Windermere & Ambleside Events: What's On?

As well as the many Windermere & Ambleside events (left), Windermere & Ambleside offers a wonderful collection of things to explore including its farmer's markets plus lots of things you must see while your're in the Lakes with plenty of family fun activities to enjoy.

Keswick Market, every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm.

Kendal Market, every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8am to 5pm.

Kendal, last Friday of the month from 9am to 3pm.

Keswick, 2nd Thursday of the month.

Pooley Bridge, last Sunday of every month (April to September), 10.30am-2.30pm.

Appleby Castle: The history of Appleby Castle reaches back to Roman times when a fort existed on the site to protect the crossing over the River Eden. An excavation in the 1960’s revealed the remains of a Roman Well in the basement of the Castle. The Keep is one of the few intact Norman Keeps in Great Britain and at over 900 years old is the oldest part of Appleby Castle. Built by Ranulf Le Meschin, the Norman keep is now one of the only centres in the UK that is dedicated to educating on the Norman Age.

Brougham Castle: In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive 'Tower of League'. Both a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence, the castle welcomed Edward I in 1300.

Brough Castle: Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200. More comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521. Like so many other castles in the region, Brough was restored in the 17th century by the Lady Anne Clifford, traces of whose additions can still be seen.

Lowther Castle: The castle was first constructed in the early 19th century. For 130 years the castle was a beacon of grandeur, a place where the great and the good came to enjoy a remarkable art collection and fabled setting. But after two wars and a prolonged period of underinvestment, the castle’s fortunes turned. In 1957, its roof was removed while the gardens were overplanted with a commercial spruce plantation. Today, thanks to a great deal of hard work and investment, the castle ruins are stable while the gardens themselves have been brought back to life.

Pendragon Castle: According to legend the original castle was built by Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur, in the 5th century and may have been the site of his death when a well was poisoned by the Saxons. However, there is no evidence to support the legend that there was a castle here before the 12th century. The Castle has had several notable owners including Sir Hugh de Morville, one of the knights who murdered Sir Thomas Beckett in 1170. Lady Anne Clifford was a very well known landowner who rebuilt the Castle after it had been destroyed by a Scott's raiding party. She added a brewhouse, bakery, stables and coach house and was a frequent visitor until her death in 1676.

South Lakes Safari Zoo: The zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing creatures with which we share our planet. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed as free-flying macaws soar overhead. Participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day.

Grizedale Forest: Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. Adrenaline junkies should head to the Treetop Challenge or Zip Trekking Adventure if seriously high-level tree-top crossings and incredible zip wire flights get your pulse quickening.

Treetop Nets: Bounce, slide and explore your way along this unique adventure set high up in the trees of Windermere. Treetop Nets will see you enjoying 1-2 hours of bouncy fun, with ball parks, a crawl tunnel, super-fast slides and aerial walkways to get stuck into. This family-friendly activity under the tree canopy is the perfect option for mini-adventurers and parents who want a guaranteed early night.

Max The Miracle Dog: Kerry Irving, Max’s owner, created an online community through daily livestreams of their walks throughout the pandemic. Max was awarded a PDSA Order of Merit, known as the amimal OBE, for his work in improving the nation’s mental health. Kerry had Max trained as a therapy dog in 2016 and during the pandemic he became a virtual therapy dog for the nation.