From embarking on adventurous outdoor activities to devouring superb local produce, there are a host great things to do in the Lake District. Here’s our pick of the best of them.
For decades, the craggy mountains and charming villages of The Lakes were considered the domain of two main demographics: hikers and cream-tea hunters.
But the stereotypes are waning, and there are now more and more wonderful things to do in the Lake District for adventure seekers and weekend break enthusiasts.
Plunge into icy waterfalls before strolling the exquisite gardens of a stately home. Unwind on a vintage steamer then explore the incredible literary history of the region. And of course, enjoy a classic country walk before downing a pint in a traditional pub.
With the country’s finest local produce, plenty of adventurous outings, gorgeous picnic spots and superlative lakeside photography spots, there’s something to do in the Lake District for everyone.
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01 – TAKE THE ULLSWATER STEAMER
Of all the wonderful things to do in the Lake District, taking a cruise on a boat is one of the most popular. Over 1 million people hop on board every year to watch the magical scenery of the Lake District float by.
There are a few lakes to choose from but in our opinion, Ullswater is the best. The boat trip is on an old wooden panelled steamer which glides gracefully over the water. The lake is more remote than other areas with fewer crowds and the high mountains tightly surrounding the tear-shaped shoreline add a dramatic backdrop.
There’s a choice of routes connecting Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. For a great day out, we recommend getting the steamer from Glenridding to Howtown (45 minutes) and then doing the 3 to 4-hour walk back along the lovely undulating path by the side of the lake.
02 – HIKE SCAFELL PIKE
There is no better way to see the Lake District than on foot. There are hundreds of paths to explore from gentle strolls around glistening lakes to challenging hikes in the high fells. Some paths cut across rolling meadows, others traverse narrow ledges and rocky crevasses.
One of the best hill walks in the Lake District is to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. There are several routes to take, but in our opinion, the most scenic is the Corridor Route. This beautiful walk includes rolling farmland, deep picturesque gullies and dramatic mountain vistas. All the details are in our guide to hiking Scafell Pike.
For all our favourite walks read: 15 Best Walks in the Lake District which includes detailed instructions and maps.
03 – PHOTOGRAPH CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE
There are stone circles across the length and breadth of Britain, however Castlerigg Stone Circle is not only one of the oldest dating back to around 2,000 BCE, but it is also one of the most beautifully set.
Constructed in a grassy meadow protected by dry stone walls, the circle is surrounded by the mountains of Skiddaw and Blencathra, two of the grandest peaks in the Lake District.
At dawn or dusk on a sunny day, the long shadows of the stones create an air of mystery and a wonderful photo spot in the Lake District. On a cold windy day, the eerie bleakness makes you understand why it was home to rituals in earlier times.
04 – VISIT WORDSWORTH GRASMERE & DOVE COTTAGE
Wordsworth Grasmere is the recently renovated museum dedicated to William Wordsworth. It’s located next to Dove Cottage which was his home from 1799 to 1808 and the place where many of his most famous works were written.
The museum has a huge collection of artefacts dedicated to British Romanticism including over 68,000 manuscripts, as well as several rare first edition books, paintings, and personal belongings of artists from the era.
The Jerwood Centre, part of Wordsworth Grasmere contains 90% of Wordsworth’s original manuscripts as well as Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Journal.
The museum and cottage are a historic and interesting stroll through English literary history. Outside, the hillside garden was an inspiration to Wordsworth and remains semi-wild as it was during his time.
05 – SOAK IN THE VIEWS OF BUTTERMERE
Buttermere is a beautiful lake set in a remote part of the Lake District with mighty crags forming a forbidding barrier around it. The best views can be gained either by hopping out of the car as you drive along its northern edge or by taking the 2-hour stroll around its perimeter.
Don’t miss the stand of trees perched on the edge of the lake under the imposing crags of Haystacks. On a perfectly still day it forms a crystal-clear reflection making it one of our favourite views in the lake district.
The town of Buttermere is a lovely place to stroll around and try a classic Lake District ice cream. There are also great views from the Dale Head walk which starts at Gatesgarth at the western end of the valley.
06 – STROLL THE GARDENS AT HOLKER HALL
The landed gentry have been calling the Lake District home for years, building some of the finest stately houses in the country. Strolling immaculate grounds is a great circuit breaker from more energetic activities, and it’s a wonderful thing to do in the Lake District.
While the topiary gardens at Leven’s Hall are worth a nosy, the grand gardens at Holker Hall steal the show. A mix of formal gardens, flower-strewn meadows and tree-lined paths make it a lovely place to explore.
There are some oddities in the grounds too; a lone Sequoia, a small stand of Monkey Puzzle Trees and the Holker Great Lime, designated one of the Three Council’s 50 Great British Trees.
The magnificent magnolias and rhododendrons are out in April, but we have it on good authority (from the gardener) that July is the best time to visit.
07 – HAVE A PINT IN THE LANGDALE VALLEY
Comprising 5 imposing peaks, the Langdales is one of the most remote and dramatic areas of the Lake District. After a strenuous day exploring the Langdale Pikes, you’ll be ready for a rest by the end of the day. Luckily, this remote valley has some of the most authentic hiker’s pubs in the country.
Sticklebarn, a National Trust café, serves environmentally friendly food that aims to minimise its carbon footprint. It also has a great selection of beers, good facilities to freshen up and a few tables outside.
But one of the best watering holes in the Lake District is the legendary Hiker’s Bar in the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. There’s no pretence here, just a charmingly dated pub set directly under the towering pikes of the Langdales.
08 – AMBLE AROUND AMBLESIDE
Ambleside is a centrally located town on the northern shores of Windermere. Once a quiet market town, Ambleside has blossomed into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lake District. With a wide selection of shops, restaurants and accommodation options, it’s a great base for Lake District getaways.
Ferry services run from Waterhead Pier (about 1 mile from the centre of Ambleside) to Bowness, Windermere and Wray Castle. It’s also a great base to hire a canoe, stroll around the lake, or just feed the ducks.
Stock Ghyll Force, a dramatic 70-foot waterfall is just a short walk from the centre of town. The river that feeds it continues through Ambleside running under the charming 17th-century Bridge House – a popular photo spot in the Lake District.
09 – TAKE THE SHORT WALK UP LOUGHRIGG
Loughrigg is a little lump of a mountain in the centre of several beautiful Lake District valleys. The summit has wide-ranging views of lakes and tarns stretching in all directions, with pretty villages tucked under imposing flanks, and an amphitheatre of higher mountains in the distance.
The slopes of Loughrigg are stunning with bobbling mounds of grass strewn with sheep, heather-covered hillocks split by zigzagging dry stone walls, and paths leading over wooden stiles down to shimmering lakes.
The short hike up here is a thoroughly enjoyable thing to do in the Lake District. There are several different routes up and down, some of which only take 90 minutes. You can find instructions and maps on our guide to Lake District walks.
10 – SCOFF THE DELIGHTS OF CARTMEL
Cartmel, on the southern edge of the Lake District, has developed a reputation as a foodie destination. Chef Simon Rogan has set up shop with two Michelin-starred restaurants L’Enclume and Rogan & Co. Several of the hotels in town take pub grub to the next level, the Unsworth’s Yard Brewery is perfecting the art of craft beer and Cartmel Cheeses produces small batch production cheeses.
The most important contribution Cartmel has made to the British food scene, however, is in the form of sticky toffee pudding. While the origins of the dish are hotly disputed, the Village Shop in Cartmel popularised the dish by establishing a microwaveable, take-home version which is now sold in most supermarkets throughout the country.
You’ll recognise the charming Village Shop from their stick toffee packaging but it’s also a great place to pick up other delicacies.
11 – TAKE A BOAT ON WINDEREMERE
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and a popular spot for all types of boating excursions.
Winderemere Lake Cruises offer a selection of trips on traditional old steamers as well as sparkling new boats. They also offer electric motorboats and rowing boats for hire.
Another great way to experience the lake is on a restored heritage boat. Take a relaxing 30- or 75-minute journey from the Windermere Jetty Museum to enjoy the rugged scenery surrounding the lake. Knowledgeable skippers provide information about the lake and the conservation efforts required to keep it in top shape.
If you’re up for a self-powered adventure Brockhole on Windermere rent out Paddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes. There’s a 10-mile an hour speed limit on Windermere so make sure you stay within that if you’re particularly good with the paddles.
12 – WILD SWIM AT BLEA TARN
There are few more picturesque spots to swim in the Lake District than Blea Tarn. High up in the mountains, the still water perfectly reflects the impressive Langdale Pikes. In the early morning, as the mist slowly drifts from the lake, Blea Tarn is lavished with a cache of serenity. It’s the perfect spot for a rejuvenating wake-up swim.
When the sun is out and the lake is calm, it’s a lovely location and one of our favourite wild swimming spots in the Lake District.
Even if you don’t want to swim, the drive to Blea Tarn is stunning. There’s a National Trust car park right next to the tarn and a short easy path that runs down to the water. There are no facilities, so pack your own picnic supplies.
13 – ENJOY A CRAFT BEER AT HAWKSHEAD
Hawkshead is a charming village in the southern half of the Lakes, located between Windermere and Coniston Water. The small pedestrianised centre contains artisanal delis, old-school chocolate shops, cafes and traditional pubs.
One of our favourite stops in town is KITTchEN Bar and Beershop, a small bar with a big selection of craft ales. They offer some vegetarian friendly food and proceeds go to supporting homeless cats. If you’re in Hawkshead for the evening, don’t miss the regular rotation of events at KITTcheEN including the Quiz Night, singalong or open mic.
Another great thing to do in Hawkshead is to take the path from behind the churchyard to soak up the views of the village nestled among the hills
14 – SCRAMBLE UP HELVELLYN
Helvellyn is the third highest mountain in the Lake District but it punches above its weight. The best ascent is via the thin precipitous ridge of Striding Edge. This narrow arête is considered one of the easiest Grade 1 Scrambles in the country, making it the perfect course for beginners.
There are several paths to choose, so if the trail over the top looks too difficult, it’s possible to skirt the ridge and find a section that feels more achievable. No special equipment or knowledge of climbing is required, all you need is a good head for heights, steady foot placement, and a reasonable level of fitness.
Once at the top, the views of the crinkling ridges of the Lake District are unbeatable. Descend via Swirral Edge, a much wider ridge that will feel like a breeze after tackling Striding Edge on the way up.
15 – VISIT BEATRIX POTTER HOUSE, HILL TOP
Beatrix Potter purchased Hill Top Farm in the village of Near Sawrey in 1905 with the proceeds from her Peter Rabbit books. As a scientist, artist, farmer, and conservationist she took a keen interest in the unique hilly landscape of the area. Over the years she purchased several other farms to preserve the landscape, leaving most of her property to the National Trust.
Today, Hill Top is a freeze-frame of the authors life. Still full of her personal belongings and original artwork, the house and rambling garden is a delightful nod to the characters of her books. Cute signs call out inspirations that bring to life the stories of Jemima Puddle-Duck and Tom Kitten.
Capacity at Hill Top is managed in order to avoid overcrowding, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Walk-ins are possible but only if there is enough capacity inside. There is limited free parking on site. Entry is free for National Trust members.
16 – KAYAK ON DERWENTWATER
Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Keswick, Derwentwater is framed by the imposing crag of Catbells. It’s a stunning location with a moody disposition that can be perfectly still in the early morning, which is the best time to hit the water on a kayak.
Several places provide kayak hire at Derwentwater including Derwentwater Marina and Nichol End Marine both on the western end of the lake.
There are some lovely islands in the centre of Derwentwater which add to its picture-perfect charm. Landing is not permitted on the islands in order to protect the wildlife, however, admiring from up close on a kayak is a great way to see them.
17 – PICNIC AT TARN HOWS
Tarn Hows is a picturesque lake owned by the National Trust that is ideal for family picnics, easy strolls and relaxing days out. The path around the lake is less than 2 miles, making it an achievable walk for all levels of ability. In an effort to make the lakes accessible for everyone, the National Trust loans out mobility scooters free of charge. Pre-book one here.
It’s also a very dog-friendly location with several interesting suitable for four-legged companions. With livestock grazing all around the lake, dogs need to be kept on leads at all times.
There are toilets, a National Trust information van and a snack truck. Try to arrive before lunchtime in summer as Tarn Hows gets very busy.
18 – VISIT THE LAKELAND MOTOR MUSEUM
The Lakeland Motor Museum has a collection of over 140 classic cars and motorbikes as well as a huge display of bicycles, pedal cars, caravans and assorted motor-related memorabilia. The history of road transportation during the 20th century is documented through over 30,000 items.
Don’t miss the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, a special tribute to Malcom and Donald Campbell who broke the land and water speed records in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Lakeland Motor Museum is a great all-weather thing to do in the Lake District when it’s not looking too good outside. There’s a café overlooking the river.
19 – ADMIRE GREAT GABLE OVER WASTWATER
Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District, making it a very refreshing way to cool off. If the water temperature is a little off putting, sitting on the banks of this remote location and admiring the dramatic view is one of the best things to do in the Lake District.
With the sun reflecting off the mountains the water is illuminated in a shimmering glow. The imposing rocky spine of scree beside the lake perfectly captures the rugged and dramatic side to the area.
There are several little beaches sprinkled around the shore where you can launch for a long swim, and plenty of rocky platforms where you can sit back and soak up the view.
With few facilities around the lake, head to the Saw Mill Café and Farmshop not far from the southern end, or the atmospheric hiking pub Wasdale Head Inn just passed the northern end.
20 – CHASE WATERFALLS AT AIRA FORCE
Dropping 20 metres through a forest of towering trees, Aira Force is a powerful waterfall in a lovely setting that is a perfect family day out in the Lake District.
There are several hiking trails in the leafy park ranging from 0.5 miles to 2 miles and family friendly facilities including picnic spots, toilets and a café.
The habitat surrounding the falls is helping protect the endangered Red Squirrels, so keep an eye out for them as you wander along one of the many waterfall trails. There is also an incredible collection of exotic trees with information boards to explain the different varieties.
MAP / THINGS TO DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Our map of our favourite things to do in the Lake District includes everything we love about this beautiful area. To help you navigate while you are on the road, green is for activities including walks and cycle paths, brown is villages and gardens, blue is for lake-based adventures and yellow is – most importantly – all the great pubs.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
WHERE TO STAY
The Lake District is a large area with lots of different regions to stay based on what you are looking for. Some are great if you want the facilities and option of a large (but sometimes busy) towns, others are great for getting away from it all in remote areas.
We have put together a guide on all the different regions of the Lake District to help you decide where to stay.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
MORE READING FOR THE LAKE DISTRICT
We’ve been to the Lake District many times, and never run out of fantastic things to do. From adventurous scrambles to relaxing wild swimming, here are more of our guides from the lakes.
LAKE DISTRICT WALKS
15 of the best walks in the Lake District
The exhilarating walk up Blencathra
OTHER IDEAS
The best Lake District views and photography spots
Exploring the Langdale Pikes, Lake District
Our pick of the best Grade 1 scrambles in the Lake District
Best locations for wild swimming in the Lake District
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I think I’ll stick with the relaxing kayaking thank you lol!
Not even a quick scramble?
I’ve been wanting to try and experience this kind of adventure but I think I must enroll in a paddleboard lesson first for safety measures. This is awesome, thanks!
Thanks, Hannah – there are lots of adventures to be had in the Lake District.
Thanks for the info… Me and my adventure loving best friend will definitely visit this place soon…
Glad to hear it.
Wonderful blog!! Thanks for the amazing post. It is really a great blog to use for the travel lovers. For a special experience and wild nature, you must visit Shkodra – a gateway to the Albanian Alps.
We hope to be heading out to the Alps next year. Maybe our paths will cross. Thanks.
This post brought back very fond memories of a trip to the Lake District, one of my favorite destinations in Britain. We went hiking and paddling and also visited the Beatrix Potter museum. And, if I remember rightly, a pencil museum.
You do remember rightly. The Keswick Pencil Museum is a staple of wet weather days and great way to stock up on those 2hbs.
This post really shows that we need to head out of the cities and enjoy the Lake District on a return visit to England. Good to know there are some easy strolls to enjoy the scenery. And some great small towns to explore. Interesting to read that there are stone circles here too. We were intrigued when we visited Stonehenge and other stone circles around the world. We never pass on a chance to get out on the water. So good to see there are several options. Although I am probably passing on a wild swim in chilly waters. Not a great Canadian!
There’s no doubt it can be a bit cold. But it’s worth heading here for the scenery if nothing else. Thanks for your comment.
The view from Scafell Pike looks pretty, but I think the Loughrigg will be fine by me. I like your pictures of the Castlerigg Stone Circle with the shadows. It looks as dramatic as the color of the Black Moss Pot. And I think I will have good times even just strolling the Hawkshead Village.
We have to confess we got a bit lucky with the weather in May. Snowy tops and blue skies are a rare combination and was just perfect for the stone circle.
You’ve inspired me to definitely add this to my travel list. It spoke to me. I would love to do all these hikes, well maybe leave off the most challenging one of Via Ferrata. I would love to visit the stone circle, so the literary walk, rent e-bikes for the trails. And to top it off at a hikers pub. Great guide, saving for later.
Thanks a lot. Hope you make it out there in the not too distant future.
I have never been to Lake District or this side of the world. I definitely want to visit it someday. There are so many things to do at Lake District. Kayaking is something that I will surely do and also a boat on that lake seems amazing.
Hope you get the chance to visit. Its not easy at the moment but perhaps it will be better soon.
Wow! I did not realize that there is so much to do in the Lake District. I would love to drive over the high passes. The view is just breathtaking. Thank you for sharing about it. Will make sure to visit in the future. Studying the literary heritage sounds awesome too.
It’s got a little bit of interest for everyone and while most of the high passes are easy, you need to be a little careful going over Hardknott.
So much to do! Hiking, canoeing, exploring quaint villages and castles…the Lake District has been on my to-see list for awhile now. Sure hope things open up a bit again so I can travel where I want to! In love with your photo of the lake at the beginning of the post.
Thanks. That’s a picture of Loughrigg Tarn from the top of Loughrigg in what turned out to be beautiful evening light.
Oh man, we spent 3 weeks in England and so regret making it to this region…especially upon seeing your gorgeous photographs. I love that there is such a culture of walking in this region and thinking about the centuries of feet that have followed those trails. Plus, i love kayaking so i’d be paddling all over those lakes. Way to go for the cliff jump : )
I am not one for heights to be honest, so it looks higher than it was!
Your photos are so gorgeous! And the views from the high passes are quite amazing. It looks like such a beautiful place to visit!
Hope you get a chance to visit some time. Thanks for your comment.