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
    • Challenge Events
      • 13 Valleys
      • Great North Swim
      • Windermere Marathon
      • Cross-Bay Walks
      • Traditional Sports
      • Gurning Festival (Egremont Crab Fair)
      • World’s Biggest Liar
    • Cultural Events
      • Winter Droving
    • Festivals
      • Cockermouth Live!
      • Oktoberfest Cumbria 2025
      • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
      • Lake District Music Summer Festival
      • Marmalade Festival at Dalemain
      • Dave Day
    • 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
      • Walking
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
      • Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
      • Sporting Activities
      • Hen & Stag Activities
      • Team Building activities
      • Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Shopping
      • Virtual Christmas Market
      • 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
    • Cumbria Tourism Awards 2025
    • 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
  • Prizes & Guides
    • 2026 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 North Lakes Hotel & Spa
      • Win an overnight stay for 2 people
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • Special Offers

Don't Miss

  • Winter | Description

    Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria

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

Highlights

Family Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District with Path to Adventure
Young Family Ghyll Scrambling (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure

This aquatic ghyll scramble is situated in a beautiful canyon only a short walk from Coniston. In…

Exterior and Gardens at Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House near Penrith, Cumbria
Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House

Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…

Alpacas at All About Alpacas in Cartmel, Cumbria
All About Alpacas

All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.

Rock Climbing and Abseiling with More Than Mountains in Borrowdale, Keswick, Lake District
Rock Climbing and Abseiling in Borrowdale, Keswick with More Than Mountains

Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…

Rock climbing with More Than Mountains around Cumbria and the Lake District
More Than Mountains

More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…

Visitor Caving with Go Cave in the Lake District, Cumbria
Caving In Yorkshire Dales with Go Cave

Caving is an adventure activity full of challenges and a real opportunity for a feeling of…

Exterior and Gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House

Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…

Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle

Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…

Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains in Keswick, Lake District
Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Keswick)

Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…

Exterior and Entrance at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum

Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…

Path on Wildlife Tour with Cumbria Wildlife Trust in Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve, Lake District
Discover a lost rainforest...in Cumbria! with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

You might think rainforests only exist in far-flung locations, but we have them here in Cumbria,…

Visitors Rock Climbing with Genuine Adventures in the Lake District, Cumbria
Rock Climbing with Genuine Adventures

Guided Rock Climbing by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District offers tailored, safe ascents for…

Tour guides on Jennings Brewery Tours in Cockermouth, Cumbria
Jennings Brewery Tours

Step behind the scenes with our guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that…

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…

Canyoning at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
Canyoning at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents

Canyoning is like Ghyll Scrambling, but on steroids! Join us as we journey down an atmospheric…

Historic Steam Trains at Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway in the Lake District, Cumbria
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Lakeside Pier

Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…

Windermere Lake Cruises, Self Drive Boats
Windermere Lake Cruises, Self Drive Boats

Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…

Photo overlooking Grasmere by Jonny Gios Photography
Photography Tours of the Lake District with Jonny Gios Photography

Join Jonny Gios for a stunning Lake District photo tour. Perfect for all skill levels, explore…

The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
The Armitt Museum

Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…

Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains in Coniston, Lake District
Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Coniston)

Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…

Gallery one at The Roman Army Museum
Roman Army Museum

Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…

Ullswater Electric Mountain Bike Weekend with Saddle Skedaddle in the Lake District, Cumbria
Ullswater Electric Mountain Bike Weekend - Saddle Skedaddle

Exploring at the speed of the e-bike means you’ll experience a huge variety of off-road riding, all…

Bownessie on Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria
Bownessie

Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…

Visitors Paddleboarding with Genuine Adventures in the Lake District, Cumbria
Stand Up Paddleboarding in Coniston with Genuine Adventures

SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided…

PrevPrev
  • 1Young Family Ghyll Scrambling (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure
  • 2Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House
  • 3All About Alpacas
  • 4Rock Climbing and Abseiling in Borrowdale, Keswick with More Than Mountains
  • 5More Than Mountains
  • 6Caving In Yorkshire Dales with Go Cave
  • 7Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
  • 8The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle
  • 9Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Keswick)
  • 10Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
  • 11Discover a lost rainforest...in Cumbria! with Cumbria Wildlife Trust
  • 12Rock Climbing with Genuine Adventures
  • 13Jennings Brewery Tours
  • 14Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park
  • 15Canyoning at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • 16Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Lakeside Pier
  • 17Windermere Lake Cruises, Self Drive Boats
  • 18Photography Tours of the Lake District with Jonny Gios Photography
  • 19The Armitt Museum
  • 20Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Coniston)
  • 21Roman Army Museum
  • 22Ullswater Electric Mountain Bike Weekend - Saddle Skedaddle
  • 23Bownessie
  • 24Stand Up Paddleboarding in Coniston with Genuine Adventures
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
Contact Us

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

Made by Simpleview Logo

Ratings Powered By

tripadvisor

Cumbria Tourism

© Cumbria Tourism