The Lake District is an amazing place to be in the summer, and there is definitely plenty to do!
We’ve rounded up our pick of favourite things, and we’ve included lots of different activities in all different parts of the Lake District. We’ve also organised it into different sections so you should hopefully be able to find something to suit you and yours.
We hope you enjoy having a read through, and that you find something to do in the Lake District this summer!
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Go on a walk
1. Family walks are a great thing to do in the Lake District! On our Family Walks page, we have loas of different walks for you to try, ranging from flat walks to Wainwrights, and in all different areas of the Lake District. Remember to pack more snacks than you think you’ll need and the kids will have a fab time too.
Visit a Cave
2. Rydal Cave is great fun. You can just visit the cave, or you can combine it with a walk around Rydal Water, or Loughrigg Fell.
3. Cathedral Cave is a great day out, with a lovely walk through Lake District countryside to get there and back. We’ve written all about it in our Cathedral Cave post.
Get On or In the Water
Please Note: Some lakes require a permit for kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. Please see this guide on the Lake District national Park website to make sure you safely plan your day out.
4. Kayaking – this is a great family activity and you can do it with children of all ages. Some really easy places to launch from are Miller Ground on Lake Windermere, Fell Foot Park on Lake Windermere, and Brown Howe Car Park on Coniston.
5. Paddling and/or Swimming. There are so many places that are perfect for a paddle, it would be impossible to list them all! As well as the obvious lakes, there are plenty of lovely cool streams that are great to paddle in, especially after a walk on a hot day.
If you choose to swim or take your children swimming, please remember that lakes and tarns can be cold, even on warm summer days. Exposure to cold water can cause shock and lead to hypothermia. There can also be hazards in the lake that can’t be seen from the surface. Please read this guide from the Lake District National Park on safe swimming in the Lakes.
6. Stand Up Paddleboarding. We absolutely love stand up Paddleboarding! Although we’ve been managing with just one board between 5 of us so I think we need to sort that out very soon!
~~~ Click here for my paddleboard of dreams ~~~
Easy places to launch from are Miller Ground on Lake Windermere, Fell Foot Park on Lake Windermere and Brown Howe Park on Coniston.
7. Sailing. You might have your own sailing boat, in which case, that’s great, you almost certainly know what you’re doing! If not, you might want to try a sailing lesson. The Low Wood Hotel offers taster sessions and half day skippered charter hire, all info on the Low Wood Bay website here.
8. Hire a Boat. This could be a rowing boat, or a little motor boat. There are a few options for this; Rowing boats are available from the main jetty in Bowness on Windermere, motor boats and electric boats can be hired from Windermere Aquatic on the Glebe in Bowness on Windemere, and you can now hire little motor boats from the car park at Lakeside, Newby Bridge. These are all on lake Windermere. Whichever you choose, a few hours out on the lake is great fun!
9. Go on a Lake Cruise. This is a lovely fun adventure for a family. On Lake Windermere you’ve got Windermere Lake Cruises, where you can go all over the lake or just from one point to another if you like. On Ullswater you can go on an Ullswater steamer, which goes from one end of the lake to the other with stop offs on the way. In Keswick you can catch a launch across Derwentwater, which can be an activity on it’s own or you can combine it with a walk up Catbells.
National Trust
Do you have National Trust membership? We have definitely made the most of ours, especially considering parking is free in National Trust places. There are quite a few places to use your membership in the Lake District, why not try one of these?
10. Sizergh Castle. We’ve written a whole guide on Sizergh Castle here. It’s a great place to visit close to Kendal, with gardens that are fab for exploring. Enjoy playing Hide and Seek in the triangle trees!
11. Allan Bank. Set on the edge of Grasmere, Allan Bank is such a lovely place to visit. With gardens and a whole house to explore and play in, it’s definitely worth a look. We’ve written a guide to Allan Bank here.
12. Wray Castle. While Wray Castle itself has been undergoing some changes recently, it’s location on the shore of Lake Windermere remains a reason to visit. From the castle car park, go through the gate at the top, and follow the path down to the lake shore. National Trust parking means you can stay all day!
13. Skelghyll Woods. Just outside Ambleside, Skelghyll Woods are great for burning off some energy. With the tallest trees in Cumbria (and England!) and a stream to play next to, this is definitely worth a visit. We have a guide to Skelghyll Woods here.
14. Fell Foot Park. Fell Foot is a park on the shore of Lake Windermere at Newby Bridge with loads to do. You’ll find a boathouse with kayak and SUP hire, and another boathouse that is now a cafe. There’s a playpark, a nature trail with rubbings, an orienteering course, and plenty of green space to play and picnic. Fell Foot is also ideal for paddling, swimming, or launching your own SUP or kayak. Parking is free for National Trust members.
15. Aira Force Waterfall. Other waterfalls are available, but this is a really good one! With free parking with National Trust membership, this is an easy one to get to. Located next to Ullswater, Aira Force has paths up and down both sides of the falls, and it’s great fun for the kids to explore and climb. Look out for red squirrels! We’ve written a post about Aira Force here.
16. Tarn Hows. With National Trust parking, Tarn Hows is a beautiful lake a short distance from Ambleside. It’s suitable for little legs, and you can walk right round the lake. We’ve written a post all about Tarn Hows here.
Visit a Castle
17. Lowther Castle. Based close to Penrith, Lowther Castle features castle ruins, amazing gardens, and an epic adventure playground known as the Lost Castle. Parking is free, and there is a lovely cafe in the castle grounds. Definitely worth a visit!
18. Muncaster Castle. Set in the western Lake District, Muncaster Castle is an absolutely epic day out. With a castle and massive gardens to explore, there is also an adventure playground, a weapons room with things to try, and a hawk and owl centre.
19. Kendal Castle. The birthplace of Queen Katherine Parr, Kendal Castle was built in the 13th century. Now a ruin, it is accessible to the public for visiting, and sits on Castle Hill, which is a lovely walk up. Walk up from Kendal town centre, or park in the car park on Castle Drive and walk up that way.
Railways
20. The Lakeside to Haverthwaite Railway. This is a railway with a classic steam train, that runs between Haverthwaite (close to the Motor Museum) and Lakeside, on Lake Windermere. It’s so much fun! You can just plan a train ride (there are cafes at either end which makes it perfect for a return trip), or combine it with a Windermere lake Cruise, a trip to Lakes Aquarium, or a visit to the World of Peatrix Potter. All the info is on the Lakeside website here.
21. La’al Ratty. Otherwise known as the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, La’al Ratty is a 7 mile narrow gauge steam railway in the western Lake District. Ravenglass is a coastal village, and the route takes you inland through the beautiful countryside. Definitely one for fans of steam trains and the Lakes! Everything you need to know is on the Ravenglass Railway website here.
22. Millerbeck Light Railway. Millerbeck is unusual, as this narrow gauge railway is set in someone’s back garden! Close to Newby Bridge, Millerbeck is around a mile of track with various trains, and it is open to the public at various points through the year. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on their website for summer holiday tickets, because this is an absolutely gorgeous day out. The Millerbeck website is here.
Visit a Forest
23. Whinlatter Forest. Whinlatter is a mountain forest run by Forestry England, and is ideal for an adventure day out. Located in the north of the Lake District close to Keswick, Whinlatter has mountain bike trails, walking trails, running trails, Gruffalo sculptures, a Gruffalo orienteering forest course, and even a wild play trail. There’s also Go Ape, the high ropes and nets courses in the trees. An absolutely brilliant day out. Read more about Whinlatter Forest here.
24. Grizedale Forest. Also run by Forestry England, Grizedale is another great adventure day out. Grizedale is close to Hawkshead, and is accessible from Ambleside or Newby Bridge. You’ll find running trails, walking trails, bike trails, Grizedale sculptures, and a Stick Man Trail (who doesn’t love Stick Man?!). At the main site there’s also segway and mountain bike hire, a cafe and a super playground. Read more about Grizedale Forest here.
Newby Bridge
25. Lakes Aquarium. The Lake District has it’s very own aquarium! Situated at Lakeside at Newby Bridge, the Lakes Aquarium is right next to the Lakeside train station. There are plenty of sea creatures to see here, but our absolute favourites are the otters. It’s definitely worth trying to see one of their daily feed and talk sessions, at 11:30am and 2:30pm.
26. Lakeland Motor Museum. You don’t have to be a car fan to enjoy the displays at the Lakeland Motor Museum, but motoring enthusiasts will definitely have a great time here! Based in Backbarrow, just outside Newby Bridge, there is plenty of free parking and a lovely cafe to round off a visit. We find it very difficult to leave the gift shop without adding to our vehicle collection! We’ve written a full post about the Lakeland Motor Museum here.
27. Graythwaite Adventure. Located between Newby Bridge and Hawkshead, Graythwaite Adventure offers epic outdoor experiences.. Set on a private estate, activities include archery, axe throwing, bushcraft, and clay pigeon shooting. Some activities have a minimum age limit so check the Graythwaite Adventure website here.
28. Climb Gummers How. Gummers How is a fab family walk, and weirdly we always see someone we know there! A short and steep walk, it’s an interesting one for the kids and the views at the top are super. We’ve written a post on the Gummers How walk here.
Ambleside
29. The Rock Shop. We absolutely love the Rock Shop! It’s a treasure trove of a shop filled with all different types of crystals. Alongside the regular shop you’ll also find the gem pit, where you can actually climb in amongst the crystals and fill a bag or a box with treasures. There is also a dinosaur floor upstairs, where you can go on a dinosaur hunt for more crystals. Lots of fun! You’ll find it on North Rd, Ambleside LA22 9DT.
30. Ambleside playpark. You’ll find Ambleside playpark at Rothay Park, in the centre of Ambleside. As well as the equipment, there are loads of natural structures to play on, and a big field nearby (plus loads of benches which is great for the parents if you get a chance for a sit down!). You can find Ambleside park in Rothay Park, at the end of Vicarage Rd.
31. Stock Ghyll Force. A lovely walk from the centre of Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is a lovely easy family walk. It’s a fairly short walk, and the waterfalls when you get there are beautiful. We have instructions on how to get to Stock Ghyll Force here, as it is the first part of the Wansfell Pike walk.
32. Zeffirellis Cinema and Restaurant. Zeffirellis is a lovely independent cinema in the centre of Ambleside, with a cafe, a vegetarian restaurant and a jazz bar attached. A visit here is a lovely experience! You can find Zeffirellis on Compston Rd, Ambleside.
Keswick
33. Derwent Pencil Museum. Always popular, Derwent Pencil Museum in the centre of Keswick is well worth a visit. Learn about the history of pencils (and why Keswick is important in that history) and see the worlds biggest pencil! We’ve written a post all about Derwent Pencil Museum here.
34. Mirehouse and Gardens. Set just outside Keswick close to Dodd Wood, Mirehouse is a lovely private house with gardens that are open to visit. With walks down to Bassenthwaite and fun adventure play trails, this is well worth a visit to burn off some energy. We’ve written a post about Mirehouse and Gardens here.
35. Theatre by the Lake. This a beautiful theatre in Keswick situated, as the name suggests, right by the lake (Derwentwater). It’s a lovely treat to visit, and there are often family shows on that everyone can enjoy. You can find out what’s coming up on the Theatre by the Lake Website here.
36. Catch a Keswick Launch. Keswick Launches run lake cruises on Derwentwater, with stop offs at 8 different jetties. You could set off from Keswick and jump off at one of the jetties for a walk, or just enjoy a pootle around Derwentwater seeing all the sights. The wooden boats are lovely, and have open and covered areas. Buy tickets from the booking office at the Keswick boat landings, or pay by card on the boat if you’re getting on at a different jetty. You can find fares and timetables on the Keswick Launches website here.
37. Climb Catbells. One of the most popular Wainwrights, Catbells is accessible from Keswick and is suitable for most children. It is well signposted, and you can start it from the car park at the bottom of Catbells. Alternatively you can catch a launch across Derwentwater from Keswick to the Hawes End jetty, which is the stop for the start of the route up to Catbells.
38. Keswick Museum. With exhibitions and tours about the history of life in Keswick, Keswick Museum is well worth a visit. Keep an eye on the Keswick Museum website for any special events going on.
39. Walk or cycle the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway. This section of the old railway track between Keswick and Penrith has been resurfaced for walking and cycling. The route is 5km each way, and parking is in Keswick swimming pool car park. This is a Miles without Stiles route and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
40. The Puzzling Place. This is great fun! In the centre of Keswick, the puzzling place has all kinds of interactive optical illusions to experience. This is a really fun way to pass a couple of hours that the whole family can enjoy. Opening times and prices can be found on the Puzzling Place website here.
41. Rheged. Situated between Keswick and Penrith just off the A66, Rheged is a super place for families to visit. With one of the nicer soft play areas I’ve seen, along with the most gorgeous shop and a family friendly cafe. There’s also a cinema, and different exhibitions so it’s well worth a look. You’ll find all the info on the Rheged website here.
42. Bassenthwaite Lake Station. Dine on a restored steam train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station. They’re open for breakfast lunch and afternoon tea, and have a children’s menu. For information and booking the Bassenthwaite Lake Station site is here.
43. Alpacaly Ever After. Based out of Basecamp North Lakes, Whinlatter Forest and the Lingholm Estate, Alpacaly Ever After is a super cool Social Enterprise rehoming and rehabilitating alpacas and llamas. Activities include Llama trekking, Walking with alpacas, and animal meet and greets. This is a very cool operation offering an amazing experience in the Lake District. For all info the Alpacaly Ever After website is here.
Windermere and Bowness on Windermere
44. Visit Millerground. Millerground is an area off Rayrigg Road in Bowness on Windermere, on the shore of Lake Windermere. Here you’ll find a play park, watersports hire, a huge field for playing in, steps down the the lake, a lakeshore and a couple of jetties. This is a lovely spot to spend some time in. We’ve written a whole post about Millerground here.
45. The World of Beatrix Potter. Beatrix Potter is classic Lake District, and the world of Beatrix Potter is a celebration of that. An olde worldy exhibition, with some interactive sections, this is great for younger children. There is a cafe attached to the building, but there is now also a Beatrix Potter cafe across the road in Bowness on Windermere, complete with Beatrix Potter themed afternoon teas. Definitely worth a visit! All info is on the Beatrix Potter website here.
46. Walk around Cockshott Point. Cockshott Point is part of the Miles without Stiles network of walks, and is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It is also toddler friendly and short, although it has lots of play potential that means it could take a lot longer! It’s a lovely walk in Bowness on Windermere, and we’ve written a full Cockshott Point post here.
47. Walk to Orrest Head. Another toddler friendly walk, this time in Windermere, although this one goes uphill and is a little bit more of a challenge. A super popular walk for a reason, Orrest Head involves zig-zagging paths, the Gruffalo, sometimes coffee, and incredible views from the top. We’ve written a full Orrest Head Walk post here.
48. Windermere Jetty Museum. Built on the site of an old boatyard on Lake Windermere, Windermere Jetty Museum is a great family attraction. You’ll find a permanent exhibition, and an ever changing visiting exhibition which is usually family friendly. Previous temporary exhibitions have included a huge ego display, and an interactive art room. There’s also a children’s room with a lovely play space. We love to head down to the lake shore by the cafe for a play too. All info is on the Windermere Jetty website here.
49. Visit Brockhole on Windermere. Between Windermere and Ambleside on the A591, Brockhole is the Lake District Visitor Centre and it is full of activities for all ages. You’ll find a great playpark, a Treetop Trek, Treetop Nets, archery, axe throwing, mini golf, laser tag, go carts and boat hire, all on the shore of Lake Windermere. You pay to park and then just pay for the activities as you go, and if you just want to wander round the grounds and play on the park that’s all free. You can find more info on the Brockhole website here.
50. Windermere Pump Track. If you have bikes but don’t fancy a mountain bike trail, you might want to try Windermere Pump track. Located in Queens Park (postcode LA23 2LR) the pump track is great for kids of all ages and great fun!
Grasmere
51. Climb Silver How. Silver How was our first family Wainwright, and it’s definitely an achievable one. Located just outside Grasmere behind Allan Bank, Silver How is a fun climb with amazing views at the top. We’ve written a post about Silver How here.
52. Try some Grasmere Gingerbread. The famous Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread is made to a secret recipe and there are always queues around the corner when we go to buy some. We definitely recommend combining some gingerbread with one of the local walks! Find the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at Church Cottage, Grasmere LA22 9SW.
53. Walk to Alcock Tarn. Me and Mr LDWK used to do this walk with our crazy labrador pre-kids, and then we had to wait a few years for our kids to be old enough to tackle it! This walk on the edge of Grasmere is steep, but totally worth it. One for the families with slightly older children and/or teens, we’ve written a full post on the Alcock Tarn walk here.
54. Grasmere Lake Walk. This is a very popular post on the website, and for a good reason! This circular walk goes right round Grasmere lake, has easy parking and public transport links, and you can pick up Grasmere Gingerbread on the way round. Perfect! We have a post on the Grasmere Lake Walk here.
Ulverston
55. Visit the Sir John Barrow Monument. A lovely walk to one of the most visible landmarks in the Lake District, this starts at Ford Park in Ulverston. A short but steep climb takes you up to the monument, which is open on Sunday afternoons. The views from the top of the hill over Morecambe Bay are outstanding, and once you make it back down there’s a fab play park at Ford Park. We’ve written a post all about the Sir John Barrow Monument here.
56. Bardsea Beach. Just outside Ulverston you’ll find Bardsea Beach, which is great for a stay and play type day, or a walk round to the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Temple. There’s loads of parking, and the Chill and Grill cafe should be re-opened soon across the road. We’ve written a post about Bardsea Beach here.
Kendal
57. Brewery Arts Centre. The Brewery in Kendal is a lovely building bringing together all kinds of arts into one place. For families, there are summer arts courses, the cinema, and the theatre which often shows different types of family shows. There’s also a cafe and restaurant, and lovely gardens to eat, drinks and play. All details are on the Brewery Arts website here.
58. Rag Tag Kendal. Rag Tag Kendal is an arts and community scrapstore, and it’s loads of fun. You can drop in to paint a pot, craft while you’re in the cafe, and play in the loose parts play space. You can also browse the scrapstore, where you can fill a basket with anything you can find for £7. Have a look on the Rag Tag website here.
59. Low Sizergh Barn. Just outside Kendal on the Sizergh estate, Low Sizergh Barn is a farm that has lots to do. There is a farm trail starting at the tractor next to the car park, with lots of things to find (ask for a sheet in the cafe). The second part of the trail takes you across fields and through woods, which are great for playing. After, enjoy the farm shop and the cafe, where you can watch the cows being milked from the gallery window. We’ve written a whole post on the Low Sizergh Barn here.
60. Lakeland Maze Farm Park. In Sedgwick, just outside Kendal, is Lakeland Maze Farm Park. This is a fab day out with absolutely loads to do,both indoors and outside. In summer there are 2 maize mazes which are grown new (with a new pattern) each year, and you can choose either the mini or the full size maze to try. Alongside this activities include soft play, tractor rides, giant air bouncers, meet the pets, mega slides, a cresta run, groom the pony, and more. A great way to burn off some energy! All info is on the Lakeland Maze Farm Park site here.
Grange over Sands
61. Grange Promenade. Grange prom is a lovely flat area perfect for walking, scooting, biking or even rollerskating. There is plenty to do along the way, including a cafe and a play park. The weather always seems to be a little bit nicer in Grange too! We’ve written a post about Grange over Sands Promenade here.
62. Hampsfell Hospice Walk. Just behind Grange, Hamspfell Hospice walk takes you through woods, up a fell and to an old building (the hospice) at the top. The walk up is interesting enough to keep kids happy, and the 360 degree views at the top over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells are outstanding. We’ve written a whole post on the Hampsfell Hospice Walk here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide, and that you now have plenty of ideas for fun this summer!
You might also like to read:
21 Best Family Campsites in the Lake District for ideas for places to stay
Ambleside Holiday Cottages for more inspiration if cottages are your vibe
Our Favourites for our recommended Lake District essentials