Things to do in the Lake District views

10 Best Things to do in the Lake District

Search Cottages

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…

Filter results:

  • Nature Reserve

    Ingleborough National Nature Reserve

    Ingleton
    Carnforth
    Cumbria
    England
    LA6 3JE

    015242 42021

    Ingleborough Nature Reserve is a 1,014-hectare Site of Scientific Interest and is renowned for its spectacular scenery and wealth of wildlife. The site consists of wetlands, limestone, grassland, rockrose, moorland and much more. Within the rich plant life, you’ll find butterflies, bats, curlew, roe deer and more.

    view more information
  • lady hiking through valley

    Joint Adventures

    Business Park
    Unit 2 Lake Rd
    Coniston
    LA21 8EW

    07967380734

    Situated close to the lake and fells of Coniston, Joint Adventure are passionate about providing high quality outdoor activities and outdoor skills courses in the Lake District. From gorge walking and raft building to bushcraft and abseiling, there are a whole host of exciting activities on offer here.

    view more information
  • people enjoying concert at festival

    Kendal Calling

    Kendal Calling
    Lowther
    Penrith
    Lake District
    Cumbria
    CA10 2HX

    Escape to this picturesque festival village nestled in the heart of the lakes for music, dancing, food, and magic! Indulge in a luxury stay at the boutique camping village or pitch up your own tent; either way, you can enjoy headline acts and family-friendly fun.

    view more information
  • Ruins of Kendal Castle

    Kendal Castle

    Kendal Castle
    Sunnyside
    Kendal
    LA9 1DJ

    Visit the ruins of the 13th-century castle and imagine life here centuries ago. From Kendal Castle, you can enjoy magnificent views of the town and the hills beyond, making it more than worth the trip.

    view more information
  • golf ball on a green

    Kendal Golf Club

    Kendal Golf Club
    The Heights
    High Tenterfell
    Kendal
    Lake District
    LA9 4PQ

    01539733708

    Head to this par 70, 18-hole golf course surrounded by the hills and magnificent scenery of the Lake District. Kendal Golf Club boasts an excellent reputation for the fine standard of its greens and fairways as well as the limestone drainage that ensures it’s playable all year round.

    view more information
  • Kendal Museum Feature

    Kendal Museum

    Station Rd
    Kendal
    LA9 6BT

    01539 815597

    Kendal Museum is a fantastic day out for all the family, with exhibits, a shop, play area and café available. Treat the little ones to a day out here and enjoy an insight into the area’s natural history and archaeology.

    view more information
  • woman scaling indoor climbing wall

    KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre

    KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre
    Unit 27
    Lake District Business Park
    Mint Bridge Road
    Kendal
    LA9 6NH

    01539721766

    Open year-round Kendal Wall is the perfect all-weather activity in the Lake District. The climbing centre features a whopping 25m main wall, auto-belays, bouldering, routing roof, training room, dry toolbox, and a kid’s climbing wall.

    view more information
  • alhambra keswick cinema

    Keswick Alhambra Cinema

    36 St John's Street
    Keswick
    CA12 5AG

    017687 72195

    A vintage picture house in Keswick with a programme that features top movies, opera, and live performances.

    view more information
  • Keswick Brewing Company

    Keswick Brewing Company

    Brewery Lane
    Keswick
    CA12 5BY

    017687 80700

    Keswick Brewing Company is an exciting microbrewery located on the edge of the town centre; tours are available to visitors, making it an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.

    view more information
  • woman scaling indoor climbing wall

    Keswick Climbing Wall

    Keswick Climbing Wall
    JW34+5
    Goosewell Farm
    Keswick
    CA12 4RN

    01768772000

    Bring outdoor climbing indoors at Keswick Climbing Wall, situated just a five-minute drive from the centre of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Positioned next door to the historic Castlerigg Stone Circle, it’s a great stopover during a day out in the lakes.

    view more information
activityarrow_downarrow_leftsmall-rightarrow-top-rightbikeguidescamerachild-friendlycircularclockCottagecrossdangerdestinationpindownloaddropdown-arrowemailFamilyfinish-flagflagfloraflowergroupHeartinfo-altdidyouknowInspirationlinearlocationmap-pinmapparkingpawphonerulersearchshare Facebook Google Plus Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube ui-24px-glyph-2_grid-45popularsun-cloudtexturef-check-glyph-16toggleVideoWalkingwheelchair