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…

Grit Fell

Lancaster
Lancashire
England
LA2 9EQ

Grit Fell is a solitary hill sitting between Clougha Pike and Ward’s Stone in the Forest of Bowland. Covered in heather and bogs, it makes for a tricky walk and many approaches are treacherous. Access Grit Fell from Clougha Pike for the safest route.
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Hallin Fell

Penrith
Cumbria
England
CA10 2NF

A walk up Hallin Fell is the perfect route for beginners. Situated on the southern end of Ullswater, Hallin Fell is also a less visited fells and makes for a peaceful and secluded walk. From the top of the fell you can take in magnificent views of Ullswater.
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Hardknott Pass

Ulpha
Broughton-in-Furness
Cumbria
England
LA20 6EQ

Hardknott Pass is a winding hill pass that zigzags its way from Eskdale to Duddon Valley. It’s known to be one of the steepest roads in England and makes for a wild cycle or hike!
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Hardknott Roman Fort

Hardknott Pass
Holmrook
CA19 1TH

0370 333 1181

Take a step back in time to the 2nd century when this remote and dramatically sited fort was founded under Hadrian’s rule. From the remains you will be able to make out the headquarters building, commandant’s house, and the bath house.
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Harter Fell

Harter Fell
Eskdale
Holmrook
Cumbria
United Kingdom
LA20 6EF

The beautiful peak of Harter Fell is perched in the southern area of the Lake District National Park. Come here for a scenic walk to remember.
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Hawthornthwaite Fell

Lancaster
Lancashire
England
LA2 9DW

Hawthornthwaite Fell is one of the larger hills in the Forest of Bowland. Close to Bleasdale and Fair Snape Fell, this fell has a north-facing position on the south-western range. The summit can only be accessed from the south and a walk here is likely to be free of crowds.
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Hayeswater from Hartsop

Penrith
Cumbria
England
CA11 0NZ

Hayeswater is one of the remotest tarns in the Lake District and was formed by glacial activity. To reach the tarn, you will walk through stunning pastureland, pass waterfalls and an old stone barn. This walk will take around 2 hours with children in tow and is around 2.5 miles long.
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Haystacks

Cockermouth
Cumbria
England
CA13 9XA

Haystacks is a hill situated at the south-eastern end of the Buttermere Valley. Made famous by Alfred Wainwright, this popular fell features an undulating summit, tarns, and hidden recesses. From the top you can take in views over Buttermere and Crummock Water.
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Helm Crag

Ambleside
Lake District
Cumbria
England
LA22 9RS

Short and steep, this exhilarating walk is suitable for almost all ages and guarantees stunning views at the summit. Situated in the central fells to the north of Grasmere, this is a distinctive and popular fell that can be seen from the village.
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Helvellyn

Keswick
Lake District National Park
England
CA12 4TP

Helvellyn is the third-tallest peak in the Lake District and the entirety of England. It offers easily accessible yet challenging hikes up to its 950-metre summit.
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Free Things to do in the Lake District

Grit Fell

Hallin Fell

Hardknott Pass

Hardknott Roman Fort

Harter Fell

Hawthornthwaite Fell

Hayeswater from Hartsop

Haystacks

Helm Crag

Helvellyn