95 Things to do in the Lake District

Discover the best things to do in the Lake District for Families

From agricultural activities to paddling on the sea in a kayak, there’s lots of superb things to do in the Lake District for families.

A visit to the Beatrix Potter World? What about some quad riding, Go-Karting, or a ride on segways for the family? Go Ape in Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter will raise your adrenaline level, and you can also test your mettle on the Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine.

There are many indoor Lake District activities for families too for when the weather isn’t on your side! Such activities include the National Trust property of Allan Bank and exploring the interesting Derwent Pencil Museum!

Other things to do in the Lake District for families include visiting Fell Foot Park, exploring Grizedale Forest and discovering Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse, Hill Top Farm!

Discover a wealth of activities in the lake district for families…

Coniston Country Fair

Coniston Campsite
Coniston
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom

Set on the shores of Coniston Water, Coniston Country Fair is a traditional Lakeland show offering visitors a fascinating insight into Cumbrian life. Watch traditional Cumbrian sports such as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and fell racing as well as dry stone walling. There are also crafts and food for sale.
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Crags Adventures

Bowness-on-Windermere
Lake District National Park

A small, family-run outdoor activity company based in the Lake District. Activities are ghyll scrambling/canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and dry scrambling. Age limit is from 9 years upwards and they cater for families, couples, groups of friends, stag and hens etc.
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Image Credits: Barry Lewis – CC BY 2.0

Cumbria Steam Gathering

Cark Airfield
Flookburgh
Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria
LA11 7LS

07825 369601

The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place every year over the last weekend of July. Started over 40 years ago by a group of steam engine enthusiasts, the event now attracts more than 20,000 visitors over two days. At Cumbria Steam Gathering you’ll find a range of vintage and custom locomotives, cars, and agricultural machinery.
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Cumbrian Heavy Horses

Baystone Bank Farm
Whicham
Valley
Millom
LA18 5LY

07769588565

Cumbrian Heavy Horses is the world’s only BHS approved heavy horse-riding centre. Based in the Lake District National Park, you can ride these magnificent giants through fields, fells, and beaches. Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer riding experiences for all abilities.
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Cyclewise

Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Pass
Braithwaite
Keswick
CA12 5TW

01768778711

Cyclewise is your one-stop shop for all things cycling in the Lake District. Founded by passionate and experienced cyclists, you’ll be in great hands whether you’re hiring a bike, purchasing one, or booking some training here.
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Image Credits: Tom Parnell – CC BY-SA 2.0

Dalemain Mansion and Historic Garden

Dalemain Mansion and Historic Garden
Estate Office
Dalemain
Penrith
CA11 0HB

01768486450

Dalemain Mansion sits on the site of a Saxon settlement and features sections dating back to the 14th century. Thoroughly modernised in the 1920s, the house is still home to the Hasell-McCosh family although it remains open to the public in peak season.
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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.
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Derwentwater

Derwentwater
Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England

Derwentwater is the feather in Keswick’s cap. Situated just 15 minutes walk from the market square in Keswick town centre, this three-mile-long lake is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became the inspiration for romantic poets.
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Derwentwater Marina

Derwentwater Marina
Portinscale
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 5RF

01768772912

If you’re visiting Derwentwater and are hoping to get out onto the lake, you’ll need to head to Derwentwater Marina. From here you can choose from a selection of crafts including paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, rowing or pedalos.
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Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood
Little Crosthwaite
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4QD

Dodd Wood is situated just a few miles north of Keswick and is home to a network of waymarked trails, many of which are ideal for younger children. There is also the steeper Dodd Summit trail, for those looking for more of a challenge.
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