Free Things to do in the Lake District

Are you looking for free things to do in the Lake District? There are a lot of wonderful spots to have a picnic, go wild in adventure play areas, explore nature, and enjoy lots of natural treasures.

The Lakes is one of the best holiday spots in the UK for all budgets, and it ensures a lifetime of wonderful memories for the whole family.

Find a list of free things to do in the Lake District that are sure to keep the whole family occupied. Then sit back and take it easy, knowing that you have a whole week planned out that won’t put a strain on your finances.

From admiring Aira Force waterfall to hiking along the Hardknott Pass, there are lots of free things to do in the Lakes.

Continue reading to find the best free things to do in the Lake District…

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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Catbells

Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5TU
OS grid: NY244199

One of the most popular fells in the Lake District, boasting breathtaking views of Derwent Water and the neighbouring mountains.
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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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Derwentwater

Derwentwater
Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England

Derwentwater is the feather in Keswick’s cap. Situated just 15 minutes walk from the market square in Keswick town centre, this three-mile-long lake is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became the inspiration for romantic poets.
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Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood
Little Crosthwaite
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4QD

Dodd Wood is situated just a few miles north of Keswick and is home to a network of waymarked trails, many of which are ideal for younger children. There is also the steeper Dodd Summit trail, for those looking for more of a challenge.
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Dow Crag

Coniston
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
LA20 6EG

The peak of Dow Crag stands at 2,552 feet tall in the Lake District National Park. It is situated near Coniston and is perfect for a hike with the family.
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Easedale Tarn

Easedale Tarn
Red Bank Road Car Park
Grasmere
Lake District
LA22 9PU

Easedale Tarn is situated around two miles west of the village of Grasmere, in a hollow between Tarn Crag and Blea Rigg. Take this six-mile walk to the tarn over stone bridges, past plunging waterfalls and along the edges of fells.
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Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
Elterwater
Ambleside
Lake District
Cumbria
England
LA22 9HU

Take this walk along the Cumbrian Way in the Langdale Valley from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge. The walk is 2.5 miles and takes around 2-3 hours to complete and is suitable for children.
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Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls

Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls
Bowness Knott Car Park
Cleator
Lake District
England
CA23 3AX

Take this two-mile walk from one of the Lake District’s hidden gems. Ennerdale Water is one of the least visited lakes in the Lake District and sits nestled within a remote part of West Cumbria. The walk takes around one to two hours and is ideal for little ones.
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Image Credits: Ian Dick - CC BY 2.0

Esthwaite Water

Ambleside
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
LA22 0NT

015394 36541

Esthwaite Water is a beautiful 280-acre private water situated in the heart of the Lake District. Here you can go on a self-drive or guided osprey safari during April or September, go boat or bank fishing or learn how to fish with an expert.
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