Why stay at White Cross Bay
The site is two miles south of Ambleside and two miles north of Windermere town which is a perfect place to do day trips to all of the central Lakes without a long car ride in between. White Cross Bay has a Visit Britain 5-star rating and the David Bellamy Conservation Award, which gives you an idea of the condition of the grounds. Red squirrels and roe deer share the 60-acre park with the lodges, and the woodland that runs through the site has a rather different feel depending on the time of year.
It's calmer here than some of the larger Lake District parks. However, families won't have any trouble keeping busy. The area comes with a swimming pool, a children's play area, sports court and entertainment during school holidays. There are enough activities to keep everyone happy without the barrage of PA announcements you hear at other parks.
To the south, three miles along the A591, you'll find Bowness-on-Windermere and its waterfront restaurants. To the north there are the gear shops, the pubs, and the fell-walking trailheads of Ambleside.
Holiday cottages and lodges at White Cross Bay
Our White Cross Bay listings are for individually owned lodges ranging from one to three bedrooms. A good number have their own hot tub on the decking and an equally respectable number take dogs, which puts an end to the old "what do we do with the Labrador" dilemma.
When booking direct with the owner, you get to ask the questions that matter to you. Is there a view from the lounge to the lake? Is there room for a travel cot in the second bedroom? How does the parking work with two cars? Owners know the answers because they chose the furnishings and they've stayed there themselves. And with no booking fees to either party, the price you see is the price you pay.
On-site facilities at White Cross Bay
The park has an indoor heated swimming pool with spa pool, sauna and steam room, ensuring plenty to keep you occupied on a wet afternoon (and there are quite a few of those in the Lake District). Outside there is a multi-use sports court for tennis, football and basketball, and an outdoor play area for younger children. A convenience shop and launderette sit near reception.
One thing to mention: leisure passes for the pool and spa have a small charge at reception, and during busy weeks it's wise to pre-book your swimming sessions on arrival. The park WiFi covers the whole site, though it won't win any speed awards in every corner. Some guests treat that as a feature rather than a fault.
Eating and drinking at White Cross Bay
The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant takes most of the load on site, with sit-down meals, lighter bar food, and takeaways to carry back to the lodge. Outside there's a beer garden that catches the evening sun nicely when the weather behaves.
Off-site, The Sun Inn in Troutbeck is a real Lakeland pub complete with stone walls, a good beer garden, and hearty food. It is also about ten minutes by car. Blue Smoke at Low Wood Bay along the A591 has a slightly different feel with wood-fired pizzas and lake views. There are enough independent cafés, pubs and restaurants in Windermere and Ambleside to eat out the whole week if you fancy.
Each lodge has its own kitchen, of course. Most guests tend to do a big shop in Windermere before arriving and cook for at least half the week. The on-site shop covers essentials and the things you forget, but it's not a full supermarket.
Things to do near White Cross Bay
You're in the Lake District, so you could fill a fortnight without repeating yourself.
On the water, Windermere Lake Cruises run boats between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. The round trip takes about 90 minutes and is worth doing even if you've visited the Lakes a dozen times. White Cross Bay has its own marina too, so bring a boat if you've got one.
Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre, is virtually on the doorstep with gardens, adventure activities, a good café, and lakeside walks that lead back toward the park. Further out, Go Ape at Grizedale Forest has zip wires and treetop trails for anyone aged ten or older. The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness usually keeps younger children happy for a couple of hours.
Walking is why most people enjoy White Cross Bay. You can follow the lakeshore from the park toward Ambleside, or head up the Troutbeck valley. Wansfell Pike from Ambleside takes about two and a half hours, and from the top you can see the full length of Windermere. No car journeys needed to get up into the fells from here.
Bowness-on-Windermere (around three miles south) has boat hire, shops, the Windermere Jetty Museum and enough lakefront benches to fill an entire afternoon. Ambleside is a little quieter, with outdoor kit shops and pubs that cater well to walkers with muddy boots. Grasmere, Hawkshead and Kendal are all within easy day-trip reach.
Getting to White Cross Bay
White Cross Bay Holiday Park is on the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside in postcode LA23 1LF. The nearest train station is Windermere, about two miles away. Stagecoach buses on routes 555 and 599 stop just outside the park entrance, running regularly between Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and onward to Grasmere and Keswick.
From the M6, leave at junction 36 and follow the A591 north through Kendal and into Windermere. The park entrance is on the left about a mile past Windermere Golf Club. It's a five-minute drive to Windermere town from the park, and about the same to Ambleside.
Frequently asked questions
Does White Cross Bay have a swimming pool?
Yes, an indoor heated swimming pool, with spa pool, sauna and steam room. Leisure passes are available for a small fee at reception. During school holidays and bank holiday weeks, booking your pool sessions early in your stay is the way to go.
How far is White Cross Bay from Windermere?
About two miles. A five-minute drive or bus ride from the park entrance, or around 40 minutes on foot along the lakeshore path if you fancy the walk.
Is there a shop on White Cross Bay Holiday Park?
There's a small convenience store near reception covering basics and essentials. For a proper food shop, head to the supermarkets in Windermere or Ambleside before you arrive.
Are dogs allowed at White Cross Bay?
Many of the lodges listed on Simply Owners are dog-friendly. Check individual listings for the details as some take two dogs, others have size restrictions, and the specifics vary from property to property.
Find your holiday cottage in White Cross Bay
Have a look through our White Cross Bay listings to find a self-catering cottage or lodge for your group. All properties come from verified owners, there are no booking fees, and you deal direct throughout. Got a question about a specific property? The owner is a message away.
