If you’re planning a trip to the Lake District but don’t want to spend all of your time hiking or climbing mountains, don’t panic. There are plenty of other things you can do there that will allow you to make the most of this beautiful part of the country. With more nature, wildlife, history and culture than you can dream of, you won’t be short of things to do in the Lake District.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Absolute Escapes, but all experiences, suggestions and opinions are my own.

Even in some of the most remote parts of the Lake District you can enjoy a wide variety of things too and many of them don’t involve a pair of hiking boots. Whether you’re looking for relaxing spas, cultural experiences, bustling market places or top-notch food, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the Lake District. 

Here are 25 things to do in the Lake District to get you started in 2025. This post was originally shared in 2017 and has been continuously updated over many trips to the Lakes.

Where To Stay In The Lake District

Whether you want to visit for a day trip or a longer stay, it’s important to think about the best place to base yourself to make the most of the kind of visit you want. Some parts of the Lake District are extremely remote and can be difficult to access in a normal car, especially in bad weather conditions so while the beautiful scenery in these locations might be more breath-taking, you may find that activities other than hiking are a little more difficult to come by. 

The bigger towns of Keswick, Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal are easily accessible by good roads and will offer a lot of options from your hotel or car door. They also have a huge number of options for places to stay, including independent B&Bs, bigger hotels and self-catering cottages to suit any budget. These places offer the most things to do in the Lake District that aren’t hiking.  

For longer stays such as weekends, a week stay or even longer, a self catered stay with Absolute Escapes can offer a range of beautiful holiday cottages and homes that give the seclusion and privacy from which to enjoy a Lakeland break. This will really allow you to get stuck into all the activities the region has to offer. Visit Lake District’s accommodation page can also help you find the best option for you. If you are looking for something more remote, Buttermere is a small but fantastic option with incredible scenery and plenty to keep you busy. Check out my blog post all about things to do in Buttermere here.

Things To Do In The Lake District

This list of things to do in the Lake District can be easily done wherever you stay, especially for those who aren’t a fan of walking or heading up mountains. It will help you make the most of the beautiful scenery and Lakeland life, but won’t take you as far as a ten mile hike over the mountain tops. Seasoned Lake District goers will definitely recognise all of these, but for first timers it’s a good starting point!

Lake District Town Markets

There are a number of fantastic markets taking place across the Lake District on a weekly basis and they’re a great way to pass the time while taking in an abundance of local products.

Keswick Market Day

Keswick is a market town and the biggest in the Lake District, making it the most popular for tourists. Set between the imposing Skiddaw mountain and Derwentwater lake, it offers the most things to do in the Lake District in one place, and one of those is to enjoy market day. 

Keswick Market is on every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm, with stalls lining the centre of the town selling locally made products and food. The cheese van is a big hit, as is the Greek stall selling all sorts of flavoured olive combinations and incredible feta cheese. Also pick up local food, gifts, clothing and artwork.

Kendal Market Day

Kendal is another large town that offers a huge market every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm. The market showcases the best of local produce that will make you want to go back time and time again. 

There are also many Farmers’ Markets taking place across the Lake District, usually on a set day of each month, offering a wide selection of homemade food products as well as fresh vegetables and locally-reared meat.

Visit the Craft Fairs

If you enjoy the town markets then you’ll love the Craft Fairs that take place regularly across the Lake District. They showcase the incredible artistic talent of the Lake District locals including everything from paintings, drawings and photography to knitting and crochet with wool from local farms. Many of the craft fairs also offer demonstrations and workshops for you to have a go yourself and stalls for you to pick up all the equipment you need to get crafty at home.

Browse the Independent and Boutique Local Shops

You could spend hours rummaging through all the independent shops dotted around the Lake District and you can pick up lots of incredible and unique finds, many of which will be made with locally-sourced products. 

Keswick is great for this with shops like the Treeby & Bolton shop and gallery, the Keswick Cheese Deli and Packhorse Court. Ambleside is another great option for boutique shops with the Bath House being a strong favourite for natural cosmetics and perfumes, as well as several beautiful independent book shops. Take a look at my Ambleside travel guide for more inspiration.

Ye Olde Friars is a must-visit for unique and traditional sweets. They have everything from pre-bagged, old-fashioned favourites to a specialist chocolate counter as well as novelty boxes and gifts for all occasions. There are branches in both Keswick and Ambleside for you to enjoy and I’d 100% recommend a visit, especially at Christmas.

Read my blog on worthwhile souvenirs to get in the Lake District.

The Gingerbread Shop in Grasmere

Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread is world famous and once you taste it, it’s easy to see why there is always a queue. Dating back to 1854, the shop has grown to offer a wide range of award-winning products like sweets, chocolates and gifts but be sure to pick up some of the original gingerbread recipe as well as all of the other exciting things on offer. The shop is open every day except Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. There is often a line so be prepared to wait.

Visit the Lakes Distillery

If you’ve spent any time in the Lake District, you’re sure to have seen Lakes Distillery spirits on offer in the local pubs and once you try them, you’ll see why these premium quality drinks are so popular. The journey past Bassenthwaite Lake showcases some of the Lake District’s beautiful scenery and once you arrive at the distillery, there’s plenty to keep you busy for hours. 

They offer brilliant guided tours of the gin and whiskey distilleries as well as tasting experiences, and also have a fantastic bistro on site serving a varied menu of local produce. You can also stop by to enjoy the lovely gift shop, that sells all the Lakes spirits – whisky, gin and vodka, as well as a lovely range of other gifts.
Plan your trip to the Lakes Distillery and pre book any tours in advance on their website here.

Visit Skelwith Bridge

Skelwith Bridge is a lovely area just a short drive from Ambleside where you will find a fantastic waterside shop and café called Chesters by the River. The shop is packed with locally-sourced cosmetics, homeware, books and gifts and the bakery serves a vast menu of meals and snacks to either take away or enjoy in the café or on a good weather day, on the large outdoor seating area overlooking the stream. You can also walk from here along the river into Langdale if you wanted a relatively short, easy walk to extend your visit.

The Lingholm Estate

The Lingholm Estate is not far from Keswick and has a large walled garden that you can enjoy strolling around before visiting the café that serves a large menu for breakfast and lunch as well as a huge range of snacks and bakery items. Some of the grounds are private to residents so be sure to follow the signs if you are just visiting.

Visit one of the many English Tearooms

The Lake District is known for its huge number of tearooms and cafes and you can find some real gems that will have you going back time and time again. Many of them don’t take reservations so you might have to be prepared to wait for a table at busy times but with the vast array of local produce on offer, it will be worth it.

George Fisher’s tearoom in Keswick – serving homemade breakfasts, lunches and hot meals, and freshly baked cakes and shortbreads. Their food really is delicious. You can get some of their recipes in their cookbook available to buy. It gets busy on weekends so expect a queue from 11am onwards but it’s worth the wait and the view through the window is painted above so you know which mountains you’re looking at.

Yonder – this is a fairly newer addition to Keswick and is a bit more modern, run by two girls who have decorated it beautifully. Expect delicious cakes on the counter and some other menu options, it’s dog friendly and also has some little tables to sit outside on a sunny day. It’s a cute one.

The Wild Strawberry Tearoom – another famous cafe at the other end of Keswick, and you pass it on the drive in along the one way system. They serve sandwiches, crepes and ice cream.

Mrs F’s Food Emporium – a popular option serving homemade sandwiches, baked goods and ice cream.

Waterhead Coffee Shop – this cafe is right by the lake at Ambleside, and as well as sandwiches, huge scones with cream, they also sell the best ice creams dipped in chocolate. They do a range of cakes and hot chocolates but leave room for an ice cream because they’re worth it!

You can also buy duck food from the cafe, so feed the ducks on the furthest beach of the lake after your refreshment. They’re very friendly and so are the swans! It’s a beautiful spot when the sun sets.

Apple Pie Cafe – a tiny little cafe and bakery in the centre of Ambleside, and as you can imagine their apple pie is incredible. 

Mathildes Cafe – this cafe in Grasmere is part of the Heaton Cooper art studio, so you can browse the paintings and artwork, books and supplies before having coffee and cake.

Enjoy Traditional British Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a popular option across the Lake District and you can find a wide variety ranging from top of the range servings at some of the area’s luxury hotels, as well as more quirky and unique takes on the traditional menu. Favourites include the Inn on the Lake, Armathwaite Hotel, The Wild Boar, The Daffodil and Rothay Manor. 

A unique one worth a visit is at Bassenthwaite Lake Station which was once part the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line that closed in 1966. It is now home to the replica French steam train that was the actual set of the ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ film starring Judy Dench and Johnny Depp. 

It’s now a cafe open daily until 5pm serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, with each carriage slightly different but all dog friendly. They play the film in the bar, and there are film props on display too – a must visit for movie lovers. The afternoon tea itself was so nice, with a lot of food and some unique bites on it. The furthest carriage from boarding is where they serve afternoon tea so if you want a walk through the whole train book that! Take a look at my reel of my experience here.

Enjoy Hearty British Pub Food

If there’s one thing that everyone enjoys in the Lake District, it’s the exceptional British pub food on offer in all locations. Whether it’s to recharge after a walk, relax after a busy day of activities or even the main event of the day, you’re sure to find some of the best hearty meals you’ll ever enjoy in the Lake District, and local ales in every area.

I’ve shared some in this post on places to eat in Ambleside, with the Drunken Duck being a firm favourite, other favourites that come to mind are Wainwrights Inn in Langdale and the Brittania in Elterwater, The Bank Tavern in Keswick, and the Bridge Hotel in Buttermere. They serve some of the nicest homemade food and the menu always has additional specials. 

Enjoy a Spa Day or Break in the Lake District

As well as hiking, the Lake District is famous for some of its incredible luxury spas and many offer options for day visits or overnight stays. There are some incredible luxury spa hotels in the Lake District, many of which take inspiration from the local surroundings in terms of style, treatments and products used. They offer a combination of beautiful scenic settings and luxurious treatment options to provide a truly unique experience.

Make sure you do your research on which to visit, as some of them require you to be staying in the same hotel, or give priority to hotel guests. Be sure to check how spa access is granted before you book as many of them will restrict numbers to maintain the spa’s tranquillity.

Some of the best Lake District spa breaks and experiences can be had at the following hotels: 

• Brimstone Hotel & Spa in Langdale
• Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa near Keswick
• Armathwaite Hotel & Spa near Keswick
• The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere
• Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Ambleside. 

For more details on these hotels visit their websites.

Go on a Lake Cruise

The Lake District is, of course, famous for its lakes and what better way to see them than a lake cruise. Most of the larger lakes offer a regular timetable of launches including round trips and hop-on-hop-off options so you can make a day of visiting the different stops around the water. Some of the boat trips also offer light commentary about the local area to help you get to grips with where you are and what you’re seeing. 

The larger cruises operate all year round, but be mindful of reduced timetables in the winter months and changes to scheduling if the weather isn’t its best. Windermere is the biggest lake, and they have a range of different trips to take to various locations including Bowness and Ambleside through Windermere Lake Cruises.
In Keswick go on a Derwentwater trip on one of their open boats to take in the views, or on Ullswater board one of their old steamers. Find out more details on all of your options via Lake Cruises on Visit Cumbria here.

Hire a Boat

Most of the larger lakes also offer options for you to hire a boat and take charge of your own visit to the water. These can include motor boats as well as rowing boats and are generally rented by the hour so you can plan the day to suit you best. Many of the lakes also allow you to bring your own watercraft but check permissions and permit requirements before heading out on the water. Enjoy being out on the water with the beautiful backdrop behind you.

Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking

If you’re looking to get out on the water, paddleboarding or kayaking are great options and many of the larger lakes offer rental options as well as the ability to bring your own equipment. Some companies will also offer guided experiences which are a fantastic option if you’ve never done it before and want the reassurance of having an expert with you to help you get to grips with it. 

Two companies I would recommend are Graythwaite Adventures, or Windermere Canoe Kayak, and I’ve shared a full review of my experiences with both of them here. They offer guided or do it yourself options, as well as other water sport activities too.

If you are heading out with your own equipment, make sure you check out the permit requirements and safety restrictions of the lake you’re visiting to keep yourself and others safe.

Go Wild Swimming

If hiking isn’t the adventure for you then perhaps open water or wild swimming is? The Lake District is certainly a stunning spot for it, with swimming allowed in any of the lakes, just not the reservoirs or privately owned areas.

The official Lake District national park website has key information on which lakes are best for it, safety tips and even some guided options or clubs if you were interested in doing this. I jumped into Lake Windermere when paddleboarding last year and even on the hottest day it was freezing – so enjoy!

Guided Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, there are loads of options all around the Lake District to help get you active with the expertise of a specialist guide on hand. Most guided activities will offer options for all different ability levels so whether you’re experienced or wanting to try something new, there is bound to be something for you. Lots of packages include transport from the bigger towns so you don’t have to get yourself to the more remote areas to enjoy activities like rock climbing, caving and abseiling.

Visit Whinlatter Visitor Centre & Forestry

There’s absolutely tons to do at Whinlatter Forrest catering to all ages and abilities. The vast area is a World Heritage Site and boasts some of the most beautiful views in the Lake District that you can enjoy even without putting in too much strenuous effort. From the visitor centre, the knowledgeable staff can help you find out all about what’s on offer, including mapped walking trails, trail running routes, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. 

They have also recently introduced dedicated wellbeing trails to help you truly benefit from nature and the centre has been well equipped with accessibility features to allow everyone to enjoy the huge array of activities. Take a look at my reel of the Wow Trail here. It’s a great place to go if you want some outdoor adventures but not the mountain climbing kind, so it’s a good choice for families.

For an easy walk do one of the mapped walking trails, they’re short and there are some fun kids ones to get involved in (the rabbit run and the fox trot), as well as some harder ones but all low level and not too strenuous. They take you through the beautiful forest reserve. It’s also a must visit for avid cyclists, as it has some of the best purpose built trails in the Lakes, with incredible views.

Whinlatter Forrest is home to a pair of nesting ospreys and the centre is dedicated to protecting them. A walk to the viewing point at the right time of year means you might catch a glimpse of the chicks or the hunting adults returning to their nest and there are screens in the visitor centre to show you what the many cameras are capturing if you miss them. 

Whinlatter is also home to a Go Ape activity centre, offering even more opportunity for adventure and adrenaline. The visitor centre also has a cafe, and in summer you can simply enjoy lunch out on the terrace with a fabulous view over the forest and mountains seeing what wildlife you can spot. Find out more about the huge range of options at Whinlatter Forrest here.

Chase Some Lake District Waterfalls

The Lake District’s famous mountains and lakes are connected by many things, but the waterfalls are some of the most impressive aspects of the landscape. Many of them can be reached by well-marked walking routes but you can also earn the fantastic views by more strenuous hikes if you want a longer walk. Some of the most famous ones include Aria Force, Scale Force, Lodore Falls and Sourmilk Gill. Have a read of this guide by the Walking Englishman for details and to help choose which you might like to visit.

Animal Encounters

There is an abundance of wildlife in the Lake District and there are loads of encounters on offer to help you get an up-close and personal experience of the animals. Whether it’s a high-energy sheepdog encounter, leisurely alpaca walk or picnic with rare-breed goats, there is something on offer for every animal lover. Look up your preferred option in advance as many animal experiences will require advance booking. 

The Lake District Wildlife Park

If you want to enjoy the animals without being too hands-on, the Lake District Wildlife Park near Bassenthwaite Lake is a great way of seeing all sorts of animals from local farmyard favourites, to birds of prey and exotic celebrities. There are bookable experiences such as Alpaca walking, or the Hawk walk, and a range of events such as meerkat talks, reptile talks and birds of prey talks. 

You can take the park at your own pace or learn from the many educational sessions and encounters throughout the day. The park is open every day and is just a 10-minute drive from Keswick.

You do have to buy tickets to visit, and unfortunately dogs aren’t allowed here. Find more information and opening times on the Wildlife Park website.

The Lakes Aquarium 

The Lakes Aquarium in Windermere is another great option for the family, especially on a bad weather day. There’s plenty to see and do here and the aquarium is open daily from 10am. Find admission prices and more info here.

Alpaca Walking

This has become a popular activity and can be done in multiple places across Cumbria. One of the most famous companies to do it with is Alpacaly Ever After, due to the various treks with incredible views, but you can also do it at Whinlatter Forest, or Bardsea Alpacas to name a few.

Famous Faces from the Lake District: Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth

The Lake District is steeped in history and world-famous cultural icons have their roots in the local area. 

Discover the World of Beatrix Potter

Children’s author Beatrix Potter is present across the Lake District with many shops, galleries and museums showcasing her famous work. She left her entire estate to the National Trust when she died in the 17^th century and you can visit or experience many aspects of it across the area.

Hill Top is Beatrix Potter’s 17th Century farmhouse where she wrote many of her books, and you can visit the house and gardens with pre-booked tickets. It’s located near Hawkshead, has plenty of parking and you can take a picnic. Find more on Hill Top including how to book your tickets on the National Trust website here. 

Nearby in Hawkshead is the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which is in what used to be her husband’s solicitors office. See the exhibition of her life and work. No ticket is necessary but plan your visit here.

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness is a family attraction, with an interactive exhibition of the characters and stories from her books. There is a gift shop and a cafe on site too. Find out more on the World of Beatrix Potter on their official site.

Become Acquainted with William Wordsworth

Another Lake District icon is of course William Wordsworth, the poet and writer who grew up in and eventually moved back to the Lake District, and is largely responsible for the area becoming a popular tourist spot. 

Wordsworth House can be found in Cockermouth, and is his birthplace. You can visit to see it still displayed how it would have been at the time of his childhood, and it’s owned by the National Trust. There is also a memorial of him opposite. Find more on Wordsworth House here.  

Wordsworth Dove Cottage in Grasmere is where Wordsworth and his wife spent a lot of their time, and it’s also where he wrote many of his most famous poems. Go back to the 17th century with a visit to Dove Cottage, it’s gardens and the orchard. There is also a cafe that you can visit after. FInd more info and plan your Dove Cottage visit here. 

Lastly, another family home of William Wordsworth was Rydal Mount, and you can also book a visit here. In addition to just visiting the home, they also host poetry reading evenings and sketch classes.

Lake District Museums & Galleries

Being such a unique part of the country with so much history, there are obviously many museum and gallery experiences to take your interest. I’ve already mentioned those associated with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, but here are a few others:

The Derwent Pencil Museum exhibits the place where the first pencil was ever made. The museum takes you through the graphite mining process and has the world’s largest pencil on display. There’s also a great gift shop where you can buy artwork, supplies, and of course, loads of different types of pencil. 

The Windermere Jetty Museum – dedicated to boats, steamboats and their history on Lake Windermere. See the website here.

Keswick Museum – for a comprehensive and immersive insight into the Lake District, particularly Keswick and it’s history the Keswick Museum is the one to visit. They have collections to view, and a gallery of artwork.

The Windermere Jetty Museum is dedicated to all things boats and their history on Lake Windermere. 

The Lakeland Motor Museum is a must for any petrolhead, exhibiting all aspects of road transport through the twentieth century. 

The Lake District naturally provides many artists with unbeatable scenery to capture, and you can’t visit any town without seeing little galleries filled with art. Some of my favourites are in Grasmere and Ambleside.

Bridge House in Ambleside

It may be one of the smallest attractions on this list, but Bridge House in Ambleside is by far one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole of the Lake District. Although it’s tiny, this National Trust-owned house is one of the most photographed relics of the Lake District, comprising just one small room upstairs and one downstairs. The house sits on a tiny bridge over the river and you can’t miss it as you drive into Ambleside but it’s well worth the short walk from the town to enjoy it up close.

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Go back in time with a steam train journey from Haverthwaite Railway station, taking in the scenic views from your carriage. Dogs can join you too. The train takes you to Lakeside which is the southern point of Lake Windermere, so you could then continue on your steam journey onboard a boat up to Ambleside.
Find train timetables and fares on their website here.

This list certainly doesn’t cover all things to do in the Lake District that aren’t hiking, but it’s a good start. Of course there are other things like horse riding, climbing walls, a theatre in Ambleside and many low level, short walks that you could enjoy too. Take a look at my Lake District archives for more inspiration, restaurant suggestions, spa experiences, dog friendly accommodation and more.

Other Lake District posts:

Places to Stay in Buttermere

The Ambleside Restaurants worth Visiting

A Travel Guide For Visiting Ambleside

Paddleboarding on Lake Windermere

Luxury Dog Friendly Cottages at Mirefoot

Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Spa