10 Best Things to do in the Lake District

Use our guide to discover the best things to do in the Lake District

From picturesque Lakeland adventures to high peaks in the countryside, find an abundance of Lake District things to do here. Choose to walk or cycle around the incredible landscapes and National Trust properties in the Lake District.

Lake District hikes

You can’t visit the Lake District without embarking on one of the many scenic walking trails which follow picturesque routes. Choose from moderate challenges for prominent walkers including the Borger Dalr Trail and the impressive Catbells. Those looking for easier routes can stroll around Buttermere, whilst more difficult trails await at Scafell Pike and the Cumbria Coastal Way. These are just a few free things to do in the Lake District that you can enjoy for a dog-friendly day out.

Things to do in the Lake District for families

If you’re looking for classic things to do in the Lake District, visit these staple attractions. Start by visiting the historic Lowther Castle, The World of Beatrix Potter or the Coast Aquarium in Maryport. Alternatively, explore the iconic lakes of Windermere, Derwentwater and Ullswater on your Cumbrian adventure. There’s even the intriguing Grizedale Forest, historic Kendal Castle, and beautiful Loughrigg Fell to discover.

You don’t need to worry about the unpredictable English weather, as there’s a whole host of indoor activities in the Lake District to enjoy. And, during winter time, there are so many things to do in the Lake District in winter.

Things to do in the Lake District for Couples

From canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on Coniston Water, to boat trips around Windemere, there are plenty of Lake District things to do for couples. Watch a show at the Theatre by the Lake or enjoy rock climbing at Kendal’s Lakeland Climbing Centre before returning to your Lake District accommodation.

Explore the rest of our guide and find even more things to do in the Lake District…

Helm Crag

Ambleside
Lake District
Cumbria
England
LA22 9RS

Short and steep, this exhilarating walk is suitable for almost all ages and guarantees stunning views at the summit. Situated in the central fells to the north of Grasmere, this is a distinctive and popular fell that can be seen from the village.
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Hesket Newmarket to Caldbeck

Caldbeck
Wigton
Cumbria
England
CA7 8DU

Take this walk from the pretty village of Hesket Newmarket to Caldbeck and pass picturesque woodland as you go. Made up of well-maintained foot paths, this 3.5-mile route is suitable for younger children although assistance may be required during steeper sections.
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Heughscar & the Cockpit from Pooley Bridge

Penrith
Cumbria

Walk the wild and untamed landscape surrounding Pooley Bridge and discover the Cockpit stone circle before heading to the manageable summit of Heughscar. From the summit you can take in incredible views of Ullswater. This walk is five miles long and takes around two to three hours.
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Image Credits: Tomoaki INABA - CC BY-SA 2.0

Hill Top Farm

Near Sawrey
Ambleside
LA22 0LF

The National Trust’s Hill Top was once Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse. The renowned author bought Hill Top Farm with money made from her books. Nowadays, visitors can come and see the maintained gardens and historic interiors firsthand.
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Holehird Gardens

Patterdale Road
Windermere
LA23 1NP

01539446008

Nestled in a stunning setting overlooking Windermere, Holehird Gardens rewards visitors with a host of fascinating plant and tree life at any time of year. The gardens are open from dawn until dusk daily and boast a varied landscape housing a whole host of plants and other features.
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Image Credits: Andrew Abbot - CC BY-SA 2.0

Holker Hall

Cark
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel
LA11 7PL

015395 58328

Holker Hall is a beautiful, historic estate that spreads over 200 acres. It rests on the southern outskirts of the Lake District National Park and offers visitors access to the hall, gardens, cafe and gift shop.
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Image Credits: Jeremy Sutcliffe – CC BY 2.0

Holker Hall and Gardens

Holker Hall and Gardens
Cark
Grange-over-Sands
Lake Disctrict
Cumbria
LA11 7PL

01539558328

Holker Hall & Gardens is a busy and diverse estate covering 17,000 acres. Home to the Cavendish family, who are committed to the conservation of the estate, many of the buildings and structures are listed or designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The estate also includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves, housing an abundance of wildlife.
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Honister Slate Mine

Honister Pass
Keswick
CA12 5XN

01768 777230

England’s last active slate mine is located at the summit of Honister Pass, one of the steepest roads in the country, and draws slate from Fleetwith Pike.
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Image Credits: Michael D Beckwith - CC0 1.0

Hutton in the Forest

Penrith
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA11 9TJ

Visit the historic home of Lord and Lady Inglewood, Hutton in the Forest. This beautiful country house lies on the north-eastern edge of the Lake District. Surrounded by woodland and extensive gardens that have matured over three centuries. Both the house and grounds are open to the public.
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Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail

Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail
Riverside
Clapham
Lancaster
LA2 8DS

01524251242

The Ingleborough Estate Nature Trails winds its way past a lake and along a steep river valley through beautiful woodland to Ingleborough Cave. The trail is the gateway to some of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s most stunning limestone scenery including Trow Gill, Gaping Gill pothole, the limestone pavements, Norber Erratics and, finally, the summit of Ingleborough Fell.
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