37 of the Best Indoor Activities in the Lake District

Discover the best indoor activities in the Lake District

Looking for things to do in the Lake District when it rains? Fear not. Use our guide to the best indoor activities in the Lake District to help plan your day.

Everyone can find something to do in our guide, whether they want to visit historical sites, take in the breath-taking lakeside vistas from indoors, or see a show at one of the best theatres in the region.

The Lake District isn’t known for its reliable weather and in spite of its beautiful hills and mountains, the region is one of the wettest in England.

Things to do in the Lake District when it rains include a tour at one of the many museums including the Derwent Pencil Museum, Lakeland Motor Museum, or the local Kendal Museum.

Other indoor activities can be found at Rheged Discovery Centre, The Puzzling Place, and The World of Beatrix Potter.

Continue reading to discover the best indoor activities in the Lake District…

Derwent Pencil Museum

Southey Works
Keswick
CA12 5NG

017687 73626

A museum commemorating the Derwent Pencil’s heritage is located near the site of the first pencil manufacturer in Keswick.
view more information
Dove Cottage

Town End
Grasmere
LA22 9SH

015394 35544

The Lakeland cottage was once the home of well-known English poet, William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, and was where he wrote some of his most famous verses.
view more information
Eden Rock

Eden Rock
9 Brunel Way
Carlisle
Lake District
CA1 3NQ

01228522127

Eden Rock is one of the biggest and best bouldering walls in the UK. You’ll find a huge range of climbing facilities here for all ages and abilities. Eden Rock also boasts a dedicated kids’ room with courses and coaching available whatever level they’re at.
view more information
Ennerdale Brewery

Ennerdale Brewery
Chapel Row
Rowah
Ennerdale Bridge
Cumbria
CA26 3XS

01946862977

This family-run brewery based in Cumbria produces a range of fine cask and bottled ales, brewed using traditional methods. Ennerdale Brewery real ale is brewed with whole-leaf hops, freshly milled barley, live yeast, and spring water from Croasdale Fell, making it a true local treat.
view more information
Hawkshead Brewery

14 Back Ln
Staveley
LA8 9LR

01539 822644

A modern brewery in the Lake District, producing a distinctive selection of flavorsome beers and open for educational tours and tastings sessions.
view more information
Image Credits: Andrew Abbot - CC BY-SA 2.0

Holker Hall

Cark
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel
LA11 7PL

015395 58328

Holker Hall is a beautiful, historic estate that spreads over 200 acres. It rests on the southern outskirts of the Lake District National Park and offers visitors access to the hall, gardens, cafe and gift shop.
view more information
Kendal Museum

Station Rd
Kendal
LA9 6BT

01539 815597

Kendal Museum is a fantastic day out for all the family, with exhibits, a shop, play area and café available. Treat the little ones to a day out here and enjoy an insight into the area’s natural history and archaeology.
view more information
KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre

KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre
Unit 27
Lake District Business Park
Mint Bridge Road
Kendal
LA9 6NH

01539721766

Open year-round Kendal Wall is the perfect all-weather activity in the Lake District. The climbing centre features a whopping 25m main wall, auto-belays, bouldering, routing roof, training room, dry toolbox, and a kid’s climbing wall.
view more information
Keswick Alhambra Cinema

36 St John's Street
Keswick
CA12 5AG

017687 72195

A vintage picture house in Keswick with a programme that features top movies, opera, and live performances.
view more information
Keswick Brewing Company

Brewery Lane
Keswick
CA12 5BY

017687 80700

Keswick Brewing Company is an exciting microbrewery located on the edge of the town centre; tours are available to visitors, making it an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.
view more information