Allan Bank, Grasmere

Allan Bank in Grasmere ranks highly  on our list of favourite National Trust spots, it’s only drawback being the lack of car parking. So for this one, park anywhere in Grasmere Village and walk up to the house from the little road next to the Grasmere Inn.

The house and grounds are beautiful, with stunning views out over the lake and with large mountains looming behind (Lion and Lamb is another walk nearby).

There’s a children’s playroom downstairs, a painting room (for kids and/or adults!), a games and crafts room upstairs.

They offer limitless tea and coffee, by donation, and an indoor picnic area so you can bring your own lunch. (Of course of the weather is fine, you can picnic outdoors too!)

Outside there is a lovely circular walk round the grounds (approximately 0.75 mile and not pushchair friendly), taking in a tree swing, tunnel and natural playground. Plus they nearly always have on some kind of outdoor activity for the kids, a scavenger hunt etc.

Other walks in this area include Rydal Caves, Rydal Hall, White Moss, Lion and Lamb, Alcock Tarn.

For more family walks, great picnic spots and pubs, stay up to date and “like” our facebook page Family Walks and Pubs in the Lake District and follow us on Twitter @familywalklakes