Things to do in the Lake District views

10 Best Things to do in the Lake District

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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…

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  • blencathra, keswick

    Blencathra (Saddleback)

    Keswick
    Lake District National Park
    Cumbria
    England
    CA12 4SU

    Blencathra sits next to Skiddaw to the north-east of Keswick in the northern fells of the Lake District. It has six separate tops and multiple ways to ascend that vary from easy to extremely steep. Families with older children will love this easy route, at just under five miles it can be done in two hours.

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  • people clinking beers in glasses

    Boot Beer Festival

    Boot
    Holmrook
    Cumbria
    England
    CA19 1TG

    01946723288

    Starting as a way to get visitors to the valley during the foot and mouth outbreak, The Boot Beer Festival has continued for many years. Nowadays the festival spans four days and is held across three pubs in Boot. It incorporates music, a curry night and around 100 real ales!

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  • Fishing on the Eden

    Border Game Angling

    4 Grasmere St
    Carlisle
    Cumbria
    CA2 4AR

    Border Game Angling is based on the river Eden in Cumbria UK and offers a professional fly casting tuition and guided fishing service, available on a full-time basis, with fully qualified and insured AAPGAI and FFI Master certified casting instructors.

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  • flat park with trees

    Borrans Park

    1 MacIver Ln
    Ambleside
    Cumbria
    England
    LA22 0HJ

    01539733333

    Borrans Park offers excellent views of Lake Windermere as well as a large, green open space with picnic tables and parking nearby. You can also find the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman ruin.

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  • bowfell from langdale
    Image Credits: Andy Harbach - CC BY 2.0

    Bowfell

    Seascale
    Cumbria
    England
    United Kingdom
    LA22 9JU

    The pyramid-like Bowfell is a popular choice for fell walkers. This route is fairly straightforward with a more difficult rocky section at the top, requiring some scrambling. The effort will be more than worthwhile as you look out to Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Langdale from the summit.

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  • brandelhow bay
    Image Credits: Andrew Bowden - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Brandelhow Bay

    Keswick
    Cumbria
    England
    United Kingdom
    CA12 5UG

    Combine a woodland stroll with a walk along the shore of Derwentwater on the Brandelhow Bay walk. The walk is 2.5 miles long and will take around two hours with young children. The path is mostly even but there are some rocky sections where an all-terrain pushchair would be required.

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  • Brantwood Museum

    Brantwood

    The Brantwood Trust
    Coniston
    Cumbria
    LA21 8AD

    015394 41396

    A beautiful historical house and museum exhibiting fine pieces of art, furniture and personal belongings of its former owner, John Ruskin, overlooking stunning views of Coniston Water.

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  • Brewery Arts Centre
    Image Credits: John Salmon - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    Brewery Arts Centre

    122A Highgate
    Kendal
    LA9 4HE

    01539 725133

    Kendal’s central hub of culture and entertainment with a full calendar of comedy, theatre and live music productions.

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  • bridge house, ambleside
    Image Credits: Nilfanion - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Bridge House

    Rydal Rd
    Ambleside
    LA22 9AN

    01539432617

    This 17th-century building in Ambleside is one of the most photographed in the Lake District. Sitting over Stock Beck, the building has inspired many artists including Turner. During spring, summer and autumn, you can visit the house and discover the tiny rooms inside.

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  • Girl climbing high ropes in woods

    Brockhole Visitor Centre

    Lake District National Park
    Visitor Centre,The
    Windermere
    LA23 1LJ

    01539446601

    Head to Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre and enjoy a stroll through historic gardens, a meander through the art gallery or a trip to the adventure playground. Built at the end of the 19th century and purchased by the Lake District National Park Authority in 1966, Brockhole was the UK’s first national park visitor centre.

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