Newby Bridge is a picturesque hamlet on the southern end of Lake Windermere. Known for its intermediate halt on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, this charming destination offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and Afternoon tea in Backbarrow.
Stroll through the quaint streets of Newby Bridge or explore its nearby villages for a taste of local life. You can also visit the Newby Bridge Aquarium or take a trip to Fell Foot Park, a scenic lakeside garden.
1. Walk along the River Leven
This is a lovely walk, but very muddy after wet weather and a little tricky with small children unless they are confident walkers. You start by the train station car park and follow the path which runs beside the river. A narrow path takes you past a wooden fence and flowery bank to where the River Crake adds water to the Leven. Then you cross a splendid bridge spanning the wide Leven and continue along the river with the water on your right and the town of Balloch below.
At the end of the path you come to a road and the home stadium of Dumbarton FC. Cross here and follow the path into Great Ayton which soon joins the route through to Levengrove Park in Dumbarton. Here you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the secluded lochs and hills that line this large lake.
This is a stunning park with a huge stone circle which you can get very close to and explore. The park has a few other interesting trails too and is well worth the PS8 entrance fee (adult) and PS4 for kids. There is also a food van near the first large waterfall, ice cream and coffee van towards the end of the trail and clean toilets on site. A really beautiful place for adults and kids of all ages. A must do if you are nearby!
2. Visit the Newby Bridge Aquarium
Newby Bridge is a charming village in Cumbria that sits beside the River Leven and the southern end of Lake Windermere. Its scenic vantage point overlooking the river and bridge adds to the area’s charm, as does its proximity to a bustling railway station and the main ferry terminal for Windermere Lake Cruises.
Whether it’s rainy or sunny, there is always something to do in this popular tourist spot. Among the top things to do in Newby Bridge is visiting the Lakes Aquarium, an aquarium with a variety of aquatic creatures and an underwater tunnel.
The aquarium features many different habitats, including rivers, lakes, seashores, and bays. The aquarium is home to fish and marine wildlife from the Lake District, as well as animals from other parts of the world. The aquarium also offers daily talks and a special children’s quiz trail.
Lakes Aquarium is located at the southern end of Lake Windermere, which is accessible by boat from Bowness and Ambleside. The aquarium is open throughout the year, and tickets can be purchased online.
In addition to the aquarium, there are also plenty of other attractions in Newby Bridge, such as hiking trails and a number of pubs and cafes. The area’s tranquil forests are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, and the nearby hamlets of Low Wood and High Dam offer a range of quaint shops and restaurants.
3. Take a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Step back in time on this scenic railway that runs along the southern shore of Lake Windermere. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a nostalgic trip that’s great for families. Whether you’re an old pro or it’s your first time, you’re sure to enjoy this unique experience.
The line on which the train runs is a former Furness Railway branch line. Initially, it was used to transport coal, iron ore and other industrial goods in and out of the Leven Valley as well as to transport tourists visiting Windermere by lake steamer. But as industry declined and tourist traffic fell, the line closed in the 1960’s. Fortunately, a group of volunteers formed the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd to restore the railway line. In 1973, the line was re-opened to the public and began operating passenger services between Lakeside and Haverthwaite.
Climb aboard the nostalgic locomotive for a relaxing 50-minute journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside. There’s plenty of room to relax and a licensed tea room at both ends of the train. You’ll also be able to explore the grounds and take in the views of Lake Windermere, the Stanley Ghyll waterfalls and beyond. Dogs are also welcome on the train.
4. Visit Fell Foot Park
The National Trust’s Fell Foot Park, situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere (Vinandr mere to locals), offers a delightful place to explore and picnic. It also provides a range of water sports, including boating and swimming in the lake, a children’s play area, and a cafe. The National Trust is currently upgrading the facilities at Fell Foot, including the original arboretum, gardens and pathways as well as a wild family camping area.
The attractive seven hectare gardens were designed to complement the house that once stood on the estate. However, the building work was only completed to the foundation stage before it was sold to Colonel Ridehalgh in 1859. He had grand plans for a new home, but these were abandoned when his wife died. The estate passed into the hands of The National Trust in 1948.
Today, the park’s pleasant lawns are perfect for relaxing and picnicking, with impressive views of Lake Windermere. The National Trust runs a program of activities at Fell Foot Park, including a Saturday park run and a term time Little Explorers group.
The grounds are easy to explore on foot, but you can also hire a bike or take the regular ferry sailings from the nearby Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway steam locomotives. The National Trust has a visitor center at Fell Foot Park, which includes an information point, cafe, and shop.
6. Take a boat trip on Lake Windermere
There’s no better way to see the stunning scenery of Lake Windermere than from the water. The area is a boating paradise and you can book tours from Windermere Lake Cruises all year round with sailings leaving from Waterhead to Bowness Bay. They offer a number of different options including a scenic cruise to Bowness, an Islands Cruise or a combination with a journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
You can also take a trip across the lake to visit Fell Foot Park, a late Victorian garden perched on the shore of the lake. This peaceful garden is full of flowers and plants that are indigenous to the area as well as a range of animals from all over the world. Kids will love the Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow Trail and the adventure play area that’s available here too.
If you’d rather enjoy the water from the comfort of a boat, you can book a spot on a Lake Windermere Buffet Cruise. Departing from Bowness, this 75-minute tour covers the entire lake and you’ll be able to tuck into a two-course meal as you go. You can even make it a romantic experience with a special Evening Cruise timed to see the sun set over the water.
