Brockhole is the National Park's main visitor centre, set in a beautifully positioned Arts and Crafts house and 30 acres of terraced gardens directly on the western shore of Windermere. The Victorian gardens — laid out by Thomas Mawson in the 1890s — slope down to a small private jetty and lawn, with views across to the Langdale Pikes.
The site has been progressively redeveloped as an adventure attraction: a treetop trekking course, archery, mini-golf, and family bike hire alongside the older exhibition halls and café. It is openly aimed at families, and on rainy days the indoor activities are useful. There is a regular launch service from Bowness and Ambleside; landing at the Brockhole jetty is a more interesting arrival than the car park at the back.