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
      • 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
      • 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
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Free Holiday Guide Downloads
    • Download Free Desktop Wallpaper
    • Download Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Prize Draws
  • 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 Days Out at a bushcraft experience with Graythwaite Adventure Near Hawkshead, Lake District
Bushcraft, Graythwaite Estate (2 hours) with Graythwaite Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…

The Lakeland Model Village at The Damson Dene Hotel in Crosthwaite, Lake District
The Lakeland Model Village

The Lakeland Model Village showcases dozens of miniature buildings crafted from locally sourced…

Exterior and Signage at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
The Heaton Cooper Studio

Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…

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 grounds at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…

Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum

Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent…

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…

The Woodsman’s Walk - A Full Day Guided Walk in South Lakes with Green Man Survival
The Woodsman’s Walk - A Full Day Guided Walk in South Lakes with Green Man Survival

Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds…

Hiking Adventures at Newlands Adventure Centre in Keswick, Lake District
Hiking Adventures at Newlands Adventure Centre

Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…

Visitors Kayaking in the Lake District with Path to Adventure
Kayaking in the Lake District with Path to Adventure

Take to the water in an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the breathtaking Wastwater! Surrounded…

Views of Lake District Fells from the 6th Hole at Silloth on Solway Golf Club in Silloth, Cumbria
Silloth on Solway Golf Club

Silloth on Solway Golf Club is a beautiful links golf course situated on the shores of the Solway…

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…

Climbing with Adventure Vertical in Cumbria
Climbing in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…

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…

Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents

Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents provide high quality, professionally guided…

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…

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…

Lakes Epic Mountain Bike Tour from Saddle Skedaddle
Lakes Epic - Saddle Skedaddle

The Lake District is one of the UK’s premier MTB destinations – with a vast network of thrilling…

Exterior and Grounds at Abbot Hall in Kendal, Cumbria
Abbot Hall

Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian…

Zebra at The Lake District Wildlife Park in Bassenthwaite, Lake District
The Lake District Wildlife Park

Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…

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…

Visitors standing on a stone bridge on a tour with Mountain Goat Tours in the Lake District, Cumbria
Six Lakes Spectacular with Mountain Goat Tours

Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…

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…

Child with stand-up paddleboards from Newlands Adventure Centre in the Lake District, Cumbria
Paddleboarding at Newlands Adventure Centre

Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…

PrevPrev
  • 1Bushcraft, Graythwaite Estate (2 hours) with Graythwaite Adventure
  • 2The Lakeland Model Village
  • 3The Heaton Cooper Studio
  • 4Young Family Ghyll Scrambling (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure
  • 5Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House
  • 6The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum
  • 7Abseiling at Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • 8The Woodsman’s Walk - A Full Day Guided Walk in South Lakes with Green Man Survival
  • 9Hiking Adventures at Newlands Adventure Centre
  • 10Kayaking in the Lake District with Path to Adventure
  • 11Silloth on Solway Golf Club
  • 12Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House
  • 13Climbing in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical
  • 14Abseiling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical
  • 15Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • 16Swarthmoor Hall
  • 17Caving In Yorkshire Dales with Go Cave
  • 18Lakes Epic - Saddle Skedaddle
  • 19Abbot Hall
  • 20The Lake District Wildlife Park
  • 21The Old Courthouse Gallery
  • 22Six Lakes Spectacular with Mountain Goat Tours
  • 23Yorkshire Dales from the Lake District with Mountain Goat Tours
  • 24Paddleboarding at Newlands Adventure Centre
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