Things to Do in Lake District

Choose from 24 Fun Things to Do in Lake District

Hawkshead

A beautifully restored medieval market town tucked hidden in the valley between Esthwaite Water and Windermere, Hawkshead is one of the Lake District's most traditional and picturesque villages, characterized by its striking white-washed buildings, grey slate roofs and cobblestoned sidewalks.

Wander around the car-free center, where you can explore the 15th-century St Michael's parish church, see the former grammar school that William Wordsworth attended, and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery, before browsing the small, family-run shops or eating at one of the historic pubs.

Practical Info

Hawkshead is located in the center of the Lake District National Park, just west of Windermere Lake.

Hawkshead, Lake District, England

From $ 39

Bassenthwaite Lake

One of the Lake District's largest lakes at 6.4 km in length, Bassenthwaite Lake is best known for its abundant native wildlife, now preserved as part of the region's only wetland nature reserve. Osprey, Grasshopper Warbler, Curlew, Greylag and Meadow Pipit are among the bird species that frequent the wetlands, while the lake is also one of two places in England to see the rare vendace fish.

As well as wildlife watching, Bassenthwaite Lake is a popular spot for sailing, canoeing and fishing (for which a license is required) and the surrounding valley has ample opportunities for hiking, including the popular peaks of Skiddaw, the Lord's Seat and Ullock Pike, all of which offer spectacular views over the lake.

Practical Info

Bassenthwaite Lake is located in the north of the Lake District National Park, approximately 10 km north of Keswick.

Bassenwaithe, Lake District, England

From $ 39

Wray Castle

One of the most-beloved castles in the United Kingdom and one of the finest examples of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture (some would use the term “mock Gothic”), Wray Castle is an important stop on any Lake District itinerary. Built along the shoreline of Windermere lake in 1840, it was the starting point of Beatrix Potter’s illustrious love affair with the Lake District.

Potter’s family vacationed there in the summer of 1882, well before the castle was used as a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers and eventually handed over to the National Trust, which had plans to turn the castle into a hotel. Popular demand led the organization to rethink its decision and ultimately decide to open the grandiose castle to the public. Tourists have been flocking to the area ever since. The castle is completely empty inside — and therefore very kid-friendly — and offers several dressing-up areas and over 50 activities.

Practical Info

The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-March to October and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November to mid-December. The castle is closed to visitors between mid-December and mid-March, but its grounds are open from dawn until dusk year-round. Free guided visits of the property are available. Admission costs £7.20 for adults, £3.60 for kids and £18 per family. Wray Castle can be reached from Liverpool and Manchester in two hours via the M6, the A591 and the B5286; however, due to its popularity, the castle’s parking lot tends to be full by as early as 11 a.m. Additionally, there are regular boats direct from Ambleside and a bus service running from Ferry Nab via Hill Top and Hawkshead.

Low Wray, Ambleside, England

Park is open year round; castle hours vary

Adults: £7.20, Children: £3.60, Families: £18

From $ 78

Wrynose Pass

The Lake District is famous for its dramatic high mountain passes, and few are steeper or more winding than the notorious Wrynose Pass, often described, along with the adjourning Hardknott pass, as one of Britain’s most difficult roads. Climbing around 281 meters in just over 3 km, the Wrynose Pass might be a rollercoaster ride, but it’s also one of the most thrilling ascents in the Lake District, serving up astounding views over the surrounding peaks.

The single-track road can be travelled by car, mountain bike or on foot, and weaves through the mountains between Duddon Valley and Little Langdale, to its highest point at the Three Shire Stone – a famous landmark marking the boundary between the historic counties of Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland.

Practical Info

The Wrynose Pass runs through the central mountains of the Lake District National Park, between Wastwater and Ambleside.

England

From $ 62