A Popular Lakeland Village at the Foot of Lake Windermere
Newby Bridge sits at the southern end of Lake Windermere, where the lake flows into the River Leven.
It’s a good base for a day out. Fell Foot is on the shore for picnics and boat hire, the steam railway and Lakes Aquarium are a short ride away, and quiet walks climb into the woods above Finsthwaite.
Further inland you’ll find the Lakeland Motor Museum, the old iron works and the Dolly Blue Bar beside the river at Backbarrow.
Related: Things to Do in Backbarrow
Jump to an attraction (16)
- Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
- The Dolly Blue Bar & Beer Garden
- Backbarrow Iron Works
- Horse Riding at Bigland Hall
- Afternoon Tea at the Whitewater Hotel
- Cliffhanger Escape Rooms
- Millerbeck Light Railway
- Local Walking Trails
- The Riverside Restaurant
- High Dam Tarn
- Fell Foot Park
- Water Sports on Lake Windermere
- The Lakes Aquarium
- Finsthwaite Tower
Relax at Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club features an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Guests can enjoy a range of treatments using quality products.
The gym and studio also offer a range of fitness classes.
Click here to find out more about Cascades…
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/spa-fitness/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PY
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZ35PGHfkUFquH869
Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum
About 5 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Lakeland Motor Museum houses over 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars, motorcycles and memorabilia.
The collection is housed in a former mill building near Backbarrow.
A café and quiz make it family-friendly.
Website: https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/
Address: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/kV77oDMVX2cpf1FV7
Ride the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway
About 2 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
This heritage railway runs through the scenic Leven Valley between Haverthwaite and Lakeside.
Passengers travel in restored carriages pulled by steam locomotives.
The service connects well with boat trips on Lake Windermere.
Website: https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/
Address: Haverthwaite Station Nr, Ulverston LA12 8AL
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ktqxMTJhko6CErLo9
Enjoy Food & Drink in the Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden
Right here in Lakeland Village, beside the River Leven
The Dolly Blue Bar serves pub classics and sharing plates beside the River Leven.
Its beer garden offers outdoor seating with river views.
The venue welcomes dogs and stays open throughout the day.
Click here to find out more about The Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden…
Website: https://dollybluebar.co.uk/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ptHWYsAdiaWuEG149
Explore Backbarrow Iron Works
About 5 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Backbarrow Iron Works preserves important industrial heritage from the eighteenth century.
The site includes the furnace stack and waterwheel pit.
Guided tours explain its long history of iron production.
Website: https://backbarrowironworks.org.uk/
Address: Ironworks Rd, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8RF
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZmZw2kBNMXANDKHK8
Horse Riding at Bigland Hall
About 7 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
Bigland Hall provides horse riding lessons and hacks for various experience levels.
Routes take riders through attractive countryside near Newby Bridge.
All equipment is supplied, and advance booking is advised.
Website: https://www.biglandhall.com/
Address: Bigland Hall Equine Group, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PB
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jM78kcYH1DGpAjXdA
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Whitewater Hotel
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Afternoon tea at The Whitewater Hotel includes sandwiches, scones and cakes with a choice of teas.
It is served daily in comfortable surroundings. This makes a relaxing break during a day of sightseeing.
Click here to find out more about Afternoon Tea in Newby Bridge…
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dafw8xe7hqzFsh4q7
Try the Cliffhanger Escape Rooms
About 2 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Cliffhanger Escape Rooms in Backbarrow offers themed challenges for groups of two to seven people.
Each room requires teamwork and problem-solving within one hour.
The experiences suit families and friends alike.
Website: https://www.cliffhangerrooms.co.uk/
Address: The Barn, Lakeland Village, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/To4buLKRZeMPqpAx9
Ride the Millerbeck Light Railway
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Millerbeck Light Railway operates on a 7¼ inch gauge track near Staveley-in-Cartmel.
Visitors enjoy 90-minute sessions with unlimited rides on steam and electric trains.
The line winds through gardens and woodland.
Website: https://www.millerbeck.org.uk/
Address: Millerbeck House, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria LA12 8NH
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPgqEj2MLay8ehas8
Follow the Local Walking Trails
Several routes start close to the Dolly Blue Bar
Several walking trails start from Newby Bridge and explore nearby woodland and countryside.
Routes vary in length and difficulty.
Many offer peaceful views over the lake and fells.
Enjoy a Meal with a View at the Riverside Restaurant
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Riverside Restaurant serves modern British dishes using seasonal ingredients. Diners enjoy views over the River Leven.
It suits both relaxed lunches and evening meals.
Click here to find out more about The Riverside Restaurant…
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/food-and-drink/riverside-restaurant-newby-bridge/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/SKtbAWbcnmaPTMWG7
Walk to High Dam Tarn
About 7 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
The walk to High Dam Tarn starts from the car park above Finsthwaite and climbs through mixed woodland beside a small beck.
You pass Low Dam first, then reach the larger High Dam itself. The dam was built in the early 1800s to supply water to the bobbin mill at Stott Park.
A circular path runs around the tarn on woodland trails and a short boardwalk. It’s a popular short walk for families, and the water is a favourite spot for a paddle on a warm day.
Distance: about 2 miles (3.1 km)
Ascent: about 340 ft (103 m)
Time: about 1 hour
Address: High Dam Car Park, Colton, Ulverston LA12 8BJ
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/2NWqhRq4XNPPTD287
Explore Fell Foot Park
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
Fell Foot Park lies on the southern shore of Lake Windermere.
The National Trust site offers lawns for picnics and direct lake access.
A café operates on site during opening hours.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/fell-foot
Address: Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8NN
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/q7Y7U7yi6EoKWoqG8
Enjoy Water Sports on Lake Windermere
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
Water sports at Fell Foot Park include kayak, paddleboard and boat hire.
Equipment and safety briefings are provided for all abilities.
This activity allows visitors to explore the lake directly.
Visit The Lakes Aquarium
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside features freshwater and marine species.
An underwater tunnel provides close views of the creatures.
Daily talks and feeding sessions add extra interest.
Website: https://lakesaquarium.co.uk/
Address: Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8AS
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/pZsVs9MnZz3vNB7eA
Climb Finsthwaite Tower
About 3 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar, then a 15-minute walk up through the woods
Finsthwaite Tower stands on high ground above Newby Bridge.
A woodland path leads up to the eighteenth-century structure.
The summit offers excellent views across the southern end of Lake Windermere.
Address: Colton, Ulverston LA12 8AW
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qe4FgKnyKdDUJoCPA
Where to Stay On Your Trip to The Lake District
The Whitewater Hotel offers comfortable accommodation close to Lake Windermere.
Many rooms feature river views and modern facilities.
Guests also gain access to the on-site spa and dining options.
Click here to book your stay at the Whitewater Hotel…
Where is Newby Bridge?
Newby Bridge lies at the southern tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park.
The village sits where the lake flows into the River Leven.
It is easily reached via the A590 and lies close to Ulverston and Kendal.
Click here for directions to Newby Bridge
Final Notes On Newby Bridge Activities
Newby Bridge is a handy base for a day around the bottom of the lake. You can get out on Windermere at Fell Foot, walk round High Dam Tarn, climb up to Finsthwaite Tower or ride the steam railway to the Lakes Aquarium.
The motor museum and the old iron works are just downriver in Backbarrow, so it’s easy to fit some local history and a family day out into the same trip.
Afterwards, come back to the Dolly Blue Bar by the River Leven for food or a drink. If the weather’s kind, grab a table in the beer garden and watch the river go by.
Have a look at the Dolly Blue Bar menu before you visit.
