Things to Do in the Lake District
Most people come for the walking. The fells, the lakes, the views. But there's more. Wildlife at Haweswater. Steamers on Windermere. Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth. This is the guide the tourism boards don't write.
Damian's Take
Why the Lakes Keeps Drawing People Back
I've walked Helvellyn a dozen times. Striding Edge in mist is not a joke. Go early, check the forecast, and bring layers. The summit can be brutal even in summer. But when the conditions are right, there's nowhere better.
The Lakes isn't just about the big fells. The ospreys at Haweswater are worth the drive. Grizedale has red squirrels and a sculpture trail that works for families. Windermere cruises are touristy but the views are genuinely good. And the villages, Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere, each have their own character.
The guide below covers all of it. We've been honest about what's worth your time and what isn't, and we've included the practical details that the official tourism sites tend to leave out.
On the Water
The Lakes
Four of the main lakes, each with a different character. Cruises, kayaking, and quiet shores.
Windermere
The main hub for visitors
Ten and a half miles long, Windermere is England's largest natural lake. Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside sit at either end. Cruises run year-round. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are all available. The western shore is quieter than the Bowness side.
Coniston Water
Quieter than Windermere
Five miles long, Coniston is where Donald Campbell set his world water speed records. The Steam Yacht Gondola runs from Coniston Pier. The village has a proper local feel. Good for a quieter day on the water.
Derwentwater
Islands, launches, and views
Keswick sits at the north end. Derwentwater has four islands, a launch service that runs to them, and some of the best views in the Lakes. Catbells rises from the western shore. A circuit of the lake is about 10 miles on foot.
Ullswater
Steamers and Helvellyn views
Nine miles long, Ullswater is often cited as the most beautiful of the lakes. The Ullswater Steamers run from Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Aira Force waterfall is on the western shore. Helvellyn dominates the skyline.
Water Sports
Kayaking, Sailing, Paddleboarding
Windermere and Coniston have the most options. Derwentwater and Ullswater have hire too. Book ahead at weekends in summer.
With Kids
Family Days Out
The Lake District works for families. These are the spots that actually deliver.
Grizedale Forest
Sculpture trail and Go Ape
Forest park between Windermere and Coniston. Sculpture trail, mountain biking, Go Ape, and family walks. The visitor centre has a café and bike hire. Red squirrels and red deer in the forest.
Grizedale, LA22 0QJ. Pay and display. Café and toilets on site.
Lakes Aquarium
Indoor option for wet days
At the southern tip of Windermere, near Newby Bridge. Good for a rainy afternoon. Otters, fish, and a touch pool. Allow a couple of hours.
Lakeside, LA12 8AS. Check opening times. Café on site.
Brockhole
Lake District Visitor Centre
Between Windermere and Ambleside. Free entry to the grounds. Adventure playground, treetop nets, mini golf. Café and shop. Good for a half-day with kids.
Brockhole, LA23 1LJ. Pay and display. Café and toilets.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Steam train
Heritage steam railway from Haverthwaite to Lakeside. Connects with Windermere cruises. Kids love it. Runs seasonally.
Haverthwaite, LA12 8AL. Check timetable. Combines well with a boat trip.
Honister Slate Mine
Via Ferrata and mine tours
At the top of Honister Pass. Mine tours, underground adventures, and the Via Ferrata for older kids and adults. The pass road itself is an experience.
Honister, CA12 5XN. Book ahead for Via Ferrata. Café on site.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Bowness attraction
In Bowness. Indoor attraction bringing the stories to life. Popular with younger children. Can get busy in school holidays.
Bowness, LA23 3BX. Check opening times. Book ahead at peak.
Beyond the Fells
Nature & Wildlife
Ospreys, red squirrels, and one of the best wetland reserves in the North West.
RSPB Haweswater
🦅Ospreys. Free hide. Best viewing April to September
The ospreys at Haweswater are the reason to go. Reintroduced in 2010, they breed here and can be seen from the hide. Get there before 10am if you want a decent spot. Take binoculars. The drive over the pass from Ambleside is dramatic.
Practical Information
Grizedale Red Squirrels
🐿️Native red squirrels in the forest
Grizedale Forest has a healthy red squirrel population. You're more likely to see them early in the morning on quieter trails. The sculpture trail is the main draw for most visitors, but the wildlife is there if you're patient.
Practical Information
Leighton Moss RSPB
🦆Largest reedbed in north-west England
Just outside the National Park, near Silverdale. Bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits. The reserve is a proper day out. Bring binoculars. The hides are well placed. Café on site.
Practical Information
History & Culture
Culture & Heritage
Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, Ruskin, and stone circles. The Lakes has more than the scenery.
Wordsworth's home
Dove Cottage
William Wordsworth lived here from 1799 to 1808. Grasmere. The museum and garden are worth a visit. Book ahead for the house tour.
Beatrix Potter's farm
Hill Top
Near Sawrey. The house where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her books. National Trust. Book ahead. Timed entry. Small house, big queues if you don't plan.
Neolithic. Free
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Near Keswick. One of the earliest stone circles in Britain. Free to visit. The views are as good as the stones. Allow 30 minutes.
Ruskin's home
Brantwood
Coniston. John Ruskin's house. Art, gardens, and lake views. Good for a rainy afternoon. Café.
Keswick
Theatre by the Lake
Professional theatre on the lake shore. Year-round programme. Worth booking for an evening if you're staying in Keswick.
Art gallery
Abbot Hall
Kendal. Georgian art gallery with a strong collection. Good for a half-day when the weather turns.
The Fells
Walks & Fells
The 214 Wainwrights draw completionists. These four are the ones everyone should know.
Helvellyn
England's third highest
The most popular fell in the Lakes. Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are the classic routes. Striding Edge in mist is not a joke. Go early, check the forecast, bring layers. The summit can be brutal even in summer.
Year-round. Check conditions in winter
DetailsScafell Pike
England's highest
3,209 feet. The big one. Multiple routes. Wasdale is the shortest but still a proper day. Seathwaite from Borrowdale is longer. Allow 6 to 8 hours. Take a map. Weather changes fast.
Year-round. Winter needs experience
DetailsCatbells
Family-friendly
Above Derwentwater. The classic introductory fell. Steep in places but achievable for most. Views over the lake and across to Skiddaw. Gets busy. Go early.
Year-round
DetailsOld Man of Coniston
Coniston's landmark
The pyramid above Coniston village. Multiple routes. The tourist path from the village is straightforward. Allow 4 to 5 hours. Good views over the lake and the southern fells.
Year-round
DetailsThe Wainwrights
214 Fells
Alfred Wainwright documented 214 fells in his seven Pictorial Guides. Completionists come from around the world to tick them all. Start with the classics and work up.
Sport & Outdoors
Activities
The Lakes is built for outdoor activity. Water, bikes, and climbing.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Windermere, Coniston, Derwentwater, and Ullswater all have hire. Calm water options for beginners. Book ahead at weekends.
Mountain Biking
Grizedale Forest has graded trails. Whinlatter has a purpose-built centre. The roads are serious for road cyclists.
Climbing & Via Ferrata
Honister has the Via Ferrata. Shepherd's Crag in Borrowdale. Plenty of outdoor centres for instruction.
Walking
The main event. From gentle lakeside strolls to the big fells. Check the forecast. Take a map. Know your exit.
Sailing
Windermere and Coniston have sailing clubs and hire. Derwentwater too. The lake is usually calm enough for beginners.
Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding has taken off. Windermere and Coniston. Hire available. Wetsuits recommended outside summer.
Shops & Villages
Shopping in the Lake District
Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere have the main shopping. Grasmere for gingerbread. Hawkshead for Beatrix Potter.
Outdoor gear and independents
Keswick
The main town in the north. Outdoor shops, bookshops, and cafés. Good for a browse after a walk.
Independent boutiques
Ambleside
Outdoor shops, galleries, and cafés. Compact and walkable. Good for a lunch stop.
Gingerbread and village shops
Grasmere
Famous for Sarah Nelson's gingerbread. Small, traditional, and busy in summer.
Beatrix Potter country
Hawkshead
Cobbled village. Near Hill Top. Independent shops and tea rooms.
Windermere's hub
Bowness
Tourist shops, restaurants, and the lake. Busy in summer. Good for boat hire.
Gateway town
Kendal
The main town before the Lakes. High street shops, Abbot Hall, and a good base.
Year-Round
Events in the Lake District
Mountain festivals, traditional sports, and music. The calendar runs year-round.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Outdoor activities and speakers.
Grasmere Sports
Traditional Cumbrian wrestling and fell races.
Kendal Calling
Music festival. Book early.
Grasmere Rushbearing
Traditional village festival.
Great North Swim
Windermere. Open water swimming event.
Keswick Beer Festival
Cask ales and music.
Plan Your Visit
What Kind of Trip?
Different visitors want very different things from the Lakes. Here's the guide by type.
Lake District with Kids
Grizedale sculpture trail, Brockhole, Lakes Aquarium, steam trains, and gentle walks. The Lakes works for families if you pick the right spots.
Family guide →
Free Things to Do
The fells, the lakeshores, the views. Most of the best stuff costs nothing. Castlerigg, Tarn Hows circuit, and any walk from the door.
Free days out →
Rainy Day Options
Lakes Aquarium, Hill Top, Abbot Hall, Theatre by the Lake, and the cafés of Ambleside and Keswick. The weather builds character.
Rainy day guide →
The Lakes for Adults
Fell walking, lake cruises, country pubs, and restaurants. The Lakes without children is a different experience. Book ahead at weekends.
Restaurants & pubs →Complete Your Visit
Where to Eat & Stay
Common Questions
Things to Do in the Lake District, FAQs
What is there to do in the Lake District?
Walking the fells, cruising the lakes, wildlife at Haweswater and Grizedale, culture at Dove Cottage and Hill Top, water sports on Windermere and Coniston, and village-hopping between Ambleside, Keswick, and Grasmere. The Lakes has more than most people fit into one trip.
Is the Lake District good for families?
Yes, if you pick the right spots. Grizedale, Brockhole, the steam railway, and gentle walks like Tarn Hows or around Derwentwater work well. Catbells is achievable for older kids. Avoid the big fells with young children unless they're experienced.
What is the Lake District famous for?
The fells, the lakes, Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and walking. Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain. Windermere is England's largest lake. The Wainwrights (214 fells) draw completionists from around the world.
Which lake is best to visit?
Depends what you want. Windermere has the most going on. Derwentwater has the best views. Ullswater is often called the most beautiful. Coniston is quieter. All are worth a day.
How far is Keswick from Windermere?
About 25 miles by road, roughly 45 minutes. The A591 runs through the middle. Ambleside and Grasmere are on the way. Allow longer in summer when the roads are busy.
What is free to do in the Lake District?
Walking. The fells, the lakeshores, Castlerigg stone circle, Tarn Hows, and most of the best views cost nothing. Parking charges apply at many car parks. The bus is a good way to avoid parking fees.
When is the best time to visit the Lake District?
Spring and autumn for fewer crowds and good walking weather. Summer is busy but the long days help. Winter can be spectacular but check conditions before heading onto the fells.
Are dogs allowed in the Lake District?
Yes, in most places. Keep dogs on leads near livestock. Some areas have seasonal restrictions. The main tourist attractions vary. Check before you go.
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