Family Things To Do in Windermere

13 events on in Windermere coming up, including Exclusive Heritage Boat Trip at Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam and Staveley Apple & Artisan Day at Staveley.

• Exclusive Heritage Boat Trip

  Thursday 1 January · 10:00 – 16:45

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Our 75 minute exclusive heritage boat trip gives you and up to 11 others the opportunity to create meaningful memories on the lake. Relax in our one-of-a-kind steamboat or restored 1930’s wooden motor launch from our collection and admire the stunning Cumbrian views. Our boat crew will be on hand to answer any questions, share the untold stories about our boat collection and bring the history of Windermere to life. Must be booked at least 5 days in advance via email or telephone. Refreshments can be included upon request. Available for groups of up to 12 people. This is subject to weather and staff availability. Not accessible to wheelchair users. This experience is perfect for special occasions, weddings, anniversaries and family get togethers. Find out more about 1902 SL Osprey or 1930 MV Penelope II Must be booked at least 5 days in advance via email or telephone. Refreshments can be included upon request. Available for groups of up to 12 people. This is subject to weather and staff availability. Not accessible to wheelchair users. This experience is perfect for special occasions, weddings, anniversaries and family get togethers. Find out more about 1902 SL Osprey or 1930 MV Penelope II

• Staveley Apple & Artisan Day

  Saturday 17 October · 12:00 – 17:00

  Staveley, Kendal

  Save The Date! Staveley Apple & Artisan Day, Saturday 17th October 2026. 11am – 4pm The popular Staveley Apple Day is being revitalised! What’s on • Apple-themed activities • Come and press your apples! • Makers’ Market • Lots of food, activities, and fun for all the family! We will shortly be looking for volunteers, organising activities, and contacting local businesses to seek help and support. If you would like to be involved or wish to offer support in any way, please contact Suzie on suzie.purcell@outlook.com More details to follow…..

• Crafty October Half Term Activities at Blackwell

  Saturday 24 October · 11:00 – 16:00

  Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere

  Enjoy some crafty activities this October half term inspired by the beautiful interiors of the house. Tissue Paper Flower Making Available every day throughout the half-term, 10am – 4pm Using the provided materials in the Guild Room, have a go at making your own beautiful tissue paper harebells or tulips inspired by the designs of architect Baillie Scott. This is a self-led activity included with house admission.   Stamp Making Workshops Thursday 29th of October, 11am – 12.30pm and 1.15 – 3pm Inspired by the beautiful flower designs of Baillie Scott, have a go at making your own stamp with foam and ink. Included with house admission.

• Boathouse Spooky Stories

  Tuesday 27 October

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Have you ever seen a Tizzie Whizzie? Join us in the Boathouse to hear some strange and sometimes spooky tales from throughout Cumbria. Suitable for all ages. Included with museum admission. Pre book your space here.

• Animals! Performance

  Saturday 31 October · 11:00 – 11:00

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Animals! is a fun, interactive family performance featuring original songs, humour and audience participation. Join Buzzard, Rabbit and Porpoise at the Animals’ General Meeting, where they need your help to explore how humans can be better neighbours to the wildlife around us. Suitable for ages 6+. Running time approx. 60 minutes. Tickets coming soon.

• BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS

  Saturday 28 November

  The Royalty / Cinema, Windermere

  Buddy Holly & The Cricketers - 28 Nov “Buddy brilliant!” – Graham Norton, BBC One Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald in the Yuletide festivities with Holly at Christmas. Revamped for 2026, the show features Buddy Holly’s greatest hits alongside classics from Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers and many more. Five outstanding actor-musicians recreate the sound, spirit and energy of the 1950s in a night bursting with nostalgia, joy and unforgettable live music. This fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment is the perfect Christmas gift for all the family – both the young and the young at heart! Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”

• Crafty Activities for the Festive Season at Blackwell

  Tuesday 1 December · 10:00 – 16:00

  Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere

  Deck the Hall Self-led activity available for the month of December in the Guild Room Help us decorate Blackwell in festive Edwardian style. Create paper chains like those that might have hung in the house at Christmas time, or decorate your own greetings card to take home and share with a loved one. Yuletide Tales 10:30am and 1pm on Saturday 19th December and Wednesday 23rd December Join us at Blackwell to hear festive folk tales suitable for all ages. Discover seasonal stories inspired by Cumbria’s rich natural heritage in this beautiful historic house. Pom-Pom Bauble Making Saturday 19th December (Festive Family Day), Wednesday 23rd December From 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.15pm–3.45pm A popular Victorian and Edwardian embellishment, the pom-pom is the perfect way to bring some vintage cheer to your Christmas tree, or your woolly hat! Learn to make your own in this family-friendly drop-in craft activity.

• Festive Activities for Families at Windermere Jetty Museum

  Tuesday 1 December · 10:00 – 16:00

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Festive Colouring Activities Available throughout December in the Café Welcome the festive cheer to your family’s table as you join us in the Jetty Café this December. Pick up an activity sheet to get creative with some calming colouring-in while you enjoy the views of the snow-capped fells. Big Blue Blocks Saturday 19th December to Sunday 3rd January in the Learning Centre The Big Blue Blocks are back! Children of all ages can come to the Learning Centre to explore these tactile, lightweight construction blocks. The perfect way to build your own Winter Wonderland! You can play with the Blue Blocks for free in the Learning Centre. Driftwood Decorations 12th December (Family Day), Tuesday 22nd December in the Learning Centre Create your own lake-inspired festive decorations in this family-friendly craft activity. Materials and instructions will be provided, and you can take your decoration home as a festive memento! Yuletide Tales Saturday 12th December in the Boathouse (included with admission to our Festive Family Day) Tuesday 22nd December in the Learning Centre (Free) Sessions at 10.30am and 2pm Join us for some classic winter tales. Get cosy and listen to stories of festive magic against the beautiful backdrop of Windermere.

• Festive Members’ Shopping Day at Windermere Jetty Museum

  Saturday 5 December · 10:00 – 16:00

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Enjoy 15% off your festive shopping at Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 5 December. Exclusive to Lakeland Arts Members, this offer can be used on most products in Windermere Jetty Museum’s Gift Shop, making it a lovely opportunity to browse unique gifts, seasonal decorations and find festive inspiration by the lake. Discover a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted goods by British makers, nautical-inspired gifts, children’s toys, books and more. Can’t make it to Windermere Jetty Museum on this date? Worry not, Members’ can also enjoy 15% off eligible products on our online shop . We’ll send Members a discount code by email to use when ordering online. Not everything available at Windermere Jetty Museum can be found on our online shop. If you’ve spotted something during a visit that you’d like to purchase, our retail team will be happy to help. Our retail team can be contacted on retail@lakelandarts.org.uk . If you’re interested in exploring our Membership options, you can find out more here .

• Festive Family Day at Windermere Jetty Museum

  Saturday 12 December · 10:00 – 16:00

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  <p><span data-contrast='auto'>Set sail with us for a day of free festive family activities at Windermere Jetty Museum, Cumbria Tourism’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, on Saturday 12 December.</span><span data-ccp-props='{}'> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast='auto'>Set on the shores of Windermere, this relaxed family day invites children and their grown-ups to enjoy storytelling, creativity and a little seasonal magic beside England’s largest natural lake.</span><span data-ccp-props='{}'> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast='auto'>Join us for winter-themed storytelling sessions with Annie Brewer, Creative Producer for Schools and Families at Lakeland Arts, at 10.30am and 1pm. Families can pause, listen and be transported into tales inspired by the lake, surrounded by beautiful views through the panoramic windows.</span><span data-ccp-props='{}'> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast='auto'>Throughout the day, families can also create their own festive driftwood decorations to take home and display. </span><span data-ccp-props='{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}'> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast='auto'>These free activities are available on a drop-in, first-come, first-served basis. No ticket is required to take part.</span><span data-ccp-props='{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}'> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast='auto'>A paid Father Christmas Experience will also take place during the day, with Father Christmas arriving by heritage boat into the Boathouse. Advance booking is recommended for this experience due to limited capacity. <a href='https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/father-christmas-experience-at-windermere-jetty-museum/'>Find out more here.</a></span><span data-ccp-props='{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}'> </span></p>

• Father Christmas Experience at Windermere Jetty Museum

  Saturday 12 December · 12:30 – 12:30

  Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam, Windermere

  Embark on a magical festive adventure in Windermere Jetty Museum’s Boathouse on Saturday 12 December. At 11am, Father Christmas will arrive by heritage boat into the Boathouse, ready to meet children and hear their Christmas wishes. Each child will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, take a photo and receive an early Christmas gift. Father Christmas’ friendly elves will also be on hand to share cosy hot chocolates with children, adding an extra festive treat to the experience. Please note that Father Christmas has lots of children to see, so this event has limited capacity. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. This ticket does not include museum admission. This event takes place during Festive Family Day at Windermere Jetty Museum, when families can also enjoy free festive activities in the Learning Centre, including winter-themed storytelling and making a driftwood decoration to take home.

• Festive Family Day at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house

  Saturday 19 December · 10:00 – 16:00

  Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere

  Make some special memories together at Blackwell – the Arts &amp; Crafts house this December. On Saturday 19 December, Blackwell will be filled with festive fun for the whole family. Get creative making colourful pompom decorations and paperchains, enjoy live music during the morning from Harps North West and explore this beautiful historic house in all its festive glory. Gather around the Christmas tree in Blackwell’s enchanting Main Hall for festive storytelling at 10.30am and 1pm, while keeping an eye out for a very special visitor… Father Christmas will be stopping by during the day to meet families with a special festive gift for children to take home. When little ones need a break from all the festivities, settle into one of Blackwell’s cosy spaces or head to the Tea Room, where a selection of festive treats will be available to purchase. You can also discover M H Baillie Scott: Architect &amp; Designer, an exhibition revealing the creative practice of the architect who designed Blackwell, through furniture, textiles, interior designs and more. With festive crafts, storytelling, joyful live music and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s a lovely opportunity to get together with loved ones for a family day out in the run-up to Christmas. Entry is included with house admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual Pass holders go free.

• Festive Music with Harps North West

  Saturday 19 December · 10:00 – 12:00

  Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere

  Wander through Blackwell – the Arts &amp; Crafts house this festive season as the enchanting sound of Harps North West fills the house with festive tunes and carols. As you explore Blackwell’s beautifully crafted interiors and major M H Baillie Scott exhibition, enjoy the gentle sound of harps playing throughout the morning. Settle in and admire the live performance or enjoy the music as part of your visit. Taking place as part of our Festive Family Day at Blackwell , the performance adds an extra touch of Christmas cheer to a day filled with seasonal crafting, storytelling and a special visit from Father Christmas. The performance is included with house admission. Lakeland Arts Members and Blackwell Annual Pass holders go free.