18 Wonderful Things To Do In The Lake District
Located in the Northwest of England, the Lake District is an absolute dream holiday destination, one of the highest-rated places to visit in the UK.
The Lake District is great for year-round visits but on our long weekend, we went during autumn. Seeing the reds, oranges and yellows within this stunning setting got us excited about the natural beauty on our doorstep. In the spring, the trees are blooming in blush pinks whilst the summer brings lush greens to this remarkable landscape.
Trips to the Lake District typically involve walks, lakeside activities, cosying up with a hot chocolate and enjoying delicious local dishes. Perfect for getting back to nature and letting yourself just breathe. With a lot of focus being on mental health and well-being, we believe a visit to the Lake District can give you a good boost in vitamin D and get those positive endorphins flowing.
We have compiled the ultimate list of things to do in the Lake District to give those connecting with nature/ cosy vibes which we believe to be very affordable. Continue reading to see our top picks.
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Keswick, North Lake District
Keswick has so much to offer in the Lake District that this is where we decided to base ourselves during our long weekend break.
Our accommodation was an absolute dream. A lovely renovated shepherd’s hut at the foot of a fell, overlooking Derwentwater and fields full of cows and sheep.
Keswick is a market town in the north of the Lake District that has excellent access to lakes, peaks and waterfalls.
1. Castlerigg Stone Circle
One of the more unique attractions to see in Keswick is the Castlerigg Stone Circle. Situated on a hill, this ancient stone circle is believed to be 5000 years old that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is also completely free to visit, quite remarkable for a local piece of history with an incredible backdrop.
2. Surprise View
Another worthwhile place to witness breathtaking views from Keswick is Surprise View. This was our favourite viewpoint in the Lakes that necessitated multiple trips to take in the glorious sunsets.
Surprise View is actually located in a National Trust car park and provides views over Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and even Scotland. The oak-lined, cliff edge provides immediate views and photo opportunities for very little effort. Just make sure you bring a camera!
You could even do what we did and sit with a flask of tea and a couple of pieces of gingerbread (more on that later).
3. Ashness Bridge
To get to Surprise View you will have to cross a skinny, packhorse bridge called Ashness Bridge which also deserves some of your time to explore.
Ashness Bridge is a traditional stone bridge where you can also take in those impressive views of Derwentwater below. You can also start some hikes from this point, up into the falls.
4. Derwentwater
Let’s not forget about Derwentwater itself. In the shadow of Catbells, Derwentwater is only a 10-minute walk from the centre of Keswick. You could do the 10-mile walk around the lake, passing through woodlands and along the lakeshore. Or you can pull into one of the many car parks along the lake and enjoy a short stroll and a picnic.
Another way to visit the lake is on the 50-minute cruise from Keswick Launch where you can hop on and off at various points.
5. Lodore Falls
Our final recommendation for the Keswick area is Lodore Falls. This is another short, easy trail through the beautiful Lake District woodlands to a 30m waterfall. The falls are most impressive after heavy rainfall (which we aren’t short of in the UK) where the water looks almost like coke. This is a romantic little spot and a great place for a small picnic.
After your walk, make sure to pick up some fish and chips from The Old Keswickian back in Keswick.
Buttermere, West Lake District
6. Buttermere Lake
Our absolute favourite spot in the Lake District is Buttermere. This is one of the best “walks around the lake” available in the Lakes, with a manageable and largely flat 4.5-mile route. On this route, you will pass waterfalls, walk through woodlands and see the local Herdwick “Herdy” sheep on the surrounding fells.
Buttermere is so beautiful that it’s hard not to stop every few minutes to take pictures of the breathtaking landscape.
7. Newland Pass
If coming from Keswick, we definitely recommend driving along Newland Pass. The road is quite narrow and windy but the scenery is staggering. One key viewpoint to visit is the Moss Force waterfall. Pull over into the layby and stroll up the hill to the falls.
8. Honister Pass
As you leave Buttermere, head down Honister Pass. Another narrow and winding road, this route passes the Honister Slate Mine. Here you can tour the mine itself as well as experience adrenaline-fueled adventures such as the Infinity Bridge. Honister Pass is a thrilling experience with stunning fell views as the reward.
Windermere, South Lake District
9. Windermere Lake
Probably the most popular “lake” in the Lake District, Windermere is surrounded by mountains and the quaint village of Bowness-on-Windermere. Windermere has stunning scenery which can be best experienced from the lake itself. Hop on board one of the Windermere Lake Cruises. With different route options, you will be able to enjoy every angle of the lake.
10. Gummer’s How
Being so popular, Windermere is usually one of the busier lakes in the Lake District. However, if you follow the Gummer’s How walk, you can enjoy magnificent views of the lake without the crowds. Gummer’s How is located in the southern part of Windermere and has a free forestry commission car park. The hike is a fairly easy 1.5-mile route, following a well-marked path. This is a great short hike in the Lake District with incredibly, rewarding views of the lake in the valley below.
11. Stock Ghyll Force
Just north beyond Windermere, in Ambleside, is another short but sweet walk to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. About a mile hike tucked away in the woodlands, Stock Ghyll Force is a magnificent 70-foot tall waterfall that is well worth the 30-minute walk to visit.
Grasmere, Central Lake District
Famously home to William Wordsworth, Grasmere is a quaint village nestled at the foot of some impressive fells. The village itself is populated by independent shops selling everything from homemade chocolates to toys and books. It’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or original presents.
12. The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
In our opinion, this is the best shop in the area. We specifically went to Grasmere to go to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Made using Sarah Nelson’s secret, original recipe from 1854, the gingerbread has reached worldwide levels of fame and can only be purchased from this Grasmere shop. Trust us, this is delicious and unlike any gingerbread, you’ve ever had. We ended up buying a packet for ourselves and then multiple more packs as gifts for the family. This is an absolute must.
The shop is also right next door to the Wordsworth Memorial Daffodil Garden which is a lovely place to wander around and see Wordsworth’s grave.
13. Faeryland Grasmere
Faeryland Grasmere is a cute tea garden situated on the shore of Grasmere Lake. Whether you believe in fairies or not, there is no denying that Faeryland is magical. The extensive tea list is full of high-quality loose-leaf tea with plenty of options to pique your interest. Faeryland also offers boat hire so hop on board one of the row boats and enjoy a romantic trip around the lake.
14. Rydal Cave
Created from slate mining, Rydal Cave is a gem in the Lake District. So much so that it actually featured in Netflix’s second season of The Witcher.
From Rydal village (just next to Grasmere) the walk to the cave is an easy mile long or from Grasmere, it is 2 miles. The walk ends at a small body of water at the mouth of the cave. Hop on over the carefully placed stepping stops, further into the cave. Once inside the cave, turn around to witness the jagged toothy-looking mouth of the cave – an excellent photo opportunity.
Bassenthwaite Lake, North Lake District
The only actual lake in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite Lake is a key spot for wildlife. Stroll along the western shore of the lake and look out for the abundant species of birds.
15. Dodd Wood
Dodd Wood is a beautiful place to get back to nature and take in some stunning scenery. Owned by the Forestry Commission, Dodd Wood has several walking trails that meander through the woodlands, up to Dodd Summit and an osprey viewing platform. Ospreys are known to migrate to the area for nesting, and Dodd Wood provides a chance to catch a glimpse.
The scenery from the summit is spectacular, giving views right over to Scotland. This was also one of the quieter places we visited during our long weekend in the Lake District.
16. The Lakes Distillery
Situated north of Bassenthwaite Lake, The Lakes Distillery is a great spot to try some locally produced booze. Using water from the Lake District National Park, The Lakes Distillery produces whisky, vodka and gin, all of which can be sampled on a tour. Tours last an hour and cost £18 per adult and offer behind-the-scenes views of the stills and the process.
There is also a lovely bistro on site that serves seasonal, local dishes in an incredible setting – well worth visiting if in the Bassenthwaite area.
Another bonus of the distillery is that it is also home to an alpaca farm. They offer a “meet the alpacas” tour package for a more up-close experience, or you could stroll to the river, alongside the alpaca fields and see them from behind the fence.
Ullswater, East Lake District
Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District. In the northeast of the national park, Ullswater has a few towns along its shores including Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. If you are feeling ambitious, The Ullswater Way, a 20-mile route around the lake, can be tackled in a day.
17. Aira Force and the Gowbarrow Trail
One of our more memorable hikes in the Lakes was at Aira Force and along the Gowbarrow Trail. The main falls of Aira Force drop 70 feet underneath a stone footbridge. Aira Force sits on land owned by the National Trust.
Our tip is, if you are 25 or younger, it may be worth investing in a National Trust membership. Under 25s, benefit from half-price membership and with NT car parks often costing £5 a visit, it is a worthwhile investment if, like us, you enjoy the outdoors.
The walk up to Aira Force takes you through old woodlands, along the stream up to the falls, with plenty of points to stop and take in the fresh air. It is also home to the endangered red squirrels so keep your eyes peeled for those. You can end your visit at the top of the falls, or you can continue on to complete the 4.5-mile trail up Gowbarrow Fell.
The scenery on this hike is unreal and incredibly rewarding. Standing on the top of Gowbarrow Fell to glimpse your first views of the dog-leg-shaped lake below is stunning. The best and most breathtaking view of the lake comes in the last third of the hike itself at the Memorial Seat. Standing high on the cliff edge, overlooking the magnificent waters below, you feel on top of the world. Honestly, this hike is one to remember.
18. Glencoyne Bay
After our hike, we headed further along the shore to Glencoyne Bay. Here you can enjoy a picnic at the lakeside, paddle in the waters and skim some stones. We whipped out our trusty travel hammock, hung it between two trees and spent a couple of hours relaxing. Absolute bliss.
Conclusion
These were just the highlights from our trips to the Lake District and there are many more places we have yet to visit.
You may also want to hike up England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Or you could visit the home of Beatrix Potter herself in Hawkshead and pick up one of the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Puddings from a local deli.
Another item on our Lake District bucket list is the 2-mile hike from Little Langdale to Cathedral Cavern, a huge forty-foot-high cave reminiscent of a cathedral with many tunnels and paths to explore.
We hope this guide has provided you with some travel inspiration. Tell us in the comments box below if you have any other recommendations 🙂
