Things to Do at Silverlake Estate Without Getting in the Car

One of the real pleasures of staying at Silverlake Estate is discovering how much there is to do without getting back into the car.

Once you’ve arrived, unpacked and settled into your holiday home, you can quite happily leave the car where it is. Lakes, a private beach, woodland and nature trails, watersports, cycling, tennis, fishing, play areas and outdoor games are all within the estate.

And now there’s Firefly too, offering a heated outdoor pool, spa treatments and lakeside dining, all within walking distance of the holiday homes.

For families in particular, that’s a big advantage. There’s no need to bundle everyone into the car, hunt for a parking space or fight for a place on a busy beach every time someone wants to do something.

You can simply step outside.

We’ve spent plenty of time exploring Silverlake ourselves, and this is our guide to some of the best things to do at Silverlake Estate when you fancy enjoying what’s on your doorstep.

Start with the lakes

It’s difficult to spend much time at Silverlake without being drawn towards the water.

The freshwater lakes are woven throughout the estate, with houses, paths, woodland and open spaces arranged around them. Even if you don’t intend to get wet, they’re a major part of the experience of staying here.

But if you fancy getting out onto the water, kayaking and paddleboarding are two of the best ways to explore.

Kayaking at Silverlake Estate

Kayaking around the lakes offers you a completely different view of Silverlake.

From the water, you can paddle past reed beds, wooded edges and open stretches of lake, with the estate’s wildlife never very far away. Silverlake itself currently offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire through its Activity Hub, subject to availability, weather and seasonal restrictions. Watersports equipment isn’t available during the colder months because of water-temperature safety restrictions. 

However, if you’re staying with Curated Cottages, you don’t necessarily need to start your holiday by heading to the Activity Hub to hire and collect equipment.

Through our concierge service, we can arrange for chargeable kayak and paddleboard hire to be delivered directly to your Silverlake holiday home, subject to availability and conditions.

We think that’s a particularly useful option if you know you’re going to spend plenty of time on the water. Your equipment can be at the cottage, ready for use whenever you want, rather than having to organise your day around collection times.

Try paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is equally enjoyable, whether you’re already confident on a board or trying it for the first time.

You don’t have to stand up immediately either. Starting on your knees, or simply sitting down to get used to the board, is part of it.

On a calm day, paddling across one of Silverlake’s lakes is a lovely way to spend an hour, and groups can easily make an afternoon of it by taking turns on the water.

Water access, equipment use and permitted areas may change depending on weather and estate safety requirements, so always follow the current Silverlake guidance before heading out.

Take on the Mega SUP

For larger groups, Silverlake’s Mega SUP takes paddleboarding in a rather different direction.

Instead of one person trying to balance, several of you climb onto the same oversized board and try to paddle together.

In theory, teamwork should make things easier.

In practice, one person leaning the wrong way can make the whole experience considerably more entertaining.

The Mega SUP is one of the estate’s bookable activities and currently accommodates groups of six or nine, depending on the equipment used. 

It’s particularly good for families and groups who want an activity they can tackle together, rather than everyone disappearing to do something different.

Spend some time at Silverlake’s private beach

You don’t necessarily have to drive to the Dorset coast every time the sun shines.

Silverlake has its own private on-site beach, giving families somewhere to head with towels, drinks and a picnic without having to organise a full day out. Some people can head for the water while others stay on the beach, which is particularly useful when you’re holidaying with several generations who don’t all want to do the same thing.

That’s one of the things we particularly appreciate about Silverlake.

You might spend another day exploring some of the best beaches near Silverlake Estate, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to walk back to your holiday home when you’ve forgotten the sun cream, rather than realise it’s twenty miles away.

Have bikes delivered to your holiday home

Silverlake is also particularly well suited to cycling.

Paths weave between the lakes, woodland and different parts of the estate, so a bike quickly becomes more than something you take out for an organised ride. It’s an easy way to get around.

Families can head out together for a shorter ride, stop at the beach or at play areas, and then cycle back to the cottage when everyone has had enough.

More confident cyclists can explore further, while e-bikes are a useful option for groups with varying fitness levels.

Silverlake has conventional and electric bike hire available through its activities operation. 

But again, guests staying with Curated Cottages have another option available.

Our concierge service can arrange chargeable bikes and e-bikes for delivery directly to your holiday home, subject to availability. This means you can have them for the agreed hire period without having to start every ride by travelling elsewhere to collect them.

For us, that’s how cycling at Silverlake works best: leave the cottage, hop on the bike and go.

Walk straight from your front door

You don’t need wheels either.

Silverlake’s network of paths takes you through the woodland, around the lakes and across the wider natural landscape of the estate.

There’s no need to make every walk an expedition. Sometimes it’s simply a wander before breakfast, a stroll after dinner, or an excuse to see what wildlife is around that morning.

We’d encourage children to look beyond the obvious, too. Listen for birds in the woodland, look for insects around the water, and see how many different plants you can spot along the paths.

Silverlake is home to a wide range of wildlife, and the estate asks visitors to remain on designated routes, avoid disturbing sensitive habitats, and keep away from reed beds and other protected areas. 

Going for a run

The trails also make Silverlake particularly convenient if you like to run while you’re away.

Rather than starting the morning alongside a busy road, you can head straight onto the estate paths.

We wouldn’t prescribe a specific distance because routes and ground conditions can change, but there are plenty of options for building a run around the lakes and across different areas of the estate.

Bring the dog

For us, a holiday walk usually involves Smarty somewhere along the way, so having places to explore without getting into the car is always a bonus.

Dogs can enjoy the estate too, though it’s important to follow the current rules on wildlife and in residential areas. Silverlake specifically asks guests to keep dogs under control and away from sensitive habitats.

If you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset at Silverlake, an early wander around the estate can be an easy way to start the day.

And when you fancy going further afield, our guide to our favourite dog walks in Dorset includes some of the coastal and countryside routes we regularly enjoy.

We’ve also put together guides to the best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset and to dog-friendly attractions if you’re planning a day out with your four-legged family member.

Let the children explore

One of Silverlake’s biggest advantages for families is the abundance of outdoor space and activities right on the estate.

There are children’s play areas, woodland spaces and areas for younger guests to climb, explore and burn off some energy.

And because you’re not having to plan a formal activity every time somebody declares themselves bored, children can dip in and out of activities throughout the day.

The Island adventure area

The woodland adventure area at The Island is a particular favourite for active children.

Rather than feeling like a conventional playground surrounded by fencing and tarmac, the play experience is set within Silverlake’s natural landscape, with climbing and adventure elements among the trees.

There’s also a zip wire on the estate, the sort of thing that can quickly become considerably more important to younger members of the family than whatever the adults had originally planned for the afternoon.

Age, supervision and access arrangements can change, so we’d always follow the information displayed at the estate throughout your stay.

Turn a walk into an adventure

If simply announcing that the family is going for a walk doesn’t generate much enthusiasm, Silverlake’s nature trails can give younger children something to look for along the way.

You can create your own challenge too.

See who spots the first deer. Count different birds. Photograph interesting leaves. Look for insects beside the water. Or let the children choose which path to take at each junction.

It doesn’t need to be complicated.

Play tennis beside the lake

Silverlake’s tennis court offers you another activity you can enjoy without leaving the estate.

You can have a proper match if you’re feeling competitive, or just knock a ball around with the children.

The tennis facilities sit alongside Silverlake’s wider outdoor sports provision, which includes its multi-use games area. 

Football, basketball and the multi-use games area

If you’ve got teenagers staying with you, the MUGA can be very useful.

It’s somewhere they can head for football, ball games and informal sport without needing to organise a trip off the estate.

For groups staying in one of Silverlake’s larger holiday homes, it also gives everyone the chance to do something together.

Children versus adults tends to make things more interesting.

Beach volleyball, boules and outdoor games

Not every Silverlake activity requires equipment, lessons or advance planning.

The estate’s outdoor activity area currently includes volleyball, boules, a golf practice net and family games. 

Beach volleyball is particularly good if you’re travelling as a larger group because almost everyone can join in, regardless of whether they know the rules.

Boules is considerably less energetic and appeals across generations.

And if you’re a golfer, the practice net gives you somewhere to swing a club without pretending it’s an entire round of golf.

Table tennis

Sometimes the simplest things get used the most.

A table tennis table can easily host an ongoing holiday competition, particularly when several families or generations are staying together. There are several dotted around the estate, some near cottages. 

You don’t need to book half a day around it either. Play for ten minutes while you’re passing by, or start a tournament that somehow lasts the entire week.

Go fishing at Otter Lake

If all that competition sounds exhausting, Otter Lake offers something entirely different.

Silverlake currently describes the lake as reserved for estate guests and stocked with carp, tench and bream.

For keen anglers, fishing may already be included in the holiday plan.

For everyone else, it can be an opportunity to try something that requires more patience than paddleboarding or volleyball does.

It’s also one of those activities where the setting matters almost as much as whether anything actually bites.

Before fishing, check the current estate rules, including permitted areas, equipment requirements and any restrictions in place during your stay.

Discover Silverlake’s wildlife

Silverlake isn’t simply a collection of holiday homes with leisure facilities added nearby.

Its lakes, heathland, woodland and nature reserve are a major part of the estate.

We’ve spotted wildlife on our own visits, and Silverlake highlights species such as deer, otters, dormice, birds, ponies and other species around the estate. 

You don’t necessarily need to organise a formal wildlife event.

An early walk may be enough.

Take binoculars if you have them, keep your voices down around the quieter parts of the estate, and give wildlife plenty of space.

The important thing is to enjoy what’s there without disturbing it.

Head to the new Firefly Spa

One of the most significant additions to Silverlake in 2026 is the new Firefly Spa & Restaurant.

It’s important to note the difference from the former arrangement at Silverlake: the Hurricane Spa, Terrace and Bar are now reserved for homeowners. Holiday guests are directed to the new Firefly facilities instead.

Set beside Firefly Lake, the new spa features a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a cold plunge, outdoor showers, a relaxation space and lakeside treatment pods. 

So if everyone else has decided that kayaking, cycling and beach volleyball make for a perfect holiday and you’d rather have a massage, Silverlake has that covered too.

Swim in the heated outdoor pool

The 25-metre pool gives you the option of a proper swim without leaving Silverlake.

You could head there for a session or simply make swimming part of a spa visit.

Unlike Silverlake’s lake watersports, this is heated outdoor swimming, offering a very different experience.

Firefly access should be booked in advance and is subject to the arrangements for your particular holiday booking. We wouldn’t describe the spa as an unrestricted walk-in facility, as access arrangements and charges can vary.

If you’re staying with Curated Cottages, check the current Firefly arrangements with us before your holiday, and we’ll help you understand what’s available for your stay.

Book an ESPA treatment

Firefly has been developed in partnership with ESPA, with treatments available separately from lakeside treatment spaces.

Current information includes massages, facials and other wellness treatments, which are booked separately from general facility access. 

This is one area where we’d definitely recommend booking in advance, particularly during the school holidays and busy summer weeks.

It also gives Silverlake something that many holiday cottage destinations simply don’t have: you can walk from your holiday home to a proper spa treatment without organising a taxi or spending half the day travelling elsewhere. However, if that is something you would prefer, Curated Cottages has partnerships with other spa-related facilities across Dorset, so just contact the concierge service. 

Have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Firefly Restaurant

Firefly isn’t only about the spa.

The new Firefly Restaurant overlooks Firefly Lake and serves seasonal food and drinks throughout the day. Silverlake currently promotes everything from brunch and poolside lunches to evening meals and sunset drinks.

For self-catering guests, having somewhere you can walk to for dinner is a major plus.

There are evenings when cooking together is part of the holiday festivities.

And there are evenings when nobody wants to cook at all.

Being able to leave the cottage, walk over for dinner and stroll back afterwards means no one has to volunteer to drive.

We’d book a table in advance during busy periods rather than assuming there will be space.

Or let someone cook at your cottage

You don’t even have to leave the holiday home to have a special dinner.

Through our Curated Cottages concierge service, we can help arrange for a private chef to come to your Silverlake holiday home and cook for you.

For birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings or simply one evening when you’d like somebody else to do all the work, it’s one of our favourite ways to make more of the house you’ve chosen.

No taxis. No designated driver. And when dinner is over, you’re already home.

A day at Silverlake without touching the car keys

One of the best things about all of this is that you don’t need to do everything yourself.

A Silverlake day could start with an early walk around the lake before breakfast.

Later, head out on a kayak or paddleboard, come back to the cottage for lunch and let the children disappear off to the play area.

Spend the afternoon around the private beach, challenge everyone to tennis or volleyball, then walk across to Firefly for dinner.

Another day might involve very little activity at all: a dog walk, a few hours fishing, a spa treatment and dinner cooked by a private chef back at your holiday home.

That’s what we think makes Silverlake particularly good for larger families and multi-generational holidays.

Everyone can be doing something different without everyone having to be in a different part of Dorset.

And when you do want to explore Dorset…

Eventually, of course, you’ll probably want the car keys.

Silverlake’s location puts you within easy reach of Dorchester, Weymouth, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Purbeck, as well as fantastic beaches, restaurants and attractions.

We’ve created separate guides to the best attractions near Silverlake Estate, beaches near Silverlake, places to eat and drink, and historical places to visit near Silverlake Estate.

We’ve also written our much wider guide to exploring the Jurassic Coast if you want to discover more of Dorset’s coastline while you’re staying.

But that’s one of Silverlake’s strengths.

You can have a day packed with things to do without leaving the estate, and the following morning head out and explore an entirely different side of Dorset.

Staying at Silverlake Estate with Curated Cottages

Our Silverlake Estate Curated Collection brings together a handpicked selection of luxury holiday homes across the estate.

And we think staying at Silverlake should be about more than simply choosing a house.

Because we’re based here in Dorset and know the area well, we can help with the things that make the holiday easier too.

Our concierge service can arrange chargeable bikes, e-bikes, kayaks and paddleboards for delivery directly to your holiday home, subject to availability, as well as private chefs and other extras.

And when you do decide to venture beyond Silverlake, our Curated Experiences offer some rather special ways to discover Dorset, including private luxury sailing charters on the Jurassic Coast.

So you can park the car when you arrive and leave it there for as long as you like.

At Silverlake, there’s certainly no shortage of reasons to do exactly that.

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