and waterfall cascading below Coombe Crag.

Derwent Water and Cockshot wood accessible loop
A short circular accessible route along Derwent Water lakeshore through Cockshot Wood
