August Activity Alphabet
Every year we run our ‘August Activity Alphabet’ to inspire our customers with summer holiday activities. However, some of these activities aren’t just for summer so we thought you may like to benefit from this inspiration all year round!
Here our our 2026 suggestions….
A – Alpaca Maize maze
Lakeland Maize Maze have been creating their challenging creations for 22 years now, and for 2026 they have designed one based on their Alpaca X Llama Wally! Try out their mini maze first and then head into the big maze and test your skills! You can also enjoy tractor rides, soft play, a working farm and you can treat yourself to some refreshments too
B – Bouncefest
Bouncefest gives 90 minutes of energetic fun on a range of inflatables including a 13m obstacle course and giant garden games for children up to 12. They run indoor and outdoor events, and in our local area there are the following outdoor events in August 2026:
Morecambe 4th Aug – Kendal 5th Aug – Kendal 6th Aug – Morecambe 18th Aug
C – Charter Market
Each Thursday from 9am – 4pm (3pm through Winter), Kirkby Lonsdale hosts a charter market which is a great place to pick up local and fresh products. The market has been running since 1227! They have recently added a “Crafts & Collectibles” section too.
D – Dukes in the Park
Dukes in the Park returns to Williamson Park in 2026 for an action packed promenade performance of Robin Hood. Audiences are invited to walk with the story to watch it unfold, with thrilling fights and daring escapes along the way.
The performances are running until Sunday 23rd August 2026, so don’t miss out!
E – Explore Gisburn Forest
Step into the fairytale woods of Gisburn Forest, which hosts 4 walking trails, 4 cycling trails, Room on the Broom family trail and Tramper hire. A play area and cafe can be found in the hub where the main car park is.
A popular favourite is the circular Stocks Reservoir walk, an 8 mile grand tour taking in all that the forest has to offer.
F – Flowerpot festival
A Summer family favourite is checking out the quirky creations on Settle’s flowerpot festival trails. Explore the different areas of Settle, where round each corner you will find another fabulous flowerpot character. From elephants to penguins, Harry Potter to Swampy, along with returning favourites there are always new additions to discover.
G – Games
A trip to the seaside isn’t complete without a go in the arcade! Pleasureland in Morecambe is filled with family favourites and penny slots.
Also in Morecambe you can enjoy a game of bowling at Soul Bowl or a game of adventure golf at
Happy Mount Park.
H – Horse show
On Sunday 30th August 2026, Ingleton’s Horse show will return to Lawsings Brow, Keasden, for a fun friendly day showcasing clever ponies & handsome dogs. Catering & stalls onsite and all proceeds go to St John’s Hospice & Manchester Foundation Trust Charity.
I – Ingleton swimming pool
A brilliant outdoor heated pool open to all, featuring different sessions including public swims, lane swims, paddle board fitness, aqua aerobics and more. They have a full timetable on their website along with opening times and prices.
J – Janet’s Foss
Legend has it, that Janet, Queen of the Fairies, once lived in a cave behind the waterfall at what is now known as Janet’s Foss.
A trip to Malham rewards you with a scenic circular walk taking in the Foss, as well as Malham Cove and its limestone pavements, which some of you may recognise from Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows part 1.
K – Kendal Crazy Climb
Kendal Climbing wall is home to a fun clip-and-climb experience, the Crazy Climb. 12 colourful walls featuring speed walls, swinging globes and the Giants Causeway route. It’s a fun, confidence-boosting challenge that kids and parents will love!
L – Lambs everywhere
The flock have taken over Skipton in Summer 2026! Grab a map and explore historic Skipton, searching for the 20 knitted creations, making sure to fill their names in on the trail sheet. You can jump on the train to Skipton from Bentham, and make a full day out of it!
M – Malham Show
On Saturday 29th August 2026, Malham will be hosting its annual agricultural and horticultural show. This fabulous day out features traditional dales skills, horses, sheep & cattle, children’s zone, food & craft marquee, live music and much more.
You can find a full show field plan and timetable of events on their website
N – National Trust
Riverside is lucky to be situated near a number of lovely National Trust sites, including the Heysham coast, Arnside & Silverdale and parts of the Yorkshire Dales. From medieval houses to coastal paths and woodland walks, there’s something to suit everyone
O – Off-road Motorcyles
Inch Perfect Trials near Clitheroe offer thrilling beginner-friendly motorcycle trails riding experiences with expert instructors on a 100-acre trails venue.From two-hour tasters sessions to full day experiences, this is not your ordinary day out!
P – Padel
Padel is the newest phenomenon sweeping the country, and a court has opened at Just Play Padel, Box Tree Farm, Wennington, which is only a 12 minute drive from Riverside. Padel is a hybrid of tennis & squash, played by 4 people and is fantastic for the mind, body & soul. Just book a court, and away you go!
Q – Quays, sailing and boat hire
A day up the Lakes wouldn’t be complete without a boat ride, and at Windermere Quays you can hire out electrically powered boats and sailing boats. If you don’t fancy being the one in control, you can also book a half day family cruise which can include lunch on the boat. It’s a lovely way to take in the lake air.
R – Railway
Just a couple of minutes walk from Riverside takes you to Bentham train station, from which you can enjoy journeys to Morecambe/Lancaster to the West and Skipton to the East. Or if you fancy making a full day of it, you can take the train to Giggleswick, a short walk into Settle, and you can then hop on the famous Settle – Carlisle Railway, with its stunning views.
S – Strawberry Circus
Settle Victoria Hall are hosting a fun filled circus day in their gardens on Saturday 22nd August 2026. Join them for circus skills workshops and circus show. This event must be booked, and you can find ticket details on their website.
T – Tree top nets
Zipworld Windermere offers 6 unique adventures alongside the iconic Lake Windermere. From TreeTots to mini trek for the little ones, and treetop drop and climb & zip for the adrenaline junkies.
With bouncy nets to zip lines, obstacles and trampoline style areas, you can leap and explore to your hearts content.
U – Underground Adventures
We are lucky enough to be near two stunning show caves, Ingleborough Cave and White Scar Cave, which tunnel beneath opposite sides of Ingleborough. If you head to Ingleborough Cave you are treated to a woodland trail approach, and a self-guided tour venturing 500 metres underground following the footsteps of Victorian explorers.
White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in Britain, and features guided tours that cover 1 mile of subterrain wonders.
V – Victoria Hall
The Worlds oldest music hall can be found in Settle, Victoria Hall was established in 1853 and has been entertaining audiences with performances ever since! With a packed schedule ranging from live music, tribute acts, cinema, theatre and comedy, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s tastes.
W – Wander through Skipton Woods
Next to the medieval Skipton Castle, there is a historic woodland just waiting to be explored. This 37acre green space is home to 5 species of bat, deer, voles, badgers and many birds of prey can be seen circling the skies above.
X – Xtreme sports
Black Knights skydiving centre near Cockerham is the place to be if you are an adrenaline junkie! Offering tandem dives with experienced instructors, helping you turn your ambition to skydive into a reality.
Y – Yorkshire three peaks
The Yorkshire Three peaks dominate the local skyline, with Ingleborough visible from many areas around the park. Each of the peaks can be done as individual circular walks, or you can tackle the famous challenge of all 3 in a day!
We have maps for each of the individual walks in Reception.
Z – Lakeland Zoo
Known as the little zoo with loads to do, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis near jct35 of the M6 is home to over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Located just 5 mins off J35 on the M6, it’s also very easy to get to. With lush indoor tropical halls, walkthrough enclosures and picturesque outdoor spaces, this zoo is great fun whatever the weather!
