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…

Keswick Climbing Wall

Keswick Climbing Wall
JW34+5
Goosewell Farm
Keswick
CA12 4RN

01768772000

Bring outdoor climbing indoors at Keswick Climbing Wall, situated just a five-minute drive from the centre of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Positioned next door to the historic Castlerigg Stone Circle, it’s a great stopover during a day out in the lakes.
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Keswick Museum

Station Road
Keswick
CA12 4NF

017687 73263

A charming museum that focuses on the history of Keswick and features interactive exhibits such as “The Musical Stones of Skiddaw” and displays of ornate metalwork created by students at the Keswick School of Industrial Arts.
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Kong Adventure

Kong Adventure
Heads Road
Keswick
CA12 5EZ

01768775907

Kong Adventure is a Lake District recreational centre located in Keswick. Climbing walls, a café, outdoor equipment shops, escape rooms, and many more indoor and outdoor activities are available.
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Lake District Coast Aquarium

Lake District Coast Aquarium
S Quay
Maryport
Lake District
Cumbira
CA15 8AB

01900814774

Discover over 75 display tanks teeming with hundreds of amazing freshwater and sea species at Lake District Aquarium, Maryport. From the waterfall cascade with local sea life to the vivid colours of the tropical marine reef display, you’ll find fascinating creatures at every turn.
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Lakeland Motor Museum

Lakeland Motor Museum
Old Blue Mill
Backbarrow
LA12 8TA

015395 30400

A one-of-a-kind museum with a collection of more than 30,000 artefacts, including over 140 historic automobiles, a variety of tractors, cycles, motors, and other vehicles of the past.
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Lakes Aquarium

Lakes Aquarium
Lakeside
Newby Bridge
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8AS

015395 30153

Nestled on the southern end of Lake Windermere is Lakes Aquarium where visitors can discover over 30 displays of wildlife and freshwater creatures. From the seashore with its seahorses and rays to the journey below Windermere showcasing local wildlife, you’ll find a fascinating variety here.
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Laurel and Hardy Museum

The Roxy
Brogden Street
Ulverston
Lake District
Cumbria
LA12 7AH

01229 582292

Started by an enthusiast upon the discovery that Stan Laurel had been born in Ulverston, the Laurel and Hardy Museum is a treasure trove of items that will fascinate and delight Laurel and Hardy fans.
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Image credits: Rbagotlevens - (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Levens Hall

Levens Hall
Kendal
LA8 0PD

015395 60321

A grand Elizabethan manor house located just a short distance outside of Kendal with a beautifully sculpted garden and impressive collection of Jacobean possessions.
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Image Credits: Peter Priday - CC BY-ND 2.0

Rheged

Redhills
Penrith
CA11 0DQ

01768 868000

Rheged is a cinema, cafe, gallery, creative space and shopping venue all in one. It sits on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park and is the perfect place to come for a family outing.
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Image Credits: Luke McKernan - CC BY-SA 2.0

Rydal Mount

Rydal Mount
Rydal
Ambleside
LA22 9LU

015394 330002

This 16th-century house and gardens once belonged to William Wordsworth. Nowadays, visitors can come and explore this historic landmark along with its marvellous tearoom.
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