23 Best Things To Do In The Lake District

Things to do in the Lake District

Planning to visit the Lake District? Here are our suggestions for things to do in the Lake District!

Ever one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, the Lake District is home to 12 famous lakes, ancient woodlands, and craggy Ska Fell, the highest mountain in England.

Whether it’s action-packed walking, hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing, sailing, or a relaxing getaway break you’re after, the largest National Park in England offers a wealth of activities to suit you.

Various Lake District holiday parks in stunning locations provide a comfortable base for your adventures, and you will never be far from a breathtaking view. 

Whether you are looking to buy a holiday home in the Lake District or just fancy a break in the area, read on for some of the most popular things to do in the Lake District.

Disclaimer: As an affiliate partner, we might earn from qualifying purchases – any links on this page that go to a holiday park booking platform might earn us a commission if you make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you.


Fell Walking

walking in the Lake District

The Lake District is heaven for walkers of all abilities, with options ranging from the ascent of majestic Ska Fell and long treks through the fells, to a gentle stroll by the tranquil waters. 

Wherever your walking boots take you, be prepared for unpredictable weather and don’t take risks. There are many beautiful, guided walks and suggested routes, family-friendly paths, and dog walks that generally don’t involve Mountain Rescue services.

1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Helvellyn via Striding Edge was Voted the most popular walk in the Lake District; it offers several routes, including River Deep Mountain High, the Corridor Route, suggested as the best route up Ska Fell, from Seathwaite and Piers Gate.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 8.6 miles
  • Elevation: 2,900 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: Beckside, Glenridding, Penrith, CA11 0PA

2. Fairfield Horseshoe 

Things to do in Lake Districts

The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside or Rydal provides a full day’s hike, which encompasses the craggy heights of Heron Pike, Rydal Fell, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag and High Pike with, of course, jaw-dropping views.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 11.5 miles
  • Elevation: 4,455 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: Pelter Bridge LA22 9LW; Rydal Road LA22 9AN

3. Old Man of Coniston Circular

Old Man of Coniston Circular
Old Man of Coniston Circular

The Old Man of Coniston Circular via Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag is among the most popular hikes. On a clear day, you can see as far as Blackpool. Starting from the village of Coniston with views across Coniston Water, the walk crosses an abandoned quarry, taking about three hours. There are various routes to the top according to ability, children, and dogs.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 3.7 miles
  • Elevation: 1,936 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: Walna Scar Road SD 288 970

Family-Friendly Walks

4. Fell Side Mine

Fell Side Mine, a 5-mile trail along an old mining track to a disused mine in beautiful Caldbeck Fells, is a 3-hour adventure along a path suitable for pushchairs.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Route Type: Out-and-Back trail
  • Nearest Parking: Fell Side Farm NY 304 373

5. Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood
Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood, leading through woodlands to the top of Dodd Summit, and you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the fells. You can see the Bassenthwaite Ospreys from viewpoints along the way and red squirrels at the woodland feeding stations.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: Forestry Commission Dodd Wood NY 240 275

6. Scale Hill and Crummock Water Loop

Crummock Water
Crummock Water

Scale Hill and Crummock Water Loop is a popular, peaceful walk suitable for pushchairs, you’ll have to carry your little one across the bridges or picnic on the idyllic shores of Crummock Water.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: National Trust Scale Hill NY 149 215

7. Wast Water and Low Wood

Wastwater
Wast Water

Dog-friendly walks Wastwater and Low Wood is the off-beaten track, a quiet, remote walk passing Nether Wasdale with friendly pubs and great food. Dogs run free through the woodlands, which in May are carpeted with bluebells.

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Elevation: 1,112 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Nearest Parking: Layby on Lake Road NY 149 051

8. Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge

Skelwith Bridge
Skelwith Bridge

Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge is a 4-mile pushchair and dog-friendly walk along the Cumbria Way, circling back through scenic farmland. Pubs and tea rooms along the route offer excellent refreshments.

Heughscar and the Cockpit from Pooley Bridge, a breathtaking, well-kept route leading to the ancient stones on the wild heathlands of Moor Divot above Pooley Bridge, and from the Cockpit stone circle to Heughscar with panoramic views across Ullswater

Good to Know:

  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Elevation: 607 feet
  • Route Type: Out & back
  • Nearest Parking: Elterwater NY 32 8047

Water-based Activities

watersports Lake District

With more than 80 bodies of water, the Lake District is a natural haven for water sports enthusiasts with a diverse range of activities on offer. 

9. Great North Swim

If you like getting wet, go diving, wild swimming, or participate in the Great North Swim, the UK’s largest outdoor swimming event. Have fun dragon boat racing or raft building with your friends. 

Good To Know:

  • 2024 Schedule: June 7 to 9 at Windermere, Lake District

10. Extreme Ghyll Scrambling

Extreme Ghyll Scrambling
Photo Credit: Path To Adventure Gallery

Extreme Ghyll Scrambling in Eskdale, one of the most remote, beautiful Lake District National Park areas, is an exhilarating day out in the mountains for thrill-seekers. 

Good To Know:


11. Derwentwater

Derwentwater
Derwentwater

Between Scafell Pike and Bowfell, with waterfalls, clear pools for swimming, rocks, and 8-metre jumps, you need to be fit and at least 14 years old.

Kayaking on Derwentwater with Adventure Vertical, discover secluded bays and hidden gems that can only be accessed by boat. Kayaking is as gentle and relaxing or as much of a challenge as you want it to be. Expertise is on hand.


12. Lake Windermere

Lake Winderemere
Lake Winderemere

Graythwaite Adventure Cumbria’s Tourism Experience of the Year 2019 is set in 5000 acres of stunning wooded parkland on Lake Windermere. Experiences include water sports, off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, bushcraft, and more.


13. Sailing

Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge

Windermere Lake Cruisers for cruises, including traditional steamers and The Keswick Launch Company, offer Derwent Water cruises. Steamers have been operational on Ullswater from Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding since 1855.

Bassenthwaite Sailing Club with stunning sailing waters, Bassenthwaite is a privately run club in the heart of the northern fells of the Lake District National Park. There’s a licensed bar and restaurant.

Glenridding Sailing School and Boat Hire at Ullswater offer a range of sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Sailboats, canoes, and kayaks for hire.

South Windermere Sailing Club is a family-friendly club in a stunning location on the shores of Lake Windermere that provides training and safe sailing for adults and young people as a social programme.


14. White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting

Lake District White Water Rafting is a fantastic, fun, safe outdoor adventure for the whole family exploring remote areas inaccessible on foot.


15. Soaring and Gliding Activities

Hang Gliding
Hang Gliding

Hang Gliding is hard to imagine, a more idyllic setting for hang gliding and paragliding. Check out Cumbria Soaring Club Cumbria Soaring Club and Airventures for training and flying opportunities.


16. Water Skiing

Water Skiing
Water Skiing

Water Skiing Low Wood at Windermere in the Lake District’s only centre, providing all the latest equipment, including Mastercraft ski boats.


17. Fishing & Angling

Fishing
Fishing

Relax in peaceful, stunning surroundings where salmon, char, pike and halibut swim in lakes and tarns, which can be fished with a permit. Fishing courses are available.


18. Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing, General
Rock Climbing

Rocks & Ropes-Lakes Outdoor Experience is the perfect place for rock climbing, including Upper Scout Crag for beginners, Raven Crag and Gimmer White Gill. Scout Crags. Shepherds and Black Crag at Borrowdale are superb for all skill ranges, while Dow Crag near Coniston offers more challenging multi-pitch climbs.


More Lake District Attractions

Phew! If you’re not too exhausted after all the activity, here are some must-visit attractions:

19. The World of Beatrix Potter

World of Beatrix Potter
Photo Credit: World of Beatrix Potter Facebook Page

The World of Beatrix Potter is a magical attraction that brings the writer’s enchanting children’s stories to life, featuring famous characters from her books. The award-winning Peter Rabbit Garden, the programme of themed events and the famous gift shop will surely delight all generations.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Time: 10 AM to 5:30 PM, Summer; to 4:30 PM, Winter
  • Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BX
  • Standard Adult Price: £9

🐰 Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour 🐰

20. Wordsworth Grasmere

Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage

Wordsworth Grasmere, where William Wordsworth and his family lived at Dove Cottage at the end of the 17th century, is a step back in time, beautifully restored to recreate what Dorothy Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot man hath ever found.” Wordsworth was inspired to write some of his most famous poems here.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
  • Address: Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9SH
  • Standard Adult Price: £14.00

🏞 From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere 🏞

21. Kendal Museum of Natural History and Archaeology

Kendal Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, one of the longest-established museums in England, houses exhibitions of archaeology, animals, and plants. The story of the Lake District from prehistoric times unfolds in outstanding displays and galleries, and the Wildlife Garden and mini nature trail offer a glimpse of the diverse lake habitats.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Time: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday to Saturday
  • Address: Station Road, Kendal, LA9 6BT
  • Standard Adult Price: £5

22. Holker Hall and Gardens

Holker Hall
Photo Credit: Holker Hall Gallery

Holker Hall and Gardens is set on stunning grounds against the Lake District hills. This delightful stately home has been the Cavendish family residence for over 400 years. For antiques and history, events for all the family, and lovingly maintained, Hoker Hall offers a wonderful day out.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Time: The Hall Opens from 11 AM to 4 PM; other Areas from 10:30 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday to Sunday
  • Address: Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7PL
  • Standard Adult Price: £14.75

23. Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories

Windermere Jetty, Lake District
Windermere Jetty, Lake District

Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories is a fascinating heritage boat museum displaying the industrial and engineering history of the Lake District, with a range of family-oriented activities.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Time: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM, Summer; to 4 PM, Winter
  • Address: Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL
  • Standard Adult Price: £9

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in the Lake District

The Lake District is more than just a picturesque backdrop; it’s a playground for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone keen to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From the literary charm of Wordsworth’s old stomping grounds to the adrenaline rush of water sports and hiking, the Lake District offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and set your sights on this gem of the British Isles. You’ll leave not only with stunning photos but also with your soul thoroughly refreshed.

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