SPRING BANK: THINGS TO DO

Local Attractions

Family days out include the South Lakes Animal Park at nearby Dalton, where you can see Amur and Sumatran tigers, Muncaster Castle with its owl sanctuary and adventure playground, Eskdale miniature railway, the Lakes Aquarium and boat trips on Coniston Water and Lake Windermere.

Several walks can be made straight from the front door of Spring Bank and walking guides are provided for visitors to use. We also suggest some of our own favourite activities such as the Wallowbarrow Gorge Walk, a visit to the Duddon River “Beach” (take fishing nets and buckets for the kids), the view from Kiln Bank pass, especially at sunset, a walk along the World Heritage dunes at Roanhead and a trip to Swinside Stone circle.

During the summer some villages put on annual shows. These are well worth a visit to get a real feel for local life from Cumberland wrestling and fell races to stick making competitions and well groomed Herdwick sheep.

Outdoor Pursuits

Leisure activities close by include golfing, canoeing, mountain biking, horse riding, rock-climbing and fell walking.

There are several golf courses within a few miles drive of Broughton while Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston both have leisure centres with tennis courts and swimming pools. The Duddon River is a favourite venue for canoeists while cyclists tend to congregate in Broughton. Nearby Grizedale Forest is a mountain-biking mecca – try the newly created North Face challenge!

Riding stables in the area include Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre at Silecroft offering beach rides while Cumbrian Heavy Horses in the Whicham Valley provide an opportunity to ride magnificent Clydesdale and Shire horses.

Rock-climbers can try out local spots such as Wallabarrow Crag in the Duddon Valley and Dow Crag near Coniston or head further afield to Langdale or Barrowdale for some classic routes.

Short walks in the vicinity include Gummers How and Latterbarrow, both with splendid views over Lake Windermere. Tarn Hows gives an enjoyable circuit of the tarn, suitable for both young and old. Stickle Pike, near Broughton Mills, has a 20 minute ascent rewarded by great views of the western fells.

Medium length walks include Black Combe (made famous in the BBC’s Coast programme) giving stunning views of sea and fell, Caw (above Broughton Mills) or Whitfell and Harter Fell (both in the Duddon Valley).

If it’s full day classic walks you are after, try Scafell Pike from Eskdale, Coniston Old Man from Coniston village, Wetherlam from Tilberthwaite and Bowfell or Harrison Stickle from Langdale.

Hot Tub Hire

You can now hire hot tubs from Lakeland Spas - please click here for further details.

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