25 Best Things to Do in the Lake District

If you’re looking for a scenic, adventure-filled getaway, the Lake District won’t disappoint. It’s one of my all-time favourite places to visit in the UK.

Located in North West England, the Lake District is known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and rugged mountains. From hiking and water sports to culture and relaxing spa days, there’s enough here to fill several trips.

What I love most about this region is how easily you can tailor it to how you like to travel, whether you’re an adventurer, a relaxer, or a bit of both like me.

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🎬 My Lake District travel vlog

Watch my Lake District travel vlog or continue reading below:

🗺️ Map of the best things to do in the Lake District

Use my map below to see where to find everything on this list.

💧 On the water

The Lake District’s lakes are the obvious place to start. Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater each have their own character, and I think each is as stunning as the next.

Windermere is the largest and most popular, and it’s where I’ve spent most of my time in the region, as there’s so much on offer around its shores. 

Derwentwater is quieter and great for boating and hiking, Ullswater has the most dramatic scenery, and Coniston Water is a favourite for water sports.

1. Canoeing and kayaking

Derwentwater, Coniston Water and Windermere are all popular spots for paddling, and renting a canoe or kayak is a great way to explore at your own pace. You can hire equipment from outfitters around the area, and some offer guided tours.

2. Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a relaxing, surprisingly good workout way to see the lakes. You can rent boards from several locations around Windermere, and most outfitters offer lessons if you’re new to it.

3. Boat cruises and steamers

For a more leisurely way to take in the scenery, book a boat cruise or steamer ride. I’d recommend Windermere Lake Cruises, which offers everything from 45-minute trips to three-hour cruises down to Lakeside.

Ullswater Steamers also run a scenic two-hour cruise past some of the area’s best scenery.

4. Wild swimming

Wild swimming is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Lake District, but it isn’t without risk. Always check the water temperature and depth, bring the right kit (a wetsuit and swim shoes help), and be aware of hazards like strong currents or submerged rocks.

Some of the best wild swimming spots, recommended by locals and fellow travellers:

• Buttermere: Picturesque and well-suited to a refreshing swim, though the water runs cold, so a wetsuit is worth it.
• Wastwater: Deep, clear water with a dramatic mountain backdrop, also cold.
• Coniston Water: A good mix of secluded coves and open water, with plenty of cafes and pubs nearby afterwards.
• Rydal Water: Small, calm and shallow, a good choice if you’re newer to wild swimming.
• Thirlmere Infinity Pool: My favourite of the lot. It sits on the southern edge of Thirlmere and its infinity edge gives the illusion of merging with the mountains behind it. The walk up is short but steep, and worth every step.

Always follow the countryside code and respect the environment while you’re in the water.

🥾 On foot

The Lake District is one of the best places in the UK for walking, with something to suit every ability. Here’s where to start.

5. Climb Scafell Pike

As the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike is a challenge with a real sense of accomplishment at the top. Come prepared with sturdy boots, warm layers, and plenty of water and snacks, and check the forecast before you set off.

The most popular route starts at Wasdale Head: around six miles round trip with roughly 989m of ascent, typically taking four to five hours. The path is well-marked but involves steep, rocky sections, including the famous boulder field near the summit where you’ll need to scramble.

Once you’re back down, treat yourself to one of the best afternoon tea spots in the Lake District.

6. Walk Catbells

A shorter hike with big views, Catbells is around three miles and offers standout views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. It’s suitable for most ages and abilities, though it’s steep in places, so wear sturdy footwear.

7. Take on Helvellyn

One of the region’s most popular hikes, Helvellyn is around eight miles and takes six to seven hours. The route crosses Striding Edge, a narrow, exposed ridge with steep drops on either side, so it’s not one for anyone nervous of heights.

8. Chase waterfalls

The Lake District is home to some of the best waterfalls in the UK. My personal favourite is Whorneyside Force near Great Langdale, a bit of a trek to reach but rarely busy once you’re there.

Aira Force in Ullswater is another highlight, a 65-foot waterfall framed by a stone footbridge that makes for a postcard shot. For something more secluded, Scale Force drops over 170 feet through quiet woodland and takes a bit more effort to reach.

👉 See my full list of best waterfalls in the Lake District.

9. Hike to Cathedral Cave and Slaters Bridge

This moderate walk from the car park near Tilberthwaite Quarry runs about four and a half miles and takes two to three hours, passing small waterfalls and streams along the way. 

Cathedral Cave itself is striking, a series of limestone caverns with a dramatic opening where light pours in.

From the cave, the trail continues to Slaters Bridge, a 17th-century stone bridge over the River Brathay and a nice spot to rest before heading back.

10. Cycle the trails

You can hire bikes from Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick, including e-bikes if you’d rather let the hills do less of the work. For a bigger challenge, the region has a wealth of mountain biking trails, from gentle off-road paths to technical singletrack.

Whatever you’re riding, get a helmet and full protective gear, especially if you’re mountain biking. Learn from my mistake – my arm is badly scarred from a mountain biking accident in which the only safety equipment I had was a helmet!

11. Walk to the best viewpoints

Two of my favourite short walks for a view: Friar’s Crag, a short stroll on the edge of Derwentwater looking across to Catbells and the surrounding hills. Secondly, Loughrigg Fell from Elterwater, a relatively easy climb with fantastic views back over the village and the fells beyond.

📖 History, heritage and culture

12. Step into the world of Beatrix Potter

Start at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse in Near Sawrey, which she bought in 1905 and which inspired many of her stories. Nearby, Yew Tree Farm was also once in her ownership and is worth a stop.

Then head to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere, an interactive museum with life-size character models and exhibits that bring her stories to life, good for all ages.

13. Explore the castles

The Lake District is home to several historic castles worth exploring:

🏰 Muncaster Castle (Ravenglass CA18 1RQ) dates back to the 13th century and sits in the beautiful Eskdale Valley, with interiors full of antique furniture, paintings and tapestries, and gardens filled with exotic planting.

🏰 Wray Castle (Low Wray, Ambleside LA22 0JA) is a 19th-century Gothic Revival folly on the shores of Windermere, open to the public with family-friendly exhibits.

🏰 Sizergh Castle (Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8DZ) has medieval origins dating to the 14th century, added to over the centuries, and is set among beautiful gardens and woodland near Kendal.

14. See Castlerigg Stone Circle

One of Britain’s most important prehistoric sites, this Neolithic stone circle near Keswick dates back to around 3000 BC and is made up of 38 stones, some over three metres tall. Its exact purpose is still unknown, but the setting, ringed by mountains, is reason enough to visit.

15. Visit the museums

Here are my top three picks of Lake District museums:

Wordsworth Grasmere 

👉 Original manuscripts, letters and personal belongings of the poet, in the village where he lived for years.

Lakeland Motor Museum

👉 A large collection of vintage cars, motorbikes and motoring history, family-friendly.

The Puzzling Place

👉 A fun, small museum of optical illusions and puzzles.

Also worth a look are the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, the Ruskin Museum in Coniston, and the Armitt Museum in Ambleside.

🌿 Gardens, stately homes and villages

16. Wander the gardens and stately homes

Three worth building a stop around:

🌷 Holker Hall & Gardens

📍 Cark, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL

25 acres of gardens, including a walled garden and wildflower meadow, plus guided tours of the hall. The 2026 season runs from 18 March, Wednesday to Sunday plus bank holiday Mondays, gardens 10am-5pm, hall 11am-3.30pm.

📚 Rydal Mount & Gardens

📍 1 Rydal Mount, Rydal, Ambleside LA22 9LU

This former home of William Wordsworth changed ownership in 2025, and the Wordsworth Trust completed its acquisition in March 2026. The gardens are currently listed as closed while the transition takes place, so check the Wordsworth Trust site before planning a visit.

🌲 Brantwood House & Gardens

📍 East of Lake, Coniston LA21 8AD

The former home of John Ruskin, with terraced lawns, a woodland walk and a collection of rare plants. Open mid-March to end November daily 10.30am-5pm, winter Wed-Sun 10.30am-4pm.

17. Explore the villages

Three of my favourites, each with its own character:

🫚 Grasmere( LA22 9PZ) – known for its links to William Wordsworth, with Dove Cottage, quaint shops, and the famous Grasmere gingerbread.

🐰 Hawkshead (LA22 0NS) – cobbled streets, Beatrix Potter connections, and a short walk out to Tarn Hows.

🐎 Cartmel (LA11 6PN) – home to the racecourse, a 12th-century priory, and the original Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.

Read my full guide to the prettiest towns and villages in the Lake District.

🥂 Food, drink and relaxing

18. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant

The Lake District punches well above its weight for fine dining. L’Enclume in Cartmel, run by Chef Simon Rogan, is the standout, with a tasting menu built on locally sourced ingredients.

I’d also recommend SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel (read my full review of Gilpin Hotel and Lake House), Forest Side in Grasmere for modern British cooking in a Victorian mansion, and The Samling for a more relaxed setting with views over Windermere.

👉 Read my full guide to the best restaurants in the Lake District.

19. Enjoy afternoon tea with a view

The Inn on the Lake in Ullswater serves a traditional afternoon tea in its Orangery, overlooking the lake and mountains. Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden on Derwentwater is another lovely option, with homemade cakes and fell views.

For something different, Ullswater Steamers run a “Steamer Afternoon Tea,” combining a lake cruise with sandwiches, cakes and scones.

👉 Read my full pick of afternoon tea spots in the Lake District.

20. Tour the Lakes Distillery

If gin, whisky or vodka is your thing (gin, for me!), the Lakes Distillery tour is worth the visit. You’ll see the stills and fermentation tanks, learn how the spirits are made using local ingredients, and finish with a guided tasting.

Standard tours start at £18 for adults.

21. Have a spa day

Brimstone Spa, within the Langdale Estate, is one of my favourites, with a thermal suite that includes a Himalayan salt steam room, a Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub (read my full review of Brimstone Hotel and Spa).

Gilpin Hotel and Lake House also has an excellent spa menu (read my review of staying at Gilpin Lake House).

👉 Other spas worth booking: Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, and Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa.

🦅 Family days out and unique experiences

22. Explore Whinlatter Forest

📍 Address: Whinlatter Pass, Keswick CA12 5TW

Whinlatter is a great family day out, with the Go Ape treetop adventure course as the main draw (I’ve done several Go Ape courses over the years and they’re always good fun).

There are also walking trails, mountain biking routes for most levels, and a WildPlay adventure area for younger children.

Keep an eye out for red squirrels as you wander through the trees.

23. Catch a show at Theatre by the Lake

📍 Address: Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DJ

This award-winning Keswick theatre runs a varied programme across its two stages, from drama and comedy to musicals, with many productions staged in-house alongside touring shows. There’s pre-theatre dining at the on-site Bistro at the Lake, with views over Derwentwater.

Book ahead, performances sell out quickly, especially in peak season.

24. Meet the birds at Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre

📍 Address: Moorhouse Rd, Thurstonfield, Carlisle CA5 6HB

This falconry centre is home to owls, eagles, hawks and falcons, with daily flying displays and hands-on experiences available. Opening days and display times can vary, so it’s worth checking the centre’s website before you visit.

25. Go stargazing at Low Gillerthwaite

📍 Address: Ennerdale, Cleator CA23 3AX

Tucked deep in Ennerdale, one of the most remote valleys in the Lake District, Low Gillerthwaite has almost no light pollution, making it an excellent stargazing spot.

You don’t need special equipment, just a warm coat and a clear night, though a telescope or binoculars help if you have them.

Winter offers the longest, clearest nights, though you’ll still see plenty of stars in summer. I’d recommend downloading the SkyView app so you can identify what you’re looking at.

🇬🇧 Plan your Lake District adventure

25 activities is plenty to be getting on with, but it barely scratches the surface of what this region has to offer. Pick a handful that match how you like to travel, whether that’s an early hike up Scafell Pike or a slow afternoon over cake and a view, and build the rest of your trip around them.

Check opening times before you set off, especially for the sites currently mid-change like Rydal Mount, and leave room for the days that don’t go entirely to plan. They’re often the best ones.

Planning a trip to this beautiful part of the UK? Discover my Lake District travel guide or read more on the region:

• 15 breathtaking waterfalls in the Lake District
• 20 pretty Lake District villages & towns to visit
• 20 best Michelin-star restaurants in the Lake District
• 10 hidden gems in the Lake District

Or watch my Lake District travel vlogs:

• A solo adventure in the Lake District
• Staying at Gilpin Lake House
• Staying at Storrs Hall
• Staying at Brimstone Hotel & Spa