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  1. Ghyll Scrambling with Path to Adventure
    Ideas & Inspiration
  2. Carlisle Cathedral
    Ideas & Inspiration
  3. Open water swimming, Derwentwater
    Ideas & Inspiration
  4. 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? 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 holidays
    Sometimes it’s hard to find a holiday that will make everyone in the family happy. In the Lake District, Cumbria, the hard part is finding the time to do everything the region has to offer.
  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. Whinlatter Forest
    Great Days Out - Whinlatter Forest
    Forestry England’s Whinlatter Forest is a special place, one that inspires, exhilarates, and rejuvenates those who visit.
    8 Sep 2020
  4. Things to do - Lakeland Motor Museum
    Hints and tips
    Lots of great inspiration hints and tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the Lake District, Cumbria.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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

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Highlights

Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead
Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than just a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch…

Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle

Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for…

The Lake District Wildlife Park
The Lake District Wildlife Park

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

The Dock Museum
The Dock Museum

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the…

Wordsworth House and Garden
Wordsworth House and Garden

Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…

© National Trust
Acorn Bank

A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…

Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…

Mountain Goat Tours
Mountain Goat Tours

Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and inspiring choice of…

Windermere Lake Cruises, Wray Castle
Windermere Lake Cruises, Wray Castle

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch cruises,…

Lowther Castle & Gardens
Lowther Castle & Gardens

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award winning Lowther…

Howgills 4-Day Trek with Fell Pony Adventures
Fell Pony Adventures

Walk with a traditional lakeland pack pony to hidden corners of the Lake District. From a one day…

Beatrix Potter Gallery
Beatrix Potter Gallery

This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor…

The Pencil Museum
The Pencil Museum

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…

The Heaton Cooper Studio
The Heaton Cooper Studio

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

Aira Force Waterfall © National Trust Images, John Malley
Aira Force

The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…

St John's in the Vale  - Cairnstones
Cairnstones - Guided Walks

For those who love being in the mountains but feel held back from lack of confidence.  Bill…

Levens Hall & Gardens
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen

A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …

Brougham Hall
Brougham Hall

A 14thC fortified home in course of reconstruction to provide craft centre.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…

Mine Tour at Honister Slate Mine
Mine Tour at Honister Slate Mine

Looking for something memorable this summer? Experience the rich history of our underground mining…

Carlisle Castle Exhibition
Carlisle Castle Exhibition

Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…

Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories

Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…

Dove Cottage
Wordsworth Grasmere

A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses…

PrevPrev
  • 1Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead
  • 2Muncaster Castle
  • 3The Lake District Wildlife Park
  • 4The Dock Museum
  • 5Wordsworth House and Garden
  • 6Acorn Bank
  • 7Tarn Hows
  • 8Mountain Goat Tours
  • 9Windermere Lake Cruises, Wray Castle
  • 10Lowther Castle & Gardens
  • 11Fell Pony Adventures
  • 12Beatrix Potter Gallery
  • 13The Pencil Museum
  • 14The Heaton Cooper Studio
  • 15Aira Force
  • 16Cairnstones - Guided Walks
  • 17Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen
  • 18Brougham Hall
  • 19The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
  • 20Mine Tour at Honister Slate Mine
  • 21Carlisle Castle Exhibition
  • 22Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories
  • 23Wordsworth Grasmere
  • 24Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
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