Activities, attractions and days out
Things to Do in the Lake District
Find the right Lake District day out for your trip, from lake cruises and scenic viewpoints to family attractions, rainy day ideas, outdoor adventures and quieter places away from the busiest spots.
lake cruise, viewpoint, village and walk
museums, cafes, houses and short walks
easy plans for mixed ages
views, lakeshores and villages
Open the compass, daylight timer, route card builder and more.
Top Tips for Visitors
- Plan one main area per day: The roads are scenic but slow, so a focused Windermere, Keswick, Ullswater or Coniston day usually works better than rushing everywhere.
- Book the obvious pinch points: Popular attractions, cruises, restaurants and car parks can fill quickly in school holidays, bank holidays and sunny weekends.
- Keep a wet-weather backup: The best Lake District plans include an indoor option, a shorter low-level walk and somewhere good for food.
- Arrive early for honeypot spots: Parking is limited at famous places. Consider buses, boats or park-and-ride where available.
Main Lake District activity
Walks and Fells
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the Lake District. From gentle lakeside paths to famous fell routes, the right walk can shape the whole day.
Explore Lake District WalksEasy Scenic Walks
Good first choices include Orrest Head, Tarn Hows, Friar's Crag and Rydal Water.
View easy walksBig Fell Days
Plan carefully for Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and other higher mountain routes.
View Scafell PikeClassic Viewpoints
Catbells, Loughrigg and Wansfell are popular for big views without the longest days.
View CatbellsWalking Tools
Use the compass, daylight timer, route card builder and packing list before setting off.
View walking toolsWalks & Fells
Explore easy lakeside routes, classic viewpoints, and famous fell walks.
Find out more →For Families
Fun-filled days out and attractions suitable for all ages.
Find out more →For Couples
Romantic getaways, scenic spots, and memorable experiences.
Find out more →With Toddlers
Safe and engaging activities for the youngest members of the family.
Find out more →On Rainy Days
Don't let the weather stop you! Discover the best indoor attractions.
Find out more →Outdoor Climbing
Find the best crags and climbing locations for all abilities.
Find out more →Wild Swimming
Discover beautiful and refreshing spots for a dip in the lakes and tarns.
Find out more →Kayaking Hotspots
Paddle your way through stunning scenery with our guide to the best kayaking spots.
Find out more →Explore Eskdale
Uncover the top 10 activities in the beautiful Eskdale valley.
Find out more →Not Walking
Prefer to relax? Discover great activities that don't involve a long hike.
Find out more →Start With These Classic Lake District Experiences
If it is your first visit, these are the dependable choices: scenic, memorable, and easy to build a day around.
Take a Lake Cruise
Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater and Coniston all offer beautiful ways to see the landscape without a long walk.
View lake cruisesChoose a Viewpoint Walk
Orrest Head, Catbells, Loughrigg and Tarn Hows are classic choices when you want big views without an extreme mountain day.
View walksExplore a Town or Village
Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere, Bowness and Hawkshead all work well for food, shops, short walks and low-effort exploring.
View townsSpend Time by the Water
Pick one lake and slow down: lakeshore paths, picnic spots, boat jetties and viewpoints often make the best days.
View lakesThings to Do by Mood
A quick way to match the day to the weather, your energy level and who you are travelling with.
Low Effort
- Lake cruise and cafe stop
- Village wander in Grasmere or Hawkshead
- Scenic drive with short viewpoints
Active
- Fell walk with a clear route plan
- Kayaking, paddleboarding or cycling
- Adventure activities in Borrowdale or Coniston
Bad Weather
- Historic houses and museums
- Afternoon tea, pubs and bookshops
- Short waterfall walks between showers
Experiences in The Lake District
Use these links when you already know the kind of experience you want. For a first visit, combine one paid activity with free time around a lake, town or viewpoint.
Free and Low-Cost Ideas
Some of the best Lake District days do not need a ticket. These ideas work well between bigger plans or when the weather changes.
Viewpoints and Short Walks
Try Orrest Head, Friar's Crag, Tarn Hows, Rydal Water, Surprise View or a lakeshore wander from Ambleside.
Villages and Lakeshores
Grasmere, Hawkshead, Coniston, Bowness and Keswick are easy to enjoy without packing the day too tightly.
Waterfalls and Picnic Spots
Aira Force, Stock Ghyll Force and Moss Force are good options when you want drama without a full fell walk.
Simple Scenic Days
Choose one lake, one village and one meal. It sounds modest, but it often makes the most satisfying day.