Zip World Windermere

Two zip lines stretch across the treetops above Lake Windermere, offering the sort of adrenaline rush that makes you question your sanity mid-flight. This is proper adventure territory - not some gentle tourist experience but a genuine white-knuckle ride through the Lakeland canopy.

Children need to be at least eight years old and weigh over 25kg, which rules out the youngest family members but delights teenagers who've been dragging their feet around yet another fell walk. The longest line runs for 600 metres, giving you plenty of time to take in the lake views between moments of terror. Heights of around 60 feet mean this isn't for the faint-hearted, though the safety briefing is thorough and the equipment top-notch.

Expect to spend about two hours here including the briefing, harness fitting and the climbs up to the launch platforms. The forest setting feels wonderfully remote despite being so close to Windermere's tourist centre. Weather can shut things down, so check ahead rather than turning up hopefully on a blustery day.

Staying at White Cross Bay or Limefitt makes this an easy add-on to a Lake District break. It's the sort of activity that splits families down the middle - half will be queuing for another go while the others nurse their nerves with a restorative cup of tea.