10 Best Things to do in the Lake District

Use our guide to discover the best things to do in the Lake District

From picturesque Lakeland adventures to high peaks in the countryside, find an abundance of Lake District things to do here. Choose to walk or cycle around the incredible landscapes and National Trust properties in the Lake District.

Lake District hikes

You can’t visit the Lake District without embarking on one of the many scenic walking trails which follow picturesque routes. Choose from moderate challenges for prominent walkers including the Borger Dalr Trail and the impressive Catbells. Those looking for easier routes can stroll around Buttermere, whilst more difficult trails await at Scafell Pike and the Cumbria Coastal Way. These are just a few free things to do in the Lake District that you can enjoy for a dog-friendly day out.

Things to do in the Lake District for families

If you’re looking for classic things to do in the Lake District, visit these staple attractions. Start by visiting the historic Lowther Castle, The World of Beatrix Potter or the Coast Aquarium in Maryport. Alternatively, explore the iconic lakes of Windermere, Derwentwater and Ullswater on your Cumbrian adventure. There’s even the intriguing Grizedale Forest, historic Kendal Castle, and beautiful Loughrigg Fell to discover.

You don’t need to worry about the unpredictable English weather, as there’s a whole host of indoor activities in the Lake District to enjoy. And, during winter time, there are so many things to do in the Lake District in winter.

Things to do in the Lake District for Couples

From canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on Coniston Water, to boat trips around Windemere, there are plenty of Lake District things to do for couples. Watch a show at the Theatre by the Lake or enjoy rock climbing at Kendal’s Lakeland Climbing Centre before returning to your Lake District accommodation.

Explore the rest of our guide and find even more things to do in the Lake District…

Blencathra (Saddleback)

Keswick
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
CA12 4SU

Blencathra sits next to Skiddaw to the north-east of Keswick in the northern fells of the Lake District. It has six separate tops and multiple ways to ascend that vary from easy to extremely steep. Families with older children will love this easy route, at just under five miles it can be done in two hours.
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Boot Beer Festival

Boot
Holmrook
Cumbria
England
CA19 1TG

01946723288

Starting as a way to get visitors to the valley during the foot and mouth outbreak, The Boot Beer Festival has continued for many years. Nowadays the festival spans four days and is held across three pubs in Boot. It incorporates music, a curry night and around 100 real ales!
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Border Game Angling

4 Grasmere St
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA2 4AR

Border Game Angling is based on the river Eden in Cumbria UK and offers a professional fly casting tuition and guided fishing service, available on a full-time basis, with fully qualified and insured AAPGAI and FFI Master certified casting instructors.
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Borrans Park

1 MacIver Ln
Ambleside
Cumbria
England
LA22 0HJ

01539733333

Borrans Park offers excellent views of Lake Windermere as well as a large, green open space with picnic tables and parking nearby. You can also find the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman ruin.
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Image Credits: Andy Harbach - CC BY 2.0

Bowfell

Seascale
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
LA22 9JU

The pyramid-like Bowfell is a popular choice for fell walkers. This route is fairly straightforward with a more difficult rocky section at the top, requiring some scrambling. The effort will be more than worthwhile as you look out to Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Langdale from the summit.
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Image Credits: Andrew Bowden - CC BY-SA 2.0

Brandelhow Bay

Keswick
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA12 5UG

Combine a woodland stroll with a walk along the shore of Derwentwater on the Brandelhow Bay walk. The walk is 2.5 miles long and will take around two hours with young children. The path is mostly even but there are some rocky sections where an all-terrain pushchair would be required.
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Brantwood

The Brantwood Trust
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AD

015394 41396

A beautiful historical house and museum exhibiting fine pieces of art, furniture and personal belongings of its former owner, John Ruskin, overlooking stunning views of Coniston Water.
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Image Credits: John Salmon - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Brewery Arts Centre

122A Highgate
Kendal
LA9 4HE

01539 725133

Kendal’s central hub of culture and entertainment with a full calendar of comedy, theatre and live music productions.
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Image Credits: Nilfanion - CC BY-SA 4.0

Bridge House

Rydal Rd
Ambleside
LA22 9AN

01539432617

This 17th-century building in Ambleside is one of the most photographed in the Lake District. Sitting over Stock Beck, the building has inspired many artists including Turner. During spring, summer and autumn, you can visit the house and discover the tiny rooms inside.
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Brockhole Visitor Centre

Lake District National Park
Visitor Centre,The
Windermere
LA23 1LJ

01539446601

Head to Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre and enjoy a stroll through historic gardens, a meander through the art gallery or a trip to the adventure playground. Built at the end of the 19th century and purchased by the Lake District National Park Authority in 1966, Brockhole was the UK’s first national park visitor centre.
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Blencathra (Saddleback)

Boot Beer Festival

Border Game Angling

Borrans Park

Bowfell

Brandelhow Bay

Brantwood

Brewery Arts Centre

Bridge House

Brockhole Visitor Centre