Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Family Accommodation
      • Accommodation with a Swimming Pool
      • Accommodation with Gyms
      • Accommodation with Hot Tubs
      • Group Accommodation
      • Luxury Accommodation
      • Something a Bit Different
      • Spa Breaks
    • Accessible Accommodation
    • B&Bs & Guesthouses
    • Hotels
    • Lake District Cottages
    • Self Catering Accommodation
    • Camping, Glamping, Caravans and Lodges
    • Holiday Parks
    • Hostels
    • Pubs with Rooms
      • The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
    • Restaurants with Rooms
    • Holiday Homes for Sale
    • Cottage Agencies
  • What's On
    • Tour de France 2027
    • Challenge Events
      • 13 Valleys
      • Great North Swim
      • Windermere Marathon
      • Cross-Bay Walks
      • Traditional Sports
      • Gurning Festival (Egremont Crab Fair)
    • Cultural Events
      • Winter Droving
    • Festivals
      • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
      • Oktoberfest Cumbria
      • Marmalade Festival at Dalemain
      • Cockermouth Live!
      • Lake District Music Summer Festival
    • Food Events
    • Galleries & Exhibitions
    • Markets
    • Add your event
  • Things to Do
    • Bookable Experiences
    • 50 Great Cumbrian Experiences
    • Lake District Attractions
    • Adventure Activities
      • Adventure on the Water
      • Adventure Training
      • Extreme & Off Road
      • Rocks & Ropes
    • Arts and Culture
      • Let's Go Culture
      • Famous Artists, Poets & Writers
      • Festivals
      • Galleries & Exhibitions
      • Independent Cinema
      • Museums
      • Theatre & Live Performance
    • Experiences
      • Aerial Experiences
      • Animal Experiences
      • Bushcraft Experiences
      • Craft Demonstrations & Workshops
      • Food & Drink Experiences
      • Gift Experiences
    • Guided Tours
      • Coach & Minibus Tours
      • Guided Cycling
      • Guided Walks
      • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Forest Bathing
      • Gym & Swim
      • Massage
      • Wild Swimming
      • Yoga
    • History and Heritage
      • Cumbrian Castles
      • Cumbrian Churches
      • Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
      • King Arthur in Cumbria
    • Outdoor Activities
      • In the Air
      • On the Land
      • On the Water
      • Cycling
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
      • Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
      • Sporting Activities
      • Walking
      • Hen & Stag Activities
      • Team Building activities
      • Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Shopping
      • Cumbrian High Street Shopping
      • Local Produce
      • Markets in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Shop Online
    • Accessible Activities
    • Family Days Out
    • Wildlife & Nature
    • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Food and Drink
    • Dog Friendly Places to Eat
    • Family-friendly places to eat
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Breweries & Distilleries
    • Cafés
    • Fine dining
    • Foraging & Bushcraft
    • Local Produce
    • Pub Food & Gastro Pubs
    • Restaurants
    • Vegetarian & Vegan
    • Food & Drink in Cumberland
  • Explore Cumbria
    • Areas of Cumbria
      • The Lake District
      • Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
      • Eden Valley & North Pennines
      • Morecambe Bay
      • Western Lake District & Coast
      • Where The Lakes Meets The Dales
    • Towns & Villages
    • Lakes of the Lake District
    • Cumbria Coastal Route
    • World Heritage Cumbria
    • Mountains & Fells
    • Harbours & Marinas
  • Ideas and Inspiration
    • Christmas & New Year
    • Itineraries - Great days out
    • Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
      • Film & TV Timeline
      • Gallery of Locations
    • Lake District, Cumbria Bucket List
    • Selfie Guide
    • Dark Skies Cumbria
    • The National Trust in the Lake District
    • Sunny day ideas
    • Rainy day ideas
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Family Holidays
    • Dog Friendly Holidays
    • Bespoke Holidays
    • Caring for the environment
      • Lake District Foundation
      • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Travel
      • Let's Go Car Free
      • Getting To Cumbria
      • Getting Around Cumbria
      • Car Parking and Car Charging
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Group Travel
    • Touring the Lake District, Cumbria
    • Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
      • Accessibility on film
      • Adventure for all - Ideas and Inspiration
    • Tourist Information Centres
    • Smart Travel Planner
  • Weddings
    • Wedding Venues
      • Exclusive Use Venues
      • Venues with Accommodation
    • Wedding Suppliers
    • Wedding Fairs & Events
    • Stag & Hen Parties
    • Honeymoon & Minimoon
    • Transport
    • Spa Treatments
  • Conferences & Event Spaces
    • Conference Venues with Rooms
    • Attraction Venues & Meeting Spaces
    • Functions, Banquets and Corporate Event Venues
    • Team Building
    • Event Organisers, Catering & Suppliers
  • Live, Work and Study
  • Prizes & Guides
    • 2027 Holiday Guide Photo Competition
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Free Holiday Guide Downloads
    • Download Free Desktop Wallpaper
    • Download Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Prize Draws
      • Win a stay at The Grange Hotel with travel pass
      • Win an insulated jacket by Regatta
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • Special Offers

Don't Miss

  • Summer | Description

    Summer

  • Sign up to receive our newsletter containing news and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

  • Site Logo
  • Print Logo
Site Search Icon

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

List All My Saved Itineraries

Language
  • DE
  • EN
Menu
  1. Adventure activities in the Lake District Cumbria
    Ideas & Inspiration
  2. Carlisle Cathedral
    Ideas & Inspiration
  3. Open water swimming, Derwentwater
    Ideas & Inspiration
  4. Whats On in The Lake District, Cumbria
    Ideas & Inspiration

You are here: Home > Ideas and Inspiration

Ideas and Inspiration

You probably have a good idea of the things you’d like to do and see in the Lake District, Cumbria. A cruise across one of the lakes, a walk in the fells – whether a soft stroll, marking off Wainwrights from a list, or a fully equipped 'rocks and ropes' climb.

Maybe you’re keen on exploring the county’s rich arts and culture scene and literary heritage, whether it’s walking in Wordsworth’s footsteps or visiting the house that Beatrix Potter lived in.

Those seeking adventure in the Lake District come with their own thrill checklist – perhaps soaring across the treetops on a zipwire, mountain biking their way through the countryside, sailing on the lake or testing their skills on a Grade 5 rock climb.

We’re more than happy to guide you toward the things you know you want to do, but what about those experiences you didn’t know you wanted to try? Check out our blog for the latest inspiring things to do in the area. The Lake District, Cumbria has a seemingly endless menu of attractions and activities, so why don’t you let us give you a few ideas to mull over?

Let us help you

  1. Family Activities in The Lake District, Cumbria
    Family holidays
    The Lake District Cumbria is the perfect place for a family break, with so much to see and do.
  2. Make your own Gin experience at Shed 1 Distillery
    Rainy Day Ideas
    It rains from time to time in the Lake District, but how else did you think we got our fabulous landscapes and those lakes? Still, there’s plenty to do while taking shelter.
  3. Spa breaks
    Spa breaks
    Treat your loved one to a luxury break in the Lake District, Cumbria. Let the experts in our choice of fabulous Lake District retreats work their magic on you.
  4. Romantic Breaks
    Luxury Romantic Breaks
    Take your loved one for a luxury romantic break in the Lake District, Cumbria - one of the UK's most romantic settings.
  5. Sign up to receive our newsletter containing news and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria.
    Sign up to our newsletters
    Get all the latest news, inspiration and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria direct to your inbox

You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Search
  • Accommodation
  • Things to Do
  • What's On
  • Food & Drink
Accommodation
Check Availability
Arrival Date
Add Room
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
Site Features
Booking & Payment Details
Leisure Facilities
Property Facilities
Room/Unit Facilities
Parking
Other
Things to Do
Type
Refine By
Beyonk Online Booking
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
What's On
Dates
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Food & Drink
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
Accommodation
Check Availability
Arrival Date
Add Room
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
Site Features
Booking & Payment Details
Leisure Facilities
Property Facilities
Room/Unit Facilities
Parking
Other
Things to Do
Type
Refine By
Beyonk Online Booking
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
What's On
Dates
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Food & Drink
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By

Highlights

Aerial Photo of Bassenthwaite Lake Station & Carriage Cafe, with Bassenthwaite Lake in the Background, in the Lake District, Cumbria
Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…

Family doing archery at Newlands Adventure Centre in the Lake District, Cumbria
Archery at Newlands Adventure Centre

It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…

Abseiling at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
Abseiling at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents

Will you have the courage to lean back over the edge and abseil down a vertical wall of rock? Come…

Exterior and Entrance at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
Farfield Mill

Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art…

Rock Climbing with Mountain Journeys in the Lake District, Cumbria
Rock Climbing with Mountain Journeys

Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the…

Visitors on a Brewery Tour at Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal, Cumbria
Brewery Tours at Bowness Bay Brewing

Join Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal for a brewery adventure! Immerse yourself in the magic of…

Exterior and gardens at Townend in Troutbeck, Windermere, Lake District
Townend

A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…

Windermere Lake Cruises boat, as part of a tour with Mountain Goat Tours in the Lake District, Cumbria
Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside with Mountain Goat Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…

Abseiling with Adventure Vertical in Cumbria
Abseiling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…

Rock Climbing at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
Rock Climbing at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents

Get your hands and feet on the rock and climb your way to the top of a rock climbing route in the…

Ghyll Scrambling with Adventure Vertical in Cumbria
Ghyll Scrambling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…

Exterior and Grounds of Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
Swarthmoor Hall

Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the…

Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park in Bassenthwaite, Lake District
Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…

Boats Available with Boat Hire from Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
Boat Hire on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…

Gorge Scrambling with Mountain Journeys in the Lake District, Cumbria
Gorge Scrambling with Mountain Journeys

Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…

Scenery on Wildlife Tracking Tour with Cumbria Wildlife Trust at South Walney Nature Reserve
Wildlife Tracking After Hours at South Walney Nature Reserve with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track…

Visitors Rock Climbing with Path to Adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria
Rock Climbing in the Lake District with Path to Adventure

Challenge yourself - have a go at Rock Climbing. The Lake District is famous for its climbing,…

Visitors Abseiling with Path to Adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria
Abseiling in the Lake District with Path to Adventure

Experience the thrill of leaning back and abseiling down a vertical rock face! Abseiling is both a…

Canyoning with Mountain Journeys in the Lake District, Cumbria
Canyoning with Mountain Journeys

This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping…

Visitor Wild Camping at the Two Day Wilderness Escape with Green Man Survival
Two Day Wilderness Escape with Green Man Survival

Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…

Exterior of Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William…

Exterior birds-eye view of The Old Courthouse Gallery in Ambleside, Lake District
The Old Courthouse Gallery

If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…

Tour bus on the Yorkshire Dales from the Lake District with Mountain Goat Tours
Yorkshire Dales from the Lake District with Mountain Goat Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…

Lake District White Water Rafting in Cumbria
Lake District White Water Rafting

Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us? We have…

PrevPrev
  • 1Bassenthwaite Lake Station
  • 2Archery at Newlands Adventure Centre
  • 3Abseiling at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • 4Farfield Mill
  • 5Rock Climbing with Mountain Journeys
  • 6Brewery Tours at Bowness Bay Brewing
  • 7Townend
  • 8Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside with Mountain Goat Tours
  • 9Abseiling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical
  • 10Rock Climbing at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • 11Ghyll Scrambling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical
  • 12Swarthmoor Hall
  • 13Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park
  • 14Boat Hire on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.
  • 15Gorge Scrambling with Mountain Journeys
  • 16Wildlife Tracking After Hours at South Walney Nature Reserve with Cumbria Wildlife Trust
  • 17Rock Climbing in the Lake District with Path to Adventure
  • 18Abseiling in the Lake District with Path to Adventure
  • 19Canyoning with Mountain Journeys
  • 20Two Day Wilderness Escape with Green Man Survival
  • 21Wordsworth Grasmere
  • 22The Old Courthouse Gallery
  • 23Yorkshire Dales from the Lake District with Mountain Goat Tours
  • 24Lake District White Water Rafting
NextNext

You may also like

  • Bookable Experiences

  • Download Guide

  • Gift Vouchers

  • Itineraries

  • E-newsletter Sign Up

  • Blog

Stay in Touch

Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media

Sign up for E-newsletter

Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria

Sign Up
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • About Visit Lake District
  • Media Enquiries
  • Travel Trade
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Site Map
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Romantic Breaks
  • Selfie Guide
  • Accommodation
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food and Drink
  • Lake District Weddings
  • Live, Work and Study
Contact Us

Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL

Made by Simpleview Logo

Ratings Powered By

tripadvisor

Cumbria Tourism

© Cumbria Tourism