The Lake District is one of the most well-known and well-loved parts of the UK. Based in the North West of England, it is a popular place for a UK staycation because there really are dozens of activities in Lake District National Park for everyone.
Whether you want to experience the beautiful villages or bustling market towns or find yourself lost on the lake or up in the countryside, there are Lake District attractions ideal for adults and children of all ages. However, if you are planning a trip here you may be wondering what you can do or experience. With that in mind, here are some of the best things you can do in The Lake District to add to your UK bucket list.
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Top 10 Things to do in the Lake District
Use this list of the top 10 places to visit in Lake District National Park to help you plan your trip to the Lake District, including things to do in the Lake District for families as well as some of the more unusual things to do in the Lake District.
Sizergh Castle
Starting with things to do in south Lake District, don’t miss Sizergh Castle, a vast stately home and garden just four miles south of Kendal.
This is a National Trust attraction so you can expect some of the wonderful things we love about National Trust properties and of course entry is free if you’re a member. Check their website before you visit as there are plenty of events throughout the year that you can get involved in. Or you can just turn up and spend some wonderful time exploring the medieval house and gardens as well as the countless walks in the grounds.
Whether you want to tour the castle or head into the gardens, it could be the perfect day out and one of the must see Lake District tourist attractions.
The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Are you or your kids a fan of Peter Rabbit? Or any other works by Beatrix Potter? Then heading to the World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction is one of the ideal things to do with kids in Lake District National Park.
Here you will find interactive exhibits, the Peter Rabbit garden, as well as a lovely cafe and gift shop. It is the ideal attraction for any fans out there, but it is also perfect for children who want to experience something a little different.
Based in Bowness-on-Windermere you will find that it is the ideal stop when exploring the Windermere area and something a little different if you’re planning Lake Windermere activities in Lake District National Park.
Guided walking tours
No trip to The Lake District could be complete without considering going on at least one walk. With so many lakes, national parks, and trails that you can explore, there is something to suit all ages and abilities.
You can choose a small guided tour, or climb fells and mountains for the more experienced hikers. There are so many fantastic locations to explore, but a guided tour could help you to make the most out of the location and ensure that you don’t get lost along the way.
Check out this full day guided tour of the Lake District.
Or if you’d prefer a shorter tour, consider this half day guided tour.
Of course you can easily go on many of the walks independently too. Famous walks in the Lake District including Cat Bells, Old Man Coniston or Helvellyn to name just a few.
Lake Windermere
No trip to the Lake District would be complete without including Lake Windermere things to do and activities around this stunning part of the UK.
Lake Windermere is one of the largest lakes in The Lake District and is also likely to be the most well-known location. It is surrounded by mountain peaks and villages, so you could spend a big chunk of your time exploring here.
Not only do you have Bowness-on-Windermere to explore, but there is also Holehird Gardens which are filled with alpines, heathers, and shrubs. Lake Windermere itself is also the perfect place to enjoy some much-needed quiet time on the water. You can hire boats or embrace some of the other water sports that are on offer. A fantastic location bursting with things to see and do.
Aira Force
For things to do in Ullswater, don’t miss Aira Force, a stunning waterfall with nature trails, streams and beautiful viewpoints, making it a fabulous place to discover for all ages. It’s no wonder it’s often considered one of the best things to do in the Lake District.
Aira Force has been described as a natural playground for kids. You can enjoy splashing in the streams, playing in the woods and exploring, relaxing strolls, or something a little more adventurous. You will find so many things to see and do here.
Ullswater also has much to offer, being the second largest lake in the area, and with picturesque views and scenery at every turn, it will be hard not to fall in love with the place.
Levens Hall
Located in an area known as the gateway to The Lake District National Park, just south of Kendal, Levens Hall is a great place to visit suitable for all ages.
The gardens have their very own maze that you can explore, as well as beautiful scenery. The house has links to the Duke Of Wellington, as well as the stunning gardens being a magical place to explore. With something for everyone, this is one of the best places to go in the Lake District.
Levens Hall is privately owned, but there is a restaurant called Levens Kitchen on site that serves up some amazing food and drinks. A great day out in the Lake District.
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House
Hill Top is another National Trust location and the perfect option for Lake District things to do with family. This is where you can explore the home that once belonged to Beatrix Potter. It has been described as being a time capsule of her life.
It has many things for you to see, plenty of memorabilia to explore as well as a story explaining how Peter Rabbit became one of her most famous stories. There is also a stunning garden that you can explore. This combined with a trip to the World Of Beatrix Potter is a must for any fans of the books and one of the more unique places to go in the Lake District.
Go Ape, Grizedale
One of those activities in the Lake District for those looking for a bit more adventure that’s perfect for kids too. For fun things to do in the Lake District, don’t miss the woodland in Grizedale, one of the best Go Ape locations you can find, offering five different experiences amongst the woods and in a great location for things to do near Coniston Water.
For things to do in the Lake District for couples, segways, zip-lining, and the tree-top challenge are perfect for adults and older children looking for adventurous activities. There are also two further tree-top attractions for older and younger children to experience the thrill and adrenaline-fueled adventures.
You can also choose to enjoy the wooded areas for walks while other members of the family are occupied. It is a great thing to do and one of the largest Go Apes in the UK.
Dove Cottage
A must-see location for any literature lovers would be to head to Dove Cottage on the edge of Grasmere village, famous as the former home of English poet, William Wordsworth and also the house where he composed some of his best-known poems.
You can take a tour of the picturesque cottage and see the room where he did most of his writing. There is also a museum there where you will find manuscripts and memorabilia.
Aside from the idyllic cottage, Grasmere is a stunning little village that has beautiful landscapes and amazing scenery. So it is worth visiting here and experiencing everything else that is on offer. A perfect location and Lake District attraction.
Cycling trails
Finally, if cycling is more you thing, then why not bring them with you for your Lake District visit?
For one of the top things to do in Lake District National Park, seeing it by bike is really one of the best places to explore. Use the Lake District cycling trails guide for more information and inspiration for where to explore by bike.
If you haven’t got your own bikes, don’t fear as many locations have bike hire or offer the use of electric bikes. Ask your accommodation about local guided tours available or you can choose to go it alone.
Summary: Top 10 places to visit in Lake District National Park
The Lake District is a beautiful place to travel to and explore and these are just 10 of the top things to do in Lake District National Park, whether you’re visiting with family, a partner or on your own.
Hopefully, this has given you some inspiration for some of the things you can do in The Lake District and the best things to see in Lake District National Park.
Pin this for later to help you plan your future trip!
