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Top Things to Do in Lake District, Cumbria

Places to visit in lake district.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. Center Parcs Whinfell Forest

32. Holker Hall and Gardens

33. Holehird Gardens

34. Scafell Pike Mountain

35. Loughrigg Fell

36. Helvellyn

37. Rookin House Activity Centre

38. Easedale Tarn

39. The Rheged Centre

40. Ruskin Museum

41. Lakes Aquarium

42. The Dock Museum

43. Bardsea Alpacas and Llamas

44. Ullswater Lake

45. Lake Grasmere

46. Cartmel Priory

47. Brantwood

48. Lake District National Park Guided Walks

49. Stott Park Bobbin Mill

50. Rydal Mount & Gardens

51. Furness Abbey

52. Laurel and Hardy Museum

53. Wordsworth House and Garden

54. Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre

55. Hardknott Pass

56. Hope Park

57. Windermere Jetty Museum

58. Lakeland Maze Farm Park

59. Keswick Railway Path

60. Fell Foot Park

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Plan Your Trip to Lake District: Best of Lake District Tourism

Explore Lake District

Essential lake district.

Trending in the forums

Lake District Is Great For

Historical tours.

Cultural Tours

Shopaholics

Plan Your Trip to Lake District: Best of Lake District Tourism

Explore Lake District

Explore our great value fares

Essential lake district.

Trending in the forums

Lake District Is Great For

Historical tours.

Cultural Tours

Shopaholics

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The 15 best things to do in the Lake District

From breathtaking hikes to theatre and culture, here's how to spend the perfect three days in the Lake District

The beauty of the Lake District is no secret, but you can’t really imagine just how beautiful it is unless you’ve seen it yourself. The Lake District is England’s largest national park, and its characterised for its huge wooded areas, serene lakes and the kind of rolling hills you think only exist as desktop backgrounds. 

But if you’re planning a trip there, there’s a whole lot more to get stuck into too. Think theatres looking over a lake, enchanting stone circles and beer tasting in some seriously cosy pubs. And yes, even a museum about pencils. We’ve made sure to compile food, drink and a ton of activities into our guide, ranking them on their affordability and fun. Whether you’ve got three days or a week here, these are our picks of the best things to do in the Lake District. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best hotels in the Lake District 🏞️ The most beautiful national parks in the UK 🥾 The best places to visit in the UK

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Best things to do in the Lake District

1.  See Lake Windermere

What is it?  This huge body of water is the largest natural lake in England, and a prime example of the picturesque Lake District.  

Why go?  No trip to the Lake District would be complete without a visit to Lake Windermere, with its exceptional views and bags full of fun activities. You can walk, climb, cycle and even Segway around it, but the most fun is had in the water. Or on it... hopefully. Escape hoi polloi and bag yourself a self-drive or rowboat. Don’t worry, you’ll get all the training and safety guidance you need.

2.  Climb the highest point in England, Scafell Pike

What is it?  Standing at 978m,  Scafell Pike is  the highest point in England. 

Why go?  A   journey to its summit and back will likely leave you with blisters and wind or rain-blasted skin. But you’ll also get a stunning view of the National Park and an enormous sense of smugness. Just make sure you prepare properly! That means checking the mountain forecast and getting the right gear (primarily, decent footwear). Sure it’s fun, but it's also a pretty chunky undertaking.

3.  Watch the birdie at the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre

What is it? The chance to get close to some of the Lake District’s birds of prey. Why go?  Ever wanted to meet an owl? Pet a falcon or a hawk? Feed an eagle or vulture? Now you can, with the ‘basic experience’ at the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre lasting for up to two hours. And if you want to stay longer? There are courses lasting a few days or even a week for those serious about their bird-handling skills.

4.  See a play at Theatre By The Lake

What is it? Guess... Why go? This Cumbrian creative hub boats one of the loveliest settings of any theatre, with stunning views of Derwentwater that make a visit to the café as worthwhile as seeing something on the stage. With its varied and always interesting programme though, it’s well worth getting a ticket for as this theatre is a highlight of any visit to the Lakes.

5.  Hike to the Castlerigg Stone Circle

What is it?  A fascinatingly intriguing collection of boulders that dates back to the Neolithic period, putting it on an equal footing with Stonehenge. 

Why go?   From the centre of Keswick it’ll take you roughly half an hour to walk to the circle. Look out for grazing sheep while you’re at it: they roam freely around the stone circle.  If you’re after something free and family or dog-friendly, this is a good option. Plus, the Stone Circle has a solar alignment, so head along for summer solstice – it’s one of the more tranquil midsummer celebrations.

6.  Follow the Beatrix Potter trail at Hill Top

What is it?  The verdant and charming former home of children’s author Beatrix Potter. She bequeathed her house to the National Trust upon her death in 1943, along with thousands of objects and personal effects.

Why go? At Hill Top you’ll see furniture, photos, unusual porcelain, paintings by Potter and much more – and you’ll get the chance to roam her famous garden. If you’re really bitten by the Potter bug, the National Trust offers a downloadable ‘Beatrix Potter trail’, taking explorers around parts of the Lake District that inspired her writing.

7.  Get starry-eyed at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre

What is it? An activity centre and place to stay in  England’s least inhabited valley. 

Why go?  When the nights draw in early, the Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre leads stargazing events with talks and telescopes. Thanks to its isolated location free of light pollution,  Low Gillerthwaite has  been officially named a Dark Sky Discovery Site and on a clear night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Become a member and bag yourself a whole bunch of perks, including discounted rates, newsletters and invitations to events.

8.  Explore Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s former home

What is it?  Where William Wordsworth properly laid his hat, in the postcard-pretty little village of Ambleside.

Why go? The late Romantic poet was born in Cumbria and left his mark all over the Lake District. As a young man, he moved around various spots in Grasmere before he finally settled in Ambleside in 1813, where he lived until his death in 1850. While the poet’s childhood home in Cockermouth is pegged as the Wordsworth abode to visit, this quaint sixteenth-century cottage known as Rydal Mount offers a different view of the man. Wander the stunning gardens that Wordsworth landscaped himself, peek inside his ‘writing hut’ and attic study, see his personal possessions and browse his library.

9.  Have a brew with a view at The Drunken Duck

What is it?  A gorgeous pub, dining room and hotel with good food and a  range of exceptional beers.

Why go? Who could resist a brew with a view? Especially when the view in question is full of fells and your pint has only travelled a few feet from the brewery next door. Barngates Brewery has been crafting lagers, ales and stouts beside the Drunken Duck Inn since 1997. You’ll find a range of their beverages at the inn, as well as a menu of British fusion food. If it’s on, try the Barngates Brathay Gold – it’s an absolute belter of a golden ale. Plus it’s very refreshing… which might come in handy with all that walking.

10.  Pig out on Grasmere Gingerbread

What is it?  This little shop that sells the famous Grasmere Gingerbread is in fact where the sweet, ginger-flavoured treat was born. 

Why go?  Victorian baker Sarah Nelson, who once lived in the cottage, came up with the concoction there in 1854. This delicate, spiced, wonderfully chewy gingerbread has been a big seller ever since, and you can only get it from a few select places. Our recommendations would be the shop, naturally, or the Wordsworth Hotel next door, where you can sit down and enjoy your gingerbread with a cuppa. Trust us on this: try it with cheese, ideally bought from the Keswick Cheese Deli – it’s one of the Lake District's best.

11.  Get cosy at The Mortal Man

What is it? An old-school inn and lodgings that has been here since 1689 and oozes character, from the low, beamed ceilings to the roaring log fire. 

Why go?  Just outside Windermere and Ambleside you’ll find Troutbeck Valley, home to The Mortal Man. The menu is traditional British fare and is especially enjoyable in the garden on a summer’s day. Keep an eye on the events schedule: depending on what nights you’re there, you can either see some live music, spoken word (performers get a free drink) or join in on the quiz.

12.  Tuck into a locally-sourced meal at Old Stamp House

What is it? A unique restaurant offering a taste of the Lake District and a dose of literary history – in 1813, Wordsworth was appointed Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland and he worked out of this very building.

Why go? Ingredients are sourced from the surrounding woodlands, forests, mountains and coastline and turned into contemporary dishes. Roasted wild brill, Herdwick hogget (lamb) and hand-dived scallop are just some of the items on the menu. Make sure you book as it can get busy. And if you’re watching the pennies? Go for lunch – there’s a great-value set lunch menu.

13.  Sink a drink at The Lakes Distillery

What is it?  A top-notch distillery producing gin, whisky and vodka using loads of local produce.

Why go? The Lakes Distillery is a relative newbie to the scene, having only opened in 2014, but it’s fast becoming a go-to- destination in Cumbria. Tours and tastings run daily, and at the weekend you can meet their resident alpacas! There’s also a fully-stocked shop, should you want to take a little something home. Need to soak up some of that booze? There’s a very decent little restaurant here, too.

14.  Visit the quirky Derwent Pencil Museum

What is it?  A quirky – but brilliant – museum about one of the more mundane things in life. 

Why go?  This modest building, which sits in the shadow of the old Cumberland Pencils factory, is home to the world’s first ever pencil. You’ll also find spy pencils from World War Two, an 8m colouring pencil, a café and a shop. Keen artists should take a look at the ‘Artist in Residence’ courses, with notable and local artists hosting classy-looking workshops.

15.  See the last working mine in England

What is it?  Honister Slate Mine is the last working mine in England and the producer of green slate extracted from Fleetwith Pike.

Why go? This fascinating place   does a range of activities for all ages and abilities. From the relatively gentle tour through the underground mine shafts to scaling the side and inside of a mountain, as well as crossing a terrifying infinity bridge, you have plenty to keep you occupied here. Fun fact: Honister is also home to the highest café in the National Park. Make a beeline for a surprisingly good souvenirs shop, too – it sells stuff a step above the usual overpriced tat.

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The top things to do in the Lake District, according to Tripadvisor

The Lake District offers a wide range of fun activities for visitors and locals to enjoy.

So to help you plan your next trip, we've compiled a list of the top five places to visit in the area, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

Taking the number one spot is Lake Windermere.

At over ten miles long, it is England's largest lake, and it offers a wealth of recreational opportunities including cruises, fishing, boating, sailing, and scuba diving.

With its beautiful views and a plethora of pubs, cafes, and shops along the lake to explore, Lake Windermere is a must-visit destination.

One reviewer described it as having "quaint little gift shops and touristy things to do".

This picturesque lake has received an impressive 4,150 ratings on TripAdvisor, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

In second place is Alpacaly Ever After, which offers the chance to take alpacas out for a walk.

Visitors have the option to choose between walks around The Lingholm Estate or Whinlatter Forest.

There are also meet and greets at The Lakes Distillery or Lingholm, as well as llama treks for those who fancy climbing a local mountain.

According to one delighted reviewer, the walk with Alpacaly Ever After was "one of the best activities I’ve ever done," praising their knowledgeable guide and the friendly alpacas.

This attraction has been highly rated on TripAdvisor, receiving 1,564 ratings with a 5-star average.

Ranking third is Aira Force Waterfall, a natural wonder that has been drawing visitors for over 300 years.

The waterfall, with its impressive 65-foot leap, is just one aspect of the attraction.

A network of trails leads visitors through Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit.

One visitor was pleasantly surprised, stating that Aira Force "exceeded expectations" and praising the range of trail options.

The waterfall has gained 2,368 ratings on TripAdvisor, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Derwentwater secures the fourth spot on the list.

Only a short stroll from Keswick town centre, visitors can feed the birds and enjoy the picturesque view of the many islands that dot the lake.

One reviewer said: "Took a lovely walk right down to its shores, fed the birds and enjoyed looking across to the many islands during a lovely sunny day. Lots of people out enjoying life and smiling. "Would like to try out a boat trip next time we're in town."

It has 2,960 ratings and a perfect 5-star average.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere takes the fifth spot on the list.

Here, Beatrix Potter's beloved stories come to life in 3D, allowing visitors to learn about the famous author, meet Peter Rabbit, and wander through Mr. McGregor's kitchen garden.

One reviewer raved about the attraction, noting that their child loved it and became an even bigger fan of Peter Rabbit after the visit.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction has amassed 2,881 ratings on TripAdvisor, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

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Access times to car parks in Kendal - Lake District Forum

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Access times to car parks in Kendal

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I am staying in Kendal on the night of Saturday 22 June 2024 but the hotel (Premier Inn) says it is unlikely to have spare spaces in its own limited parking area.

I would rather that 90% confidence be 100% because I'll have a passenger who doesn't need the stress ! Could some kind person out there confirm that I can drive into these car parks after 8pm ?

Many thanks

3 replies to this topic

Blackhall Road is definitely open 24/7. I expect the others are too but I don’t use those.

Many thanks !

Library Road is open. No gates. Look at Google Streetview to see for yourself.

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Checking in: Langdale Chase is the perfect Lake District escape

By Hatta Byng

This grand Victorian house on the shores of Lake Windermere makes for a deeply comfortable place from which to explore the beauty of the Lake District . For me, the recently renovated hotel was a perfect lure to entice my family to dip their toes (literally) into the Lakes for the time.

Why stay here

On a warm summer’s evening having a drink or dinner on the long terrace with its grand balustrade overlooking England’s largest lake, I imagine you could fool yourself you were actually on Lake Como. Right on the waterfront, you can swim from the jetty below the hotel and there is so much to do and explore within a short drive but you could easily get away with never venturing beyond the hotel’s grounds. The staff are chatty and helpful and keen to make sure you get the most out of your stay.

Design notes

The house was built in 1890 for a wealthy Manchester businessman and is grand in scale and ambition with turrets, gables and stained glass galore. Everything revolves around the Great Hall, a double height, panelled space, but all main reception rooms and bedrooms look out to the extraordinary lake view. The hotel sits in a six-acre garden laid out in 1890 and which is currently being restored and reimagined by Annie Guilfoyle.

The recent renovation has brought the hotel up to date with carefully chosen patterns and colours to ensure the view is still the main focus. Each bedroom is decorated individually and many have interesting architectural details - including one with an original stained-glass ceiling and another two with secret wardrobe doors into bathrooms. Comfort is key. We (me, my husband and three children) weren’t totally sure of the Toto loos but they nevertheless provided amusement, and the bathrooms were spacious and luxurious. We were charmed by the relevant selection of books in each bedrfoom, and fought over the pair of binoculars on the window sill.

What’s around

You are in the heart of the Lake District. The downside is you have to get in the car for any exploring or activity, but it’s a very quick drive to Ambleside where you can hire a boat or paddle board. There are plenty of water sports opportunities and of course endless walking. We drove around to the other side of the lake through what seemed like ancient countryside, mesmerisingly beautiful and untouched, and did a woodland walk through National Trust land looking down over the lake. If we’d have been more organised we’d have booked Sunday lunch at The Drunken Duck .

There are 30 rooms, including seven suites, across the main house and the Lakehouse. Some rooms have balconies or a terrace - ours came complete with a hot tub. Several dog-friendly rooms can be accessed from the garden so there is no fear of them bothering other guests. One suite is in the historic Boathouse, set apart from the main house and right on the water, with a wraparound balcony and rooftop terrace.

By Serena Fokschaner

By Christabel Chubb

By Emily Tobin

Food and drink

You can eat from the all day menu in the bar and lounge areas which includes the likes of a chicken club sandwich and a caesar salad. Or you can dine - very finely - in the main restaurant where the food is artful and interesting. Perhaps at times it is a little too clever, for my personal taste, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Afternoon tea seemed to be very popular and includes cakes beautifully crafted into the shapes of the fruit they are flavoured. We missed out because my children were instead helping themselves to bento boxes and ice cream in the cinema.

Family-friendly and accessibility

My children loved it here. We had two large rooms that were joined together for our stay and theirs had a huge balcony with a copper bath jacuzzi, perfect for warming up after a swim in the lake. There were child size dressing gowns and slippers and beakers of milk in the fridge.

Booking essentials

Rooms and Langdale Chase start from £390 for two people sharing, including breakfast. Ambleside Road, Ecclerigg, Windermere LA23 1LW

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