If you dream of long countryside walks but usually end up carrying a toddler, bribing them with snacks, and pretending the playground counts as a hike — welcome to the club.
The Lake District is made for family adventures. With gentle trails, gorgeous views, and more duck-feeding opportunities than you can shake a breadstick at, it’s one of the best UK destinations for family walks. Whether you’ve got a pram, a scooter, or just a determined pair of tiny walking legs, these are the best family-friendly walks in the Lake District — easy, scenic, and guaranteed to end in snacks.
Make sure you check out my Hiking With Kids page for all the tips you need for your hikes.
1. Tarn Hows (near Coniston)
Distance: 2 miles | Time: 1 hour | Pram-friendly: ✅ Yes
A Lake District classic — and for good reason. The circular path around Tarn Hows is wide, mostly flat, and perfect for prams and toddlers. You’ll get postcard-perfect views across the water, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a snack or a paddle.
Family tip: There’s a National Trust car park with baby-changing facilities, and the ice cream van often makes an appearance in summer. Motivation guaranteed.
Why families love it: One of the most popular pram-friendly Lake District walks with guaranteed scenic views and easy parking.
2. Friars Crag, Keswick (Derwentwater)
Distance: 1 mile return | Time: 30 minutes | Pram-friendly: ✅ Yes
Starting right from Keswick town centre, this short, easy trail leads to Friars Crag, a viewpoint overlooking Derwentwater. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect for introducing little ones to hiking.
Family tip: Combine it with a visit to Hope Park for a playground, café, and crazy golf.
Why families love it: One of the easiest toddler walks in the Lake District, with huge payoff for minimal effort.
3. Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
Distance: 2 miles one way | Time: 1.5 hours | Pram-friendly: 🚼 Partly (for sturdy prams or carriers)
A gorgeous riverside trail with mountain views, waterfalls, and plenty of sheep to spot. You can turn back whenever the kids have had enough — or bribe them to make it to Chesters by the River, a must-visit family café.
Family tip: Go slow and bring duck food. The riverside sections are full of wildlife.
4. Aira Force (Ullswater)
Distance: 1.3 miles | Time: 1 hour | Pram-friendly: ❌ No (steps and uneven ground – use a carrier)
This magical woodland walk leads to the spectacular Aira Force waterfall, one of the best-known family attractions in the Lake District. Kids will love spotting rainbows in the spray and exploring the mossy forest paths.
Family tip: Grab lunch or a hot chocolate at the National Trust café near the car park.
Why families love it: A fun mini-adventure and one of the best short family walks in the Lake District.
5. Ambleside Waterfall Walk (Stock Ghyll Force)
Distance: 1 mile return | Time: 45 minutes | Pram-friendly: ❌ No
This short Ambleside walk winds through shady woodland to Stock Ghyll Force, a dramatic waterfall that’s a hit with little explorers.
Family tip: Reward yourself afterwards with pastries from The Apple Pie Café — possibly the best in Ambleside.
6. Buttermere Lakeside Walk
Distance: 4.5 miles | Time: 2–3 hours | Pram-friendly: 🚼 Partly (some rocky sections)
For families with slightly older kids, Buttermere is unbeatable. The circular route offers reflections of the fells on calm days and the famous rock tunnel near the south shore — a big hit with kids.
Family tip: Arrive early to secure parking and pack a picnic for the lakeside.
Why families love it: A longer but easy family walk in the Lake District with postcard views at every turn.
7. Rydal Water & Rydal Cave
Distance: 3 miles | Time: 1.5–2 hours | Pram-friendly: ❌ No
A real family favourite — this scenic loop around Rydal Water includes the dramatic Rydal Cave, a huge cavern with stepping stones across the water inside. Kids will feel like mini adventurers.
Family tip: Park at Pelter Bridge and return via Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s old home, for a quick dose of history.
8. Grasmere Lake Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles | Time: 2 hours | Pram-friendly: 🚼 Partly
A peaceful and scenic Grasmere walk that’s manageable for most families. It loops gently around the lake, with grassy banks for picnics and calm spots for paddling.
Family tip: End your walk with the famous Grasmere Gingerbread — a sweet Lake District tradition!
Why families love it: One of the most charming easy walks in the Lake District with kids.
9. Gummers How (near Ambleside)
Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1–1.5 hours | Pram-friendly: ❌ Not suitable for prams
A smaller, family-friendly fell offering stunning panoramic views over Windermere. The path is short but steeper than Tarn Hows, so it’s best for toddlers who can manage a bit of a climb. The summit rewards you with sweeping lake views — perfect for photos and a little picnic.
Family tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill sections and bring a carrier for little ones. There’s a small car park at the base, and it’s a great option for a half-day adventure.
Why families love it: Short, manageable climb with a big payoff at the top — spectacular Windermere vistas without committing to a full-day hike.
Tips for Walking in the Lakes with Kids
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🧃 Snacks fix everything. Always pack more than you think you’ll need.
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🧥 Layers are life. The weather in the Lakes changes faster than your toddler’s mood.
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🗺️ Bring a map or download offline routes. Signal can be patchy in the valleys.
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🐑 Let them lead! Kids love feeling in charge — even if it means stopping every two minutes to inspect a stick.
The Lake District proves that adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing peaks. Sometimes the best memories come from easy, muddy, snack-filled trails that end with ice cream and giggles.
So next time you’re planning a family day out in the Lake District, pick one of these gentle walks, pack the snacks, and see where those tiny boots take you.
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