Top children’s play parks near our piers – perfect Easter holiday days out

Best children’s play parks near our piers

If you’re planning family adventures around Windermere this Easter, combining a cruise with a visit to a nearby play park is a brilliant way to keep children entertained. Here’s your fully fact‑checked guide to the best playgrounds close to Windermere Lake Cruises piers.

Millerground & Rayrigg Meadow play area (near Windermere Pier)

A short walk from Windermere Pier brings you to the Millerground and Rayrigg Meadow area — one of the few places offering free lakeshore access, woodland walks and a great playground. Rayrigg Meadow includes a children’s play area, picnic spots, jetties and easy-access lakeside paths.

Why families love it:

• Lakeshore jetties and paddling areas
• Play area suitable for a wide range of ages
• Accessible paths, toilets and picnic areas
• Great views and open green space

How to get there:

Approx 30 minute walk from Bowness pier. Click for directions.

Longlands recreation ground (near Bowness Pier)

Tucked behind the centre of Bowness, this quiet park offers a small children’s playground and spacious grassy areas ideal for ball games or a quick break during a day out.

Best for:

• Younger children
• Picnics and gentle play
• A peaceful stop just a few minutes’ walk from the pier

How to get there:

Approx a 15 minute walk from Bowness pier. Click for directions.

Rothay Park (near Waterhead Pier, Ambleside)

Just a short, flat walk from Waterhead Pier, Rothay Park is one of the best play areas in the Lake District. It features a large children’s playground, full‑size football pitch, picnic benches, natural rock features and riverside paddling by the River Rothay.

Why visit:

• Modern play equipment for toddlers to older children
• Beautiful mountain scenery and open spaces
• Perfect add‑on to a cruise into Ambleside

How to get there:

Approx 30 minute walk from Waterhead pier. Click here for directions.

Queen’s Park (Windermere town — bus or walk from our piers)

For families heading into Windermere town, Queen’s Park is an excellent option. It includes a children’s play area, sports courts, skate park — and notably a tarmac pump track, suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards.

Why it’s great:

• Pump track with rollers and smooth surfacing
• Large play area and open green spaces
• Skate park, football pitch, tennis courts

How to get there:

Approx 30 minute walk from Bowness pier. Click here for directions.

Or take a Stagecoach bus from Bowness or Windermere piers to Windermere town.

Brockhole adventure playground (between Bowness & Ambleside)

Brockhole offers one of the largest and most exciting free adventure playgrounds in the Lakes. The space includes nine towers, a Play Galleon, slides, nets, and the multi‑level Mountain Tower.

Why it’s great:

• Treetop Trek & Treetop Nets
• Stunning lakeside gardens and grounds

Getting there:

• Accessible via Windermere Lake Cruises (Red Cruise and Green Cruise)

A two-minute walk from Brockhole pier. Click for directions.