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10 Best Things to do in the Lake District

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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…

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  • man playing golf at teeoff

    Casterton Golf Course

    Near Casterton
    Carnforth
    LA6 2LA

    01524271592

    Casterton Golf Course offers a warm welcome to visiting golfers. Casterton has been open for 60 years and the nine-hole course has been developed and extended. Today it boasts excellent facilities for both experienced and beginner players. With spectacular views, there’s more than just the course to enjoy.

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  • Castle Crag Cumbria
    Image Credits: Stephen Horncastle – CC BY-SA 2.0

    Castle Crag

    Keswick
    Lake District
    Cumbria
    England
    CA12 5UQ

    Castle Crag is located in the north-western fells of the Lake District. It is the smallest hill included in Alfred Wainwright’s influential Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells and is below 1,000ft. Follow this moderate route to climb Castle Crag.

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  • Castlerigg Stone Circle

    Castlerigg Stone Circle

    Castle Lane
    Keswick
    Lake District
    England
    CA12 4RN

    0370 333 1181

    Castlerigg is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, raised in around 3000 BC during the Neolithic Period. With a dramatic location and panoramic views of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains, it’s also one of the most spectacular.

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  • coastal walks

    Chapel Island

    Chapel Island
    Near Cartmel
    Cumbria
    England
    LA11 7LL

    Chapel Island is a limestone outcrop that sits above the treacherous sands of Morecombe Bay in the Leven Estuary. You can cross the channel at Canal Foot at low tide and see the remains of a building left to nature.

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  • Image Credits: G-BWCK - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Chris Jones Gyroplanes

    Chris Jones Gyroplanes
    Kirkbride Airfield
    Kirkbride
    Cumbria
    England
    CA7 5HP

    07796955805

    Take to the skies with Chris Jones Gyroplanes. The aircraft are a mix between a fixed wing airplane and a helicopter and are some of the safest aircraft to fly. You can book a trial flight where you’ll soon be able to take control, as friends and family watch on from the sky lounge.

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  • Image Credits: A S Morton – CC BY 2.0

    Clougha Pike

    Clougha Pike
    Lancaster
    England
    LA2 9EQ

    Clougha Pike is a hill in the forest of Bowland near Lancaster. The hill appears dome-shaped from some angles and has a series of cloughs in its flanks from others, giving it its name. Clougha Pike can be reached from many directions and features an ordnance survey trig point and a wind shelter at its summit.

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  • two people enjoying a festival

    Cockermouth LIVE!

    Various Locations
    Cockermouth
    Cumbria
    CA13

    Cockermouth Live is a festival of music, inspiration, and family fun that takes place in Cockermouth every summer. The festival combines headline acts with local performers at a range of venues in the Cumbrian town.

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  • sheep at a country show with rosette

    Cockermouth Show

    Cockermouth
    Cumbria
    England
    United Kingdom
    CA13 0HH

    Cockermouth Show is an agricultural show with sheep dog demonstrations, sheep clipping demonstrations, Cumberland and West Morland wrestling, and much more. Go along for a fun day out in the countryside.

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  • abbey interior

    Conishead Priory

    Ulverston
    Cumbria
    England
    United Kingdom
    LA12 9RX

    01229 584029

    A historical, grand building restored by the Buddhist Community for a centre of meditation; explore the grounds or join a class to relax in this beautiful peaceful setting.

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  • Pleasure boats on Coniston water

    Coniston Boating Centre

    Lake Road
    Coniston
    LA21 8EW

    015394 41366

    A fun and exciting way to explore the beautiful Coniston lake; hire a canoe, rowing boat or paddleboard and escape for the day on the water, or stay on land and whiz around soaking up the scenery on an electric mountain bike.

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