Free Things to do in the Lake District

Are you looking for free things to do in the Lake District? There are a lot of wonderful spots to have a picnic, go wild in adventure play areas, explore nature, and enjoy lots of natural treasures.

The Lakes is one of the best holiday spots in the UK for all budgets, and it ensures a lifetime of wonderful memories for the whole family.

Find a list of free things to do in the Lake District that are sure to keep the whole family occupied. Then sit back and take it easy, knowing that you have a whole week planned out that won’t put a strain on your finances.

From admiring Aira Force waterfall to hiking along the Hardknott Pass, there are lots of free things to do in the Lakes.

Continue reading to find the best free things to do in the Lake District…

Aira Force Waterfall

Penrith

Aira Force Waterfall has been attracting visitors for over 300 years and with good reason! This glorious, 65-foot waterfall is nestled within a Victorian park owned by the National Trust and is truly a sight to behold.
view more information
Image Credits: Antiquary - CC BY 4.0

Allan Bank

Allan Bank
Grasmere
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 9QB

01539435143

The National Trust gem of Allan Bank is perched on the outskirts of Grasmere in the Lake District. This isn’t a typical stately home, as its interiors are bare, with the focus centring around the grounds.
view more information
Bassenthwaite Lake

Cockermouth
Cumbria
CA13 9YD

Bassenthwaite Lake is amongst the largest in the Lake District National Park. You can find this natural wonder between Skiddaw and Cockermouth.
view more information
Image Credits: David Purchase - CC BY-SA 2.0

Beacon Fell

Beacon Fell
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8EL

Beacon Fell is an 836-foot fell settled in the southern area of the Lake District National Park. It makes for a beautiful hike, with the Beacon Tarn and views over Water Yeat and Coniston Water.
view more information
Binsey Loop

Wigton
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA13 9SX

Binsey lies on the western edge of the Lake District, apart from the other fells. Because of its location, it is often overlooked but a trip to Binsey is more than worthwhile due to its panoramic views of Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway, and the Isle of Man in the distance. Binsey Loop is a moderately difficult walk, suitable for older children.
view more information
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.
view more information
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.
view more information
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.
view more information
Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)

Cockermouth
Cumbria
England
United KIngdom
CA13 9XA

Walk this popular route and take in views of Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water. You’ll also scramble across fells and stroll through woodland on this three-mile walk that takes around three to four hours with children.
view more information
Image Credits: Stephen Horncastle – CC BY-SA 2.0

Castle Crag

Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England
CA12 5UQ

Castle Crag is located in the north-western fells of the Lake District. It is the smallest hill included in Alfred Wainwright’s influential Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells and is below 1,000ft. Follow this moderate route to climb Castle Crag.
view more information