Things to do in the Lake District When it’s Raining

When visiting anywhere in Britain, there is always a possibility of rain.

In the Lakes, we get our fair share of showers – why do you think our landscape is so lush and green? Luckily, we have a great selection of things to do in the Lake District when it rains.

Read on for 11 of our favourite things to do when it rains in the Lakes…

1. Puzzling Place, Keswick

The Puzzling Place is a quirky attraction full of optical illusions, 3D images and a hologram gallery. Explore then take a look in the puzzle shop.

Opening hours and visitor information can be found on the Puzzling Place website.

Why not take a look at our list of things to do in Keswick when its raining?

2. Lakeside Railway, Haverthwaite

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a nostalgic ride through the landscape of the Lakes on a steam locomotive.

Start your journey at Haverthwaite station and enjoy the fantastic views before disembarking at Lakeside Pier Station. Explore the area or why not continue by boat to Ambleside or Bowness-on-Windermere?

Ticket prices and timetables can be found on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway website.

For ideas on what to do or where to visit when in Bowness or Winderemere, why not take a look at our post on things to do when it is raining in Windermere?

3. Armitt Museum, Ambleside

If you are looking for an insight into the Lake District’s cultural heritage, the Armitt Museum is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.

The centre is a combination of library, museum, and gallery, with featured collections including artwork by Kurt Schwitters, personal collections belonging to Beatrix Potter and letters belonging to John Ruskin.

Opening hours and entry prices can be found on the Armitt Museum website.

4. Lakes Aquarium, Newby Bridge

If you are looking to shelter from the rain, but still want to keep the kids entertained, the Lakes Aquarium provides a great choice.

The aquarium offers a range of creatures, including local and exotic fish, ducks, otters, mice reptiles and amphibians.

Opening times and entry prices can be found on the Lakes Aquarium website.

5. Rheged Centre, Penrith

The Rheged Centre is a large grass-covered visitor attraction based just outside of Penrith.

It offers a cinema, indoor and outdoor play areas, art exhibitions, workshops, pottery painting, a number of shops and food options.

For more information, take a look at the Rheged Centre website.

6. Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth

For the adults, there is the Lakes Distillery. Take the tour and sample some of the Lakes’ gin, whiskey or vodka, then enjoy a meal or cocktail in the Bistro at the Distillery.

For more information, browse the Lakes Distillery website.

7. Zeffirellis Cinema, Ambleside

Zeffirellis in Ambleside offers a fabulous way to spend an evening. The location offers a restaurant, cafe, Jazz bar and 5 screen independent cinema.

Browse menus and showings on the Zeffirellis website.

8. Kendal Wall, Kendal

If you’re looking to do something active but would like to avoid the rain, why not visit Kendal Wall? The centre has a range of excellent facilities to suit all levels of climber, whether you are a seasoned professional or a complete novice. Have a go at the roped climbing or bouldering walls.

For opening hours, prices and age restrictions, check the Kendal Wall website.

9. Lakeland Motor Museum, Ulverston

The Lakeland Motor Museum is a must visit for any motor/car enthusiasts. The site has over 30,000 exhibits, including motorbikes, cars and automobilia.

It also offers a special exhibit to the racing career of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

For more information, please visit the Lakeland Motor Museum website.

10. Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Cartmel

The beautiful Holker Hall is the home of the Cavendish family. Explore both the house and gardens, as well as enjoying a bite to eat in the cafe, foodhall or bar and brasserie.

For house and garden opening times and prices, take a look at the Holker Hall website.

11. West Coast Karting, Maryport

If you’re in search of an adrenaline rush, why not spend the afternoon go-karting? West Coast Karting offers North-West England’s largest indoor go-karting track.

For opening hours and pricing, take a look at West Coast Karting’s website.

Ready to turn your rainy day adventures into a Lake District getaway? Start planning your trip now and experience the beauty, rain or shine.

Book your Lake District escape today!

Images Courtesy of: Bay Photographic Pete, (CC BY 2.0); Rose and Trev Clough, Kevin McDonagh,  Christopher R Ware (CC BY-SA 2.0); Lakesdistillery (CC BY-SA 4.0); Victuallers (CC BY-SA 3.0)