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Take a Walk on the Wildside

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Day One

Spend the day at Lake District Wildlife Park. Not everyone that visits Keswick knows it has its very own wildlife park, located just a short drive to the north of the town - it's something of a hidden gem. See over 100 species of wild and domestic animals in 24 acres of parkland set amongst breath-taking scenery. There are bird of prey flying displays, keeper talks and a rare breed farm animal collection. Play areas (both indoors and out), picnic sites and a café make it a fun day out for all the family.

You could choose to lead an alpaca on a walk around the Armathwaite Hall Estate (duration 1 hour), whilst taking in the stunning backdrop of the Lake District mountains. Price includes all day entry into the Park.

Or for the ultimate animal experience during your visit to the Wildlife Park the Keeper Experience is the perfect way to meet three of your favourite species of animal. Spend quality time with the Tapirs Muffin and Zico, the gentle giants that just loved to be groomed. Meet the mob of fourteen Meerkats, a gregarious and entertaining bunch that won’t think twice about climbing over you. Last but certainly not least is a unique opportunity to step inside the Ring-Tailed Lemur enclosure to be enchanted by these gentle and endearing animals. 
Day Two
Morning - Bassenthwaite Lake, just outside Keswick, has been home each summer to world famous ospreys since they first nested there in 2001. Between April and October you can visit unmanned viewpoints in Dodd Wood. The upper viewpoint takes about 20-30 minutes to walk up to from the car park. From the lower viewpoint, (about 15 minutes walk) watch the woodland birds at the feeding station and sometimes there are red squirrels too. Views over the lake may give sightings of goosander, heron and occasionally you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the osprey fishing.

Afternoon - Visit Whinlatter Forest, England's only mountain forest where there are a choice of waymarked trails. The visitor centre also sells forest guides to help you find your way around. Whinlatter Forest has feeders which attract red squirrels, so this is a good place to spot them. Red squirrels don’t hibernate, so there’s potential to spot them all year round.