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…

Image credits: David Dixon - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sizergh Castle

Ashbank Ln
Kendal
LA8 8AE

015395 60951

Located just south of Kendal is the truly exquisite Sizergh Castle and its beautiful grounds where visitors are welcome to come and explore the historical building and enclosed woodlands.
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The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery
Setmurthy
Cockermouth
CA13 9SJ

Located near Bassenthwaite, the Lakes Distillery not only creates spirits but also offers a visitor centre, shop, bar and bistro, in which visitors can sample the spirits and other local produce. Take a tour of the distillery and see how they create the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka.
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Image Credits: bayphotographic - CC BY 2.0

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Haverthwaite Station
Nr Ulverston
Lake District
Cumbria
LA12 8AL

015395 31594

Hop aboard the historic Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in the picturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of Windermere. Developed in the 19th century during the height of the Industrial Revolution, this railway once played an important part in local industry. Today, it takes passengers on a ride through the stunning local landscape.
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The Puzzling Place

Museum Square
Keswick
CA12 5DZ

017687 75102

Keswick’s optical illusion exhibition showcases antigravity, interactive optical illusion exhibits, artwork, sculptures, and a hologram gallery.
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Image Credits: Paul Hermans - CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ruskin Museum

Coniston
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
LA21 8DU

015394 41164

The Ruskin Museum has been an important part of Coniston’s community since 1901. Come here to learn about the village’s history, including its iconic inhabitants, John Ruskin and Donald Campbell CBE.
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The World of Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter
The Old Laundry
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3BX

015394 88444

Jemima Puddle-Duck, Peter Rabbit and Miss Tiggy-Winkle are three of Beatrix Potter’s characters whose stories have been recreated in this magical Lakeland attraction.
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Image Credits: CellsDeDells - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Wray Castle

Low Wray
Ambleside
LA22 0JA

Wray Castle is situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, offering a superb day out for all. The National Trust-owned neo-gothic castle holds a striking stature with beautiful rooms and grounds to explore.
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Indoor Activities in the Lake District

Sizergh Castle

The Lakes Distillery

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

The Puzzling Place

The Ruskin Museum

The World of Beatrix Potter

Wray Castle