Things to do in the Lake District

Discover the Lake District

There are a wide range of activities and things to do in the Lake District, and with more than 3,100 kilometres of rights of way, you can walk and cycle around our countryside to your heart’s content. In the winter you can even learn winter skills with our very own Fell Top Assessors on Helvellyn. As well as enjoying your time on land, you can also get on the water of the lakes and coastline.

Lake District Kind

#LakeDistrictKind

Things to know before you go, tips to plan a great trip and help us look after the landscape you love.

Be Lake District Kind

Things to do in the Lake District

Pre-order your Xmas Tree!

Walks to Inspire

Walking

Walking in the Lake District

Get on the water

Hire a boat, take a boat cruise, or go for a swim.

Lake guide maps for the larger lakes showing towns, boat hire and boat trip locations.

Boat hire and boat trips
Cyclist on Eskdale TRail at High Eskholme

Cycling

Bike hire, mountain bike hire, family-friendly cycle routes and taking bikes on buses and boats.

Cycling in the Lake District
Dark Starry skies above mountains reflected in a lake below

Dark skies and stargazing

The Lake District is one of the darkest places in the UK. So after the sun sets, head for a seculded valley or remote fell top, and take in the starry skies above you.

Our best places for Lake District star gazing and top tips to enjoy dark skies

Dark skies and stargazing

Ideas from our blog

Felltop Assessors on Helvellyn%

Winter Skills

An opportunity to spend a day on Helvellyn with a Lake District National Park Authority Fell Top Assessor as they climb to the summit of the mountain to take snow and weather readings for Lake District Weatherline Service!

Book a winter skills course
Brockhole on Windermere visitor centre%

Brockhole on Windermere

Brockhole on Windermere, is the perfect place for all the family. On the shores of Windermere lake, you can hire a boat, brave the cave, have a go at archery and laser clay. With historical gardens, and a cafe and shop in the arts and crafts building, and events throughout the year, its a full day out.

Dicover Brockhole on Windermere
The Gaddum Afternoon Tea%

The Gaddum Restaurant

Enjoy delightful lunches, classic afternoon teas and seasonal sunset dining set in the very heart of the Lake District, at the beautiful 19th century Brockhole on Windermere!

Dine in style at The Gaddum

National Park Information Centres

Our friendly knowledgeable Information Centre staff are happy to help you make the most of your stay and can help guide you through attractions in the Lake District. Our information Centres include Keswick, Bowness and Ullswater. 

Services include:

  • Free WiFi
  • Accommodation booking service
  • Information on national and local attractions
  • Route finding advice for road, rail or bus
  • Advice on walking and cycling
  • Maps, books, touring and walking guides for sale
  • A range of gifts and souvenirs

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