9 Things to Do in the Lake District

The Lake District is best known for being one of the country’s top staycation hotspots, drawing in thousands of domestic and international tourists every year…

So, it should come as no surprise to hear that there’s more than plenty on offer when it comes to finding things to do in the Lake District; Whether you’re planning the ultimate hiking holiday, a relaxing break with your loved ones or something completely out-of-the-ordinary, we’ve got you covered!

Keep scrolling to uncover all the best things to do in the Lake District during your next break…

1. Take a Tour of Lake Windermere

Arguably the most famous of the region’s 19 lakes and the largest in England, Windermere is a magnet for tourists, particularly the towns of Bowness and Ambleside that surround it.

Although there are plenty of viewing platforms around the lake where you can take in the natural beauty of the lake, the best way to experience Windermere is by hopping on the Windermere Lake Cruise boat and is one of the main tourist attractions in the Lake District.

Depending on how much time you have, you can book from a variety of cruises ranging from 45 minutes up to 3 hours. With tickets available to buy from their website, you can also pick them up in person if you happen to be passing by one of the kiosks on the day.

Windermere Lake Cruise, image credit visitlakedistrict.com

Website: https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares

2. Climb Scafell Pike

Image credit: Matt Gibson – Shutterstock

Known for being one of the three mountains that make up the national ‘Three Peaks Challenge’, Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and is regularly climbed by hikers.  So, if you’re a keen walker and up for a challenge, it’s one of the best high walks to do in the Lake District.

Found on the western side of the region, we’d recommend heading to Wasdale Head to begin your adventure. Here, you’ll find a small car park where many Scafell Pike routes begin, as well as a fantastic pub called the Wasdale Head Inn that’s worth stopping off at for a pint after reaching the summit!

Are you ready to conquer one of the highest mountains in the Lake District? (Please be safe in the mountains as weather can change quickly, even in summer, click here for helpful advice for what to take)

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/wasdale/climbing-scafell-pike

3. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter

The Lake District has been the home of many famous faces, but none have been as popular or as recognisable as children’s author Beatrix Potter. Beatrix Potter lived in a house called Hill Top close to the villages of Near and Far Sawrey between 1905 and her death in 1943.

In fact, Potter made massive contributions to the conservation of the national park, donating most of the land she accumulated to the National Trust in her will. For this, she’s often credited for being one of the main reasons why the Lake District is so well maintained, even to this day.

Her house is now a museum and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Another attraction we’d highly recommend visiting is the World of Beatrix Potter, found in the town of Bowness on Windermere and a great place to visit with the family.

At the attraction, you’ll get to learn about the development and ideas behind her famous characters like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, as well as plenty of interactive displays and never-before-seen relics and artefacts once owned by the author.

Website: https://www.hop-skip-jump.com/

4. Visit the Lakes Aquarium

Found on the southern tip of Lake Windermere, at Lakeside, the Lakes Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction that’s home to hundreds of species of freshwater and marine life. There are also lots of mammals like otters and even reptiles and amphibians too.

Not only is this one of the most-visited attractions in the region as its interlinked with the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where you can catch a steam train to the Aquarium , but it’s also one of the best things to do in the Lake District, especially if you’re heading here for your next family getaway. However, due to its popularity, we’d highly recommend booking your tickets well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on visiting during your stay!

Website: https://lakesaquarium.co.uk/

5. Explore the Cathedral Cave

Also known as ‘Cathedral Quarry’, Cathedral Cave is a former quarry chamber found hidden on the hillside in Little Langdale. Earning its name from the two cathedral-like ‘windows’ at its entrance, this impressive cave is almost 40 feet high inside and makes for a unique and memorable place to go exploring.

Once used to mine green slate and used on the roofs of buildings in many of the local towns and villages, Cathedral Cave is thought to have been used for mining purposes since at least the 16th century. Then, in the 1800s, it was purchased by renowned author Beatrix Potter, who gifted the cave to the National Trust when she passed away. Quarrying continued here until the 1950s before operations ceased, however, it is still owned and managed by the trust to this day.

Visited by lots of keen explorers throughout the year, it’s now known as a favourite place to explore in the Lake District. So, if you fancy going for a wander, why not bring a torch along with you and explore the vast tunnels that lead on from the cave during your next visit? Read our blog about Cathedral Cave

6. Visit the Keswick Museum & Art Gallery

Image credit: Paul Mitchell, visitlakedistrict.com

Situated in the heart of Keswick in the beautiful Fitz Park, this award winning Keswick Museum & Art Gallery is an awesome place to visit on your next trip to the northern part of the Lake District. It holds interesting exhibitions, there are family activities and special events throughout the year, learn about life in Keswick, its characters, industries, arts and local Lakeland stories. There’s also a great café with outdoor seating overlooking the park, don’t forget to visit the shop too.

Website: https://keswickmuseum.org.uk/

7. Go Wild Swimming at Crummock Water

Image credit: visitlakedistrict.com

Despite there being 19 lakes across this beautiful national park, one place that’s touted as a firm favourite for wild swimming in the Lakes is Crummock Water. Found in the northwestern corner of the region, going for a dip here is easily one of the most unique things to do in the Lake District and an activity you simply can’t miss out on!

Renowned for its quietness and cleanliness, this lake is less visited than many of its counterparts, making it a great place to go for a secluded swim away from the hustle and bustle of the usual crowds of tourists. Stretching around two and a half miles in length, there’s plenty of space here to make use of, and although boats are allowed on the lake, only 10 can be on there at any one time to preserve its tranquillity and water quality.

With limited access points around the lake, we’d recommend heading to the Rannerdale Farm access car park, found on the eastern side of the lake near the village of Buttermere. Here, you can hop over the fence and follow the path down to the shingle beach, which is around a 2-minute walk.

Website: https://www.visitcumbria.com/cm/crummock-water/

8. Explore Holehird Gardens

Winner of an RHS Partner award in 2023, Holehird Gardens is a stunning 10-acre landscaped garden that’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets, as well as being one of the best things to do in the Lake District if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in the great outdoors.

Managed by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, this tranquil attraction overlooks the impressive Lake Windermere and features a vast range of carefully planted flower arrangements that include rhododendrons, hydrangeas, alpines and six National Plant Collections.

Website: https://www.holehirdgardens.org.uk/

9. Visit Muncaster Castle

Image courtesy of Muncaster Castle

One of the most unique and interesting attractions on the west coast of Cumbria is the fantastic Muncaster Castle a super day out for visitors of all ages. This amazing historic castle is still a lived in family home and is situated in an elevated position near the stunning coastline and idyllic coastal village of Ravenglass.

With its own hawk & owl centre, 77 acres of  stunning gardens, weapons hall, ghost tours of the haunted castle, café, shop and more, it’s definitely a place worth visiting for the full day, not to be missed!

Website: https://www.muncaster.co.uk

Feeling inspired? Don’t wait around to start planning your next staycation – browse this collection of Lake District cottages for a staycation to remember.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly cottages in the Lakes for those of you hoping to bring your pooch along for the journey. As well as lots of places to go glamping and these hot tub cottages for those of you looking for something a bit more luxurious!

Image Credits: InterstellarGamer12321 – CC BY-SA 4.0; Stephen Craven – CC BY-SA 2.0; Peter S – CC BY-SA 2.0; mattbuck – CC BY-SA 2.0