10 Best Activities to Do in the Lake District

A must-do activity in the Lake District is a leisurely boat tour of Windermere, England’s largest lake. Sit back and relax as you meander through the water, taking in the tiny islands, lush woodlands, and towering peaks along the way.

Take a break en route to explore some of Windermere's most popular lakefront destinations, including the quaint village of Ambleside, and the lake's premier town, Bowness-on-Windermere. Both have high-quality restaurants to enjoy, as well as plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping. 

Hill Top was once owned by the well-loved writer Beatrix Potter, who left the beautiful 17th-century farmhouse to the National Trust so the public could also enjoy her captivating home.

Potter bought the property using proceeds from her first published book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It became her cosy retreat over the next 40 years, where she spent her time creating a restful home and tending the attractive cottage garden. As you explore Hill Top, try to spot parts of the house that appeared in her other famous stories. You can visit Joey's Cafe for refreshments or Lakeland Inn for hearty pub fare and real ales.

Derwentwater is a large lake south of the handsome town of Keswick. Part of the Lake District National Park, it sits between the popular fells of Cat Bells and the Borrowdale valley.

While you can find boats offering 50-minute cruises, walking is a very appealing way to explore the 3-mile-long lake. A series of well-maintained paths lead you to an 8-mile trail through shaded woodland, across streams, and along rocky beaches. All the while, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Lowther Castle was built back in the late 1800s, serving as the home to the Lowther family for at least 850 years. It originally had 365 rooms, 1 for every day of the year. But the castle’s interior was demolished in the 1950s, leaving only a shell that gradually went to ruin.

However, with its exterior restored, and the gardens lovingly returned to their original grandeur, the Lowther Castle and Gardens now attract thousands of visitors each year. It has an onsite gallery offering a walkthrough of the site’s fascinating history. Kids can have fun in the large adventure playground, while grown-ups can explore 130 acres of formal and themed gardens.

The Castlerigg Stone Circle sits above the town of Keswick, looking down across Derwentwater and with jagged Helvellyn forming its background. Built in the Neolithic period (3,000 BC), this is one of the oldest stone circles in England.

There have been many theories surrounding this stone circle for many years. Was it used for religious purposes or trade? As of today, there are no answers but take a look for yourself and see what you think. Castlerigg can be reached within a 30-minute walk from Keswick.

Scafell Pike, at over 3,000 ft high, is known as England's tallest mountain. It also forms 1/3 of the well-known Three Peaks hiking challenge, alongside Snowdon and Ben Nevis. Scafell isn’t a walk in the park. Challenging to even the most experienced hikers, reaching the summit is best described as exhilarating, with views across all 3 British nations – England, Scotland, and Wales – as the reward.

You should allow up to 6 hours to hike to the summit of Scafell Pike and back down again. If you want to attempt this hike, plan your route carefully and check the weather before you set off. Bring a map and compass, too. It won’t be easy, but the sense of satisfaction – and the view – will make it all worthwhile.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway began life back in 1873 with the construction of the narrow-gauge railway line that would connect Ravenglass (the Lake District’s only coastal village) with Dalegarth. The classic steam-and-diesel vehicles transport passengers to the famous Wainwright walks and Scafell Pike along its 7-mile route.

But if you stay onboard for the entire journey, you can soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of this delightfully old-fashioned railway ride. Standard-class tickets get you a seat in open-sided carriages, while first-class tickets offer comfortable carriages with closed sides. Upgrade to the Pullman carriage for a larger and more luxurious space, where you can enjoy cream tea as you pass by the stunning Lake District scenery.

Aira Force is one of the most-visited waterfalls in the Lake District National Park. With its pretty setting and water cascading down its 70-ft length, it’s easy to see why. Located just outside Keswick, it stands on a site that was once owned by the wealthy Howard family.

Over time, they landscaped the area around the waterfall, planting 500,000 thousand native trees to create a beautiful arboretum, plus a network of crisscrossing pathways. Today, you can enjoy superb natural views, listen to the sounds of the waterfall echoing through the trees, and spot rare red squirrels scurrying along the family-friendly trails.

Joining a Lake District cycling tour will allow you to cover long distances and add a rush of adrenaline to your visit. Lake District Bikes, based a few miles south of Coniston Water, offers a range of cycling tours to suit any skill level. Cycle around Lake Coniston, twist and turn along the snaking lakeland roads, or try off-road trails through fells, farms, and forests.

You’ll discover all kinds of charming villages and even a stately home or two along the way. Lake District cycling tours usually last up to a day. You can also opt for cycling holidays, which are bespoke multi-day trips designed to meet your needs.

The Lakes Distillery occupies a 160-year-old farmhouse on the banks of the river Derwent. Its onsite distillers use the natural surroundings to inspire their craft, aiming to create spirits that are unlike those found anywhere else.

You can take a tour of the distillery and sample a few of its signature concoctions, like whiskies, vodkas, or gin. If you’re a whisky connoisseur, opt for an in-depth whisky tasting – a must-do given the distillery's accolade of producing the 'World's Best Single Malt Whisky'.