in Kids & Family

All year round

Brockhole, set in 30 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere, is the Visitor Centre for the Lake District National Park. Visitors can find out more about Lakeland at the centre and, if they're lucky, they may also spot the local curiosity - the Tizzie Wizzie - which is said to have the body of a hedgehog, the tail of a squirrel and wings of a bee.

The centre occupies the house built by wealthy Manchester silk merchant William Henry Aldolphus Gaddum in the last years of the 19th century. Designed by architect Dan Gibson and set in grounds landscaped by local gardener Thomas Mawson, it is splendid on its own, but inside you can learn the story of how the lakes and fells were formed. Fascinating for adults and children alike, an interactive magic carpet ride offers a "bird's-eye view" of Lakeland's wonderful landscape and explains how the land has shaped people's lives.

Visitors can explore the wonderful gardens, play on the adventure playground and take a boat trip on Lake Windermere itself. The gardens, grounds and adventure playground are open throughout the year, with the house, café and shop usually opening from Easter to the end of the October half-term holidays.

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