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…

Fell Foot Park

Newby Bridge
Windermere
LA12 8NN

015395 31273

A lovely 7-acre Victorian garden owned by the National Trust, sitting at the foot of Lake Windermere with fun activities including rowing boats, swimming and a BBQ area.
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Fell Side Mine

Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
CA7 8HA

Take a trip back in time to the Lake District’s industrial past at Fell Side Mine. Home to an old abandoned mine and vast, empty valleys, this is the perfect scenic spot to head to away from the crowds.
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Giggle Alley

Giggle Alley
Smithybrow Lane
Holmrook
Lake District
England
CA19 1UF

Giggle Alley is nestled on the western edge of the Lake District National Park, close to the village of Eskdale Green. With diverse woodland and a Japanese Garden, it’s a popular spot with visitors. Hop off the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway at Irton Road and find this gem just a short walk away.
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Glenridding to Lanty’s Tarn

Glenridding to Lanty's Tarn
Glenridding
Lake District
England
CA11 0PA

Take this short, tranquil walk around Ullswater and up to Lanty’s Tarn. While this tarn may not offer views as dramatic as nearby tarns, it is a peaceful hidden gem that allows walkers to get away from the crowds. The walk is suitable for dogs and children.
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Grasmere to Alcock Tarn

Grasmere to Alcock Tarn
Town End
Grasmere
Ambleside
Lake District
LA22 9SH

Walk this four-mile circular route that will take you past William Wordsworth’s old home and the fells beyond. Alcock Tarn itself makes for a wonderful picnic spot and there are plenty of cafés awaiting you on your return to Grasmere – the perfect reward for your efforts!
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Image Credits: Morebyless – CC BY 2.0

Grasmoor

Grasmoor
Crummock Water
Cockermouth
Lake District
Cumbria
England
CA13 9UY

Grasmoor is a mountain in the northwestern part of the Lake District and is the highest peak among the hills in the area. Grassmoor overlooks Crummock Water and is home to the most extensive scree slopes in the northwestern fells. Linked to other fells on the east side, there are plenty of walking options leading to Grasmoor.
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Image Credits: sagesolar - CC BY 2.0

Great End

Seathwaite
Seascale
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA12 5XJ

Great End is a 2,990-foot peak settled on the northern end of the Scafell chain. It’s hailed as being amidst the most beautiful places in the country and is a hiking must!
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Great Gable

Seathwaite
Seascale
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
CA20 1EX

Great Gable rests within the Western Fells of the Lake District National Park. This 899-metre wonder is the perfect place for an energising hike with breath-taking views.
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Great Wood, Walla Crag Via Cat Gill & Falcon Crag

Keswick
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom

Take this fairly low level, four-mile walk for excellent views of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. With a small amount of scrambling to begin with, this walk is not recommended for very small children.
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Grisedale Pike

Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England
CA12 5SX

Grisedale Pike is a fell in the northwestern area of the Lake District National Park. From the top of the fell you can see as far as Scotland and the Isle of Man on a clear day. Walking to the summit is simple and clearly marked from just outside of Braithwaite Village.
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