Savills has been appointed to find a third-party leisure operator to lease Brockhole Visitor Centre, set in beautiful grounds on the shore of Lake Windermere, on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA).
The Lake District National Park Authority purchased the site in 1966, opening it in 1969 as the UK’s first National Park Visitor Centre. With approximately 210,000 visitors annually, the site continues to attract visitors from across the country and worldwide, experiencing all there is to offer in the Lake District National Park – which was listed as a UNSECO heritage site in 2017.
Covering approximately 30 acres of land, the popular visitor attraction is located between Ambleside and Windermere in the Lake District. Key features include the White House, a large 19th century property, formal gardens, wider grounds, outdoor adventure playground, access to Lake Windemere and a large car park (c.300 spaces).
Current activities include catering, retail, exhibition and event facilities, a range of activities, staff accommodation, school visits and outdoor learning. Interested operators should contact Savills for further details on the opportunity, process and timelines.
Simon Foster, director in the Savills Tourism, Leisure and Events consultancy team, commented on the appointment: “Brockhole is a beautiful site with a rich history and continues to be a popular destination for those who are looking to explore everything there is to offer in the Lake District. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced third-party to build on Brockhole’s reputation and develop existing and new visitor enterprises. We are delighted the LDNPA have appointed Savills to work with them in finding a suitable operator.”
Head of Resources for the Lake District National Park Authority, Pete Notley, said: “With its prime access to lakeshore, stunning backdrop of the Langdales and strong reputation as a fantastic day out, Brockhole offers a new operator a ready-made opportunity to engage with thousands of visitors and provide a memorable Lake District experience.”
The deadline for expressions of interest is 4 April 2025.