Outdoor Activities In Lake District

The Lake District

Outdoor Activities in Lake District

What are the best outdoor activities to do in the Lake District?

• Climb Scafell Pike
• Hire a boat on Lake Windermere
• Via Ferrata at Honistor Slate Mine
• Winter skills on Helvellyn
• Ghyll Scrambling
• Canadian canoeing on Lake Coniston
• Hire a bike on the mountain bike trails at Grizedale Forest

Cheap outdoor activities to do in the Lake District

• Hire a bike to cycle along the shores of the iconic Lake Windermere
• Go star gazing! The Lake District is one of the darkest places in the country.
• Take a swim in one of the famous Lakes!
• Join a free hike offered by some of the organisations who look after the National Park
• Check out some of the amazingly preserved Roman ruins that abound in the area, many of which are free to visit.

Unique outdoor activities to do in the Lake District

• The Bowder Stone, Borrowdale Valley: anyone (or anything) exploring this valley some 10,000-13,500 years ago might have had quite the shock as this 200 ton lump of hardened lava crashed down to earth from the Bowder Crag above, landing with such force that it remained embedded in the ground teetering on one corner. The stone itself is believed to be over 450 million years old and even has a staircase, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this dramatic example of the area’s geological history.
• Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick: just a short (30 minute) walk from Keswick lies one of the best stone circle sites in Britain. With 38 stones in total it sits in a large field, meaning kids can play whilst adults enjoy a picnic and take in the amazing views. Visitors are also able to touch the stones, which date back to Neolthic times some 4000-5000 years ago. The site is also popular with photographers with it’s great backdrop of Skiddaw, though best to visit at the beginning or end of the day to capture the best light and avoid the crowds!
• Take a Cruise on Lake Windermere: ok so this isn’t a ‘hidden gem’, being one of the most popular things to do on England’s largest lake, but the fact that it is the largest body of water in the country does make it unique, and doing it on one of the traditional steam boats makes it even more so. It’s an easy and relaxing way to spend some time on the water with it’s amazing backdrops.
• Wordsworth Grasmere: find out what inspired one of our greatest poets at Dove Cottage, the Grasmere home of William Wordsworth. Discover more about the man himself, and take in the landscapes that feature in many of his finest works.
• Little Langdale, Slaters Bridge: this is a gorgeous little 16th Bridge that spans the shallow River Brathay, making for a lovely lunch spot for anyone, but in particular for families so the kids can enjoy paddling in the pools around the bridge. Cathedral Cavern is also walkable from here, making it a great day’s hiking with some stunning features, and a pub or two at the end for a rewarding stop afterwards!

Best outdoor activities for couples in the Lake District

• Ennerdale Water: Ennerdale is one of the less visited Lakes, and the reason for this is simply because it’s one of the least accessible. Which is great if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, especially during the summer months. With some great walks and lovely picnic spots on the western shore, it's also where Bill Clinton proposed to Hilary!
• Rydal Mount and Gardens: home to William Wordsworth until his death in 1950, the beautiful gardens here give some insight into some of the poet’s greatest works. Of particular note is the waterfall, Rydal Falls, located a short walk from the house.
• Haystacks, above Buttermere: for one of the best and most beautiful views in the National Park, head to Haystacks. If you’re confident descending in low light then stay for the magnificent light during sunset over Buttermere and Crummock Water beyond.
• Hire a canadian canoe: partner up in a canadian canoe on beautiful Ullswater, to explore some of it’s many islands and beaches.
• If you’re early-risers then head to Castlerigg Stone Circle for the sun rise. Wrap up warm as it can be quite exposed, but there are few more romantic moments than sharing a cup of something hot watching the first dawn rays hit the stones.

Best outdoor activities for groups in the Lake District

• Climbing Helvellyn via Striding Edge: this is classed a grade 1 scramble, and whilst not for the fainthearted it makes for an invigorating challenge, and a fantastic sense of achievement amongst the group at the end of the day!
• Tackling the Infinity Bridge at the Honister Slate Mine. Whilst the via ferrata courses here are also well worth a go for the more active amongst you, the Infinity Bridge is great fun for an active group! Stretched 2,000 feet above the valley floor, this high-wire bridge it’s the longest of it’s type in Britain, and so named as you can’t see the other side!
• Ghyll Scrambling down a steep and rocky river, waterfalls included!
• Mountain Biking, Grizedale Forest: with trails for all levels and bike hire too there’s something for everyone at this mountain biking centre just east of Coniston Water.

Best outdoor activities for families in the Lake District

• Cycling: whilst the mountain bike trails at Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests are worthy of a mention, it’s the family-friendly easy trail alongside Lake Windermere we’re picking for this one. It’s a lovely way for the whole family to be active whilst enjoying some great views and stopping to take in some picturesque spots, have a little paddle, a picnic, and spend some quality time together.
• Canoeing on Coniston: with smaller children especially canadian canoes are a great way to still get on the water under your own steam.
• Hiking: Lake District National Park Authority has come up with a list of over 40 ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes, which are easily accessible walks ideal for those with pushchairs or smaller children, whilst still allowing the grown ups to appreciate the landscapes and the fresh air.
• The World of Beatrix Potter: for any fans of these much-loved children’s books this attraction is well worth a visit, lovingly bringing these stories to life in a recreation of the Lake District countryside in which they were based.

Outdoor Activities for Kids and Toddlers

Outdoor Activities for Adults

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