30 fun things to do in the Lake District

The Lake District is packed with things to see and do.  Whether you’re looking for family fun, an adrenaline rush, to explore the lakes by water … our list of recommendations should help keep you busy.

1 - Lakes Laser Tag

Family fun for 6+
lakeslasertag.co.uk

A super fun, action packed afternoon of adrenaline and laughs! Zero impact action game play, outside in the fresh air. A game consists of two teams of players who aim to complete the games mission. Players are “tagged” when “shot” by a beam of light. These beams are shot from high tech, easy to use guns that are held by each player. Sensors on each player pick up the beam of light that is shot from the other team and if these are hit the player loses “life force”.

2 - Escape Room at Cliffhanger Rooms

Family fun for all ages
cliffhangerrooms.co.uk

Can you crack the clues to escape the room? A brain teasing series of clues to find and codes to crack to escape the room before time runs out. Similar to the crystal maze TV show but without the physical effort. You have to be smart and think outside of the box to crack the clues and solve the puzzles. Work as a team to unlock the door before time runs out.

3 - Paddleboarding, watersports and land activities at Graythwaite Adventure

Family fun for all ages
graythwaiteadventure.co.uk

Guests can choose from 4×4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing and bushcraft all year round and from April to October, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, or you may opt for the more leisurely RIB tour – a fine way to enjoy the lake. Experiences are private, just for the number of people in your party whether it’s 2 or 22, so you’ll have the dedicated attention of one of their friendly and professional instructors. 

4 - Rowing boats at Brockhole

Family fun for all ages
brockhole.co.uk/activities/boat-hire/

People have been enjoying the Lake District by rowing boat since the 19th Century! Located between Bowness and Ambleside, Brockhole on Windermere is the best place to hire rowing boats in the Lake District. Avoid the crowds of Bowness, instead, relax and admire the breathtaking Lakeland scenery that surrounds the northern basin of Windermere.

5 - Lake Cruise on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises

Family fun for all ages
windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Windermere is England’s largest lake and what better way to see it in all its glory but by boat!  No matter where you start your journey, be it Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside the spectacular voyage gives the traveller magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.

6 - High Ropes Adventure Course at Treetop Trek

An award-winning aerial adventure where you can swing, climb, balance and fly your way through the woodland canopy!  There are two treks through the woodland both designed for adults and juniors to enjoy.

7 - Various Activities at Brockhole

Family fun for all ages
brockhole.co.uk

Brockhole on Windermere is the perfect Lakeland destination for all the family to enjoy. Keep everyone entertained with plenty of activities around our grounds and in the house; try your hand at archery, discover our faerie trail, and race around in our Krazi Karts. For those wanting to get out on the lake, we have motor boats for hire as well as kayaks, paddleboard, and rowing boats.

8 - Various Activities at Fell Foot

Family fun for all ages
nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot

Fell Foot near Newby Bridge is one of the few places where you can access England’s largest lake. This family-friendly park is perfect for paddling, boat hire or swimming. If you’d rather stay dry on land, relax on the lawn for a summer picnic with impressive mountain views, or stroll along the paths to the meadows and pinetum. Three recently restored Gothic boathouses along the lakeshore also shed light on the park’s history.

9 - Indoor Climbing at Ambleside Adventure

Family fun for 6+
brockhole.co.uk

From beginners to experts, from indoor climbing to summitting Lakeland mountains, our encouraging and enthusiastic instructors will work hard to help our customers achieve their goals. At Ambleside Climbing Wall in the heart of the Lake District, experienced climbers can get open access to a climbing wall with regular new routes set with creativity and a passion for movement, training facilities, friendly staff and a café with views overlooking the wall and surrounding fells.

10 - Greenlands Farm Village

Family fun for all ages
greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk

An artisan village in an open farm including a produce shop, craft outlets and a garden centre. You can pet storybook farm animals, pedal (size permitting!) a mini tractor, lark about in a hay strewn play barn, explore the wooden adventure set inside it and, should the sun be shining, picnic by the paddocks (but don’t worry if it is raining – much of Greenlands is undercover). through a hand-selected range of distinctive toys, books, clothes, soaps and skincare, plants and wines.

11 - Spa day at The Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting. Breathe, refresh, relax and take either a Spa Day or Spa Break where you can enjoy 3 hour Thermal Journey.

12 - Pony Trekking at Rookin House

Family fun for all ages
rookinhouse.co.uk

Rookin House cater for total beginners and experienced riders with a choice of over 35 well-mannered and willing horses and ponies – there is a horse to suit everyone! The rides go along bridleways and quiet country lanes across open fells and through forests. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Ullswater and Matterdale valleys.

13 - Ghyll Scrambling with Adventure North West

Family fun for 6+
adventurenorthwest.co.uk

The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting. Breathe, refresh, relax and take either a Spa Day or Spa Break where you can enjoy 3 hour Thermal Journey.

14 - Orienteering at Whinlatter

Why not try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels! The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. If you are a little more competitive the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time. Various trails are available for children and families, beginners and experts.he rides go along bridleways and quiet country lanes across open fells and through forests. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Ullswater and Matterdale valleys.

15 - The World of Beatrix Potter

Family fun for all ages
hop-skip-jump.com

The World of Beatrix Potter is a vibrant family attraction bringing to life Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories in a magical recreation of the beautiful Lake District countryside. The exhibition features favourite characters from the famous books, an award-winning outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden, a superb character-themed family-friendly café and world-famous gift shop ensuring all generations of visitors can experience a little bit of Beatrix Potter magic.

16 - Windermere Jetty Museum

Take an adventure to the Lake District’s award-winning museum and visitor destination, a vibrant, family-friendly place dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. This spectacular museum reflects industry and engineering in one of England’s most famously beautiful locations, the Lake District National Park.

17 - Cinema Trip at The Royalty Cinema

Catch the latest movies at The Royalty Cinema in Bowness on Windermere.  Set in an Art Deco-era building with period auditorium and a Wurlitzer organ!  Make a night of it and grab something to eat before in one of the many nearby restaurants. 

18 - Wild Swimming all over the county

Family fun for all ages
visitlakedistrict.com/

Wild swimming has become even more popular recently because of the health benefits.  These include boosting your immune system, improving your circulation, boosts your brain power and releases endorphins which is important to keep your mental health in check. The Lake District is the perfect place to explore lakes, tarns, waterfalls and rivers.

19 - Lakes Aquarium

Family fun for all ages
lakesaquarium.co.uk

Lakes Aquarium is situated at Lakeside, a stunning lakeside location at the southern tip of Windermere. The aquarium is home to one of the largest collections of UK freshwater fish, discover Pike, Sturgeon, Perch and Carp. You will also find a range of UK marine fish as can be found in the local Morecambe Bay including Rays, British sharks and more. Plus there are a range of creatures from further afield such as Asian Short clawed otters, reptiles, Piranhas, Seahorses, Clownfish and much more…  

20 - Lowther Castle

Family fun for all ages
lowthercastle.org

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest’s most spectacular visitor attractions. Explore the ruins, the gardens, the cafes and The Lost Castle, one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds – built as an echo of the ruin itself. Zipwires, turrets, slides and sandpits cater for all ages.

21 - Holker Hall & Gardens

Family fun for all ages
holker.co.uk

A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much-loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the famous herd of Menil fallow deer, showcasing nature at its most graceful. Holker offers beautiful landscaped grounds, a small playground & picnic area. The gift shop offers a selection of items for home and garden, while the Courtyard Cafe offers delicious homemade food, cakes and daily specials.

22 - Mountain Biking

Family fun for all ages
visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/

Burn off some energy whilst discovering off the beaten path locations. Cycling isn’t just for cyclists it’s for everyone to enjoy, young and old.  If you don’t have your bikes with you, there are plenty of excellent bike hire companies who can supply and deliver a range of bikes to your doorstep.

23 - Golf at Windermere Golf Club

Family fun for all ages
windermeregolfclub.co.uk

A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much-loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the famous herd of Menil fallow deer, showcasing nature at its most graceful. Holker offers beautiful landscaped grounds, a small playground & picnic area. The gift shop offers a selection of items for home and garden, while the Courtyard Cafe offers delicious homemade food, cakes and daily specials.

24 - Adventure Activities at Honister

Family fun for all ages
honister.com

Honister produce the world famous Westmorland Green Slate and they also provide the most thrilling, interesting and memorable Lake District Adventures on offer, whatever the weather. Their activities include Via Ferrata, Infinity Bridge, Climb the Mine, Adrenaline Pass and much more. Honister is a must for adrenaline junkies!

25 - Steam Train at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Family fun for all ages
ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Lakeland’s oldest, longest and most scenic railway! This is a journey to delight all ages with seven miles of ever-changing countryside and coastal scenery from the Western Lake District Coastal village of Ravenglass to England’s highest mountains at the terminus station. This is a sunny and wet weather attraction with open top and closed carriages for your comfort and the best views. The journey itself was one of Wainwright’s favourites, crossing seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range!

26 - Miles without Stiles

Honister produce the world famous Westmorland Green Slate and they also provide the most thrilling, interesting and memorable Lake District Adventures on offer, whatever the weather. Their activities include Via Ferrata, Infinity Bridge, Climb the Mine, Adrenaline Pass and much more. Honister is a must for adrenaline junkies!

27 - The home of Wordsworth - Wordsworth Grasmere

Family fun for all ages
wordsworth.org.uk

In 1799 William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, largely unknown and writing innovative poetry that came as a shocking contrast to the fashionable verses of the time. Whilst living at Dove Cottage with his family, Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal. Wordsworth Grasmere tells the story of this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. 

28 - Tour at Lakes Distillery

Tour is suitable for all ages
lakesdistillery.com

Go behind the scenes at the state-of-the-art distillery where their whiskymaker’s unique approach comes to life. Accompanied by an expert tour guide, you can explore the Still Room, learn about the impact of oak and cask seasoning on flavour creation, and discover how to make The Lakes whisky, gin, and vodka. Afterwards, guests over the age of 18 are invited to finish the tour by enjoying a hosted tasting of three of The Lakes’ spirits.

29 - The Kitchen & Walled Garden at The Lingholm Estate

Family fun for all ages
thelingholmkitchen.co.uk

In 1799 William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, largely unknown and writing innovative poetry that came as a shocking contrast to the fashionable verses of the time. Whilst living at Dove Cottage with his family, Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal. Wordsworth Grasmere tells the story of this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. 

30 - Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Family fun for all ages
lakelandmaze.co.uk

Raines Hall Farm is a working farm, so as well as cattle, sheep and various breeds of pig, there are ferrets, rabbits, small rodents, llamas, alpacas, goats, horses and donkeys! With plenty of different animals to see, everyone will have a favourite! Raines Hall Farm is the home of Lakeland’s maize maze which is open July to September. Also available are air bouncers, trampolines, outdoor karting and tractor and trailer rides.

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