Things to Do in the Lake District
28 attractions and days out
Photo © julie gault, Google Maps
The Lake District rewards a bit of planning, and the choice runs well beyond fell walking. Keswick and Windermere are the busiest bases, with treasure trails, climbing sessions and family activities clustered around the lakes themselves, while Coniston Water offers a quieter, watery alternative to the crowds. Kendal and Cockermouth add market-town interest alongside the outdoor options, and Carlisle, further north, brings a different pace entirely.
Adventure companies such as Crags Adventures, Climb 365 and Live For Today Adventures Kendal cater to those wanting something physical, from scrambling to guided challenges, while outfits like Mobile Adventure and Predator Experience suit groups after a more organised day out. For something gentler, Fitz Park in Keswick and self-guided trails such as the Keswick Spy Mission or Hunt Fun in Appleby-in-Westmorland work well for families or wet days. Between the towns, there's enough variety to fill a week without repeating yourself.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
Wordsworth Grasmere
Explore the life and works of William Wordsworth at his former Lake District home, featuring museum exhibits, beautiful gardens, and family facilities including a restaurant and picnic areas.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
White Platts Recreation Ground
This Ambleside recreation ground features a 9-hole mini golf course perfect for family fun, with full facilities including accessible toilets, baby changing rooms, nearby parking and snacks available on-site.
⭐ 4.6
Climbing & Bouldering
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Scale indoor climbing routes at this Lake Road venue offering vertical challenges for active families with older children, though access may be limited for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
⭐ 4.7
Caves & Mines
Honister Slate Mine Adventures
Adventure-seekers can delve deep into a working slate mine at Honister Pass, with underground tours and thrilling climbing experiences that'll keep energetic youngsters entertained all day.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Wray Castle
Let little ones explore turrets and towers at this Lake District castle where they can play dress-up, hunt for treasure and enjoy spectacular views from the top.
⭐ 4.6
Climbing & Bouldering
King Kong Climbing Centre
Scale new heights at this family-focused climbing venue in Threlkeld, complete with accessible facilities, onsite dining, and convenient parking—perfect for adventurous families of all abilities.
⭐ 4.6
Lakes & Reservoirs
Brockhole Lake District Visitors Centre
Discover 30 acres of lakeside adventure in beautiful Cumbrian woodland, where families can enjoy exciting outdoor activities with stunning Windermere views, plus an onsite restaurant and full facilities.
⭐ 2.4
Sightseeing & Attractions
BeWILDerwood Lake District
An outdoor adventure playground where families can explore treetop walkways, zip wires and woodland mazes together. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby changing facilities available.
⭐ 4.7
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Treetop Trek Windermere
Soar through the Lake District forest on 35 aerial obstacles at Brockhole, then zoom back to earth on an exhilarating 250-metre zipline for an unforgettable family adventure.
⭐ 4.7
Zip Wires
Zip World Windermere
Experience thrilling aerial adventures among the treetops, then soar across Lake Windermere on an exhilarating quarter-kilometre zip line—perfect for all ages from toddlers to grandparents.
⭐ 4.7
Boat Tours & Cruises
Ullswater Steamers
Cruise aboard historic steamers across Ullswater's scenic waters while spotting local wildlife and uncovering fascinating tales from the Lake District's past.
⭐ 3.6
Lakes & Reservoirs
Coniston Water
This stunning Lake District gem offers families spectacular scenery and fascinating heritage to explore, with convenient parking though limited facilities on site.
Adventure Golf
Critter Creek Adventure Golf
Navigate around whimsical woodland obstacles at this themed mini-golf course based at Choices Health Club, perfect for family fun though some areas may prove tricky with pushchairs.
⭐ 4.8
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Grizedale
Experience an exhilarating aerial obstacle course among the trees at Grizedale Forest, featuring challenging rope bridges, cargo nets and thrilling zip wires for adventurous families.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Windermere Jetty Museum
Explore Lake District boating heritage with historic vessels and interactive displays at this accessible waterside museum, complete with family facilities, parking, and an onsite restaurant.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Eskdale Mill
Step back in time at this working water-powered corn mill nestled in the Lake District, where families can explore traditional milling machinery and watch grain being ground using centuries-old techniques.
⭐ 4.6
Boat Tours & Cruises
Windermere Lake Cruises
Explore England's longest lake aboard a relaxing cruise that showcases stunning Lake District panoramas of peaks, islands and hidden coves. Facilities include refreshments, accessible boarding and toilets with baby changing.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
The World of Beatrix Potter
Step into the magical tales of Peter Rabbit and friends through immersive displays recreating beloved characters and scenes. Complete with an enchanting garden, restaurant and facilities for families.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Aira Force
Experience the Lake District's spectacular 70-foot cascade plunging through ancient woodland near Penrith, with scenic trails perfect for family picnics and adventure.
⭐ 4.6
Climbing & Bouldering
Keswick Climbing Wall
Scale new heights at this outdoor climbing venue set in scenic Goosewell Farm, where families can tackle various routes while enjoying picnics between climbs, with parking and snacks provided onsite.
⭐ 4.7
National Parks & Reserves
Derwentwater
Discover stunning lakeside scenery at this iconic Lake District gem, perfect for family walks and wildlife spotting. Wheelchair accessible with pram-friendly routes available.
⭐ 4.4
Sightseeing & Attractions
The Puzzling Place
Step into a mind-bending world of optical tricks and holograms at this compact Keswick attraction, where gravity-defying rooms will have the whole family questioning reality.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Crags Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping at this action-packed activity centre in Station Precinct, featuring an onsite restaurant for refuelling after your adventures. Parking available nearby, though note accessibility is limited.
⭐ 4.6
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Bowness on Windermere Treasure Trail
Solve clues around this lakeside town on a fun self-guided adventure that's perfect for families with pushchairs and four-legged friends, revealing hidden gems and local secrets along the way.
⭐ 4.7
Sailing & Kayaking
Windermere Canoe Kayak and Bike Hire
Explore Windermere's stunning lakeside scenery with canoe, kayak and bike hire from Ferry Nab's waterfront boathouse, offering active families outdoor adventures on water and land.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Derwent Pencil Museum
Discover the fascinating story behind pencil production at this Keswick museum, home to a record-breaking giant coloured pencil and hands-on creative workshops for all ages.
⭐ 4.9
Parks & Play Areas
Fitz Park BMX Track and Playground
Young thrill-seekers can race around a full-scale BMX circuit before enjoying the play equipment and grassy areas perfect for picnicking in Keswick's family-friendly park.
⭐ 4.6
Caves & Mines
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum
Experience underground adventure at this fascinating Keswick attraction, where families can explore a recreated mine and learn about the region's industrial heritage through hands-on exhibits.
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