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  1. Smiling woman on a high rope course at Go Ape Whinlatter in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Things To Do
  2. Couple looks at the Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Things To Do
  3. Two women pose for a photo with their arms over their head atop Binsey in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Things To Do
Smiling woman on a high rope course at Go Ape Whinlatter in the Lake District, Cumbria

Things to Do

You are here: Home > Things to Do

Things to Do in the Lake District and Cumbria

Have you got a year to spare? You’ll need that amount of time and more if you want to make a real dent in the list of incredible activities available in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Cumbria is England’s adventure playground, with a seemingly inexhaustible list of experiences for all ages and interests. One moment you could be flying through the trees on a zipwire in Grizedale Forest, the next you’re trying to stay dry on a paddleboard on Lake Windermere. If you like your sporting activities, it’s just as easy to play a round of golf with a dramatic mountain backdrop as it is to wade into a fast-flowing stream for a spot of wild water fishing. And how about doing some fell walking or scaling some rocks…did you know that the Lake District, Cumbria was the birthplace of fell walking, fell running and modern-day rock climbing? Whether on land or in the water, you will find a wealth of activities, attractions and things to do in the Lake District, Cumbria.

We’re also pretty proud of our world-class cultural heritage. There’s an impressive list of radical thinkers, artists, poets and writers - pioneers who found inspiration here – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters and Andy Goldsworthy. Walk in their footsteps, visit their homes, explore the rich creative life built on their exceptional heritage. You can see and feel it within a few short miles: the top class museums and heritage centres; the artworks in the mountains and forests; the scores of galleries and exhibitions; the packed, year-round programme of performances and festivals celebrating all manner of creative endeavours, from music to local craft demonstrations and workshops. And yes, we have lots of traditional performance venues, but there’s a particular thrill in attending a show on an outdoor stage in a spectacular setting.

Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a pretty great version of it in the Lake District, Cumbria. You can take a hawk for a walk or be a farmer for a day. You can try your hand at dog sledding or learn the basic skills of bushcraft. You can take to the sky in a gyroplane or stay grounded aboard a Segway. You can attend poetry readings in Wordsworth’s living room and listen to a symphony orchestra by a lake. Check out our Lake District, Cumbria blog, packed full of inspiration to help you make the most of your visit. It’s all here, just waiting for you to come and experience it.

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Inspiration

  1. Visitor enjoying the zipline at Go Ape Grizedale in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Things to Do Special Offers
    Check out these special offers on things to do in the Lake District, Cumbria!
  2. Book Country Pursuits with Visit Lake District, the official website for the Lake District and Cumbria
    Bookable Experiences
    Experiences and activities here in the Lake District, Cumbria that you can book online.
  3. Plan your journey the smart way - Visit Lake District.
    Plan your journey the smart way
    Our new travel planner enables you to plan your trip in the most efficient way possible.
  4. View and order our free Lake District, Cumbria guides
    The Holiday Guide
    The definitive guide to getting the most out of your visit to the Lake District & Cumbria.
  5. The Lake District, Cumbria Attractions Guide 2024
    Attractions Guide
    The Attractions Guide is jam packed full of great places to visit, fun days out and activities for the whole family.
  6. Family Days out in the Lake District
    Family Days Out
    The best family days out inthe Lake District, Cumbria. From farm experiences to taking to the water in a kayak, we have exactly what it takes to keep the whole family happy.
  7. Accessible activities in the Lake Didtrict
    Accessible Activities
    Useful information to find out about activities and specialist residential holidays with great inclusive facilities.
  8. Guided tours in the Lake District, Cumbria.
    Guided Tours
    Why not avail of an expert to explore the Lake District, Cumbria? There's a range of expertise that can be put at your disposal.
  9. Arts & Culture
    Check out the Galleries, museums, performing arts, exhibitions, studios in an area which has always been known for providing inspiration to great artists, poets and artisitc pioneers.
  10. Sign up to receive our newsletter containing news and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria.
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You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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Things To Do Highlights

Visitors with the Escape Box Experiences at The Armitt in Ambleside, Lake District
Escape Box Experiences at The Armitt

Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from -…

Exterior of Greystoke Castle in Greystoke, Cumbria
Greystoke Castle

Greystoke Castle, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, invites you to…

Off-Road Driving in a INEOS Grenadier with Graythwaite Adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria
4x4 Off-Road Driving (1 hour), INEOS Grenadier with Graythwaite Adventure

Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…

Visitors Ghyll Scrambling with Genuine Adventures in the Lake District, Cumbria
Ghyll Scrambling with Genuine Adventures

Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…

Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
Wordsworth Grasmere

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

Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
The Old Laundry Theatre

Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…

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…

PrevPrev
  • 1Escape Box Experiences at The ArmittVisitors with the Escape Box Experiences at The Armitt in Ambleside, Lake District
  • 2Greystoke CastleExterior of Greystoke Castle in Greystoke, Cumbria
  • 34x4 Off-Road Driving (1 hour), INEOS Grenadier with Graythwaite AdventureOff-Road Driving in a INEOS Grenadier with Graythwaite Adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • 4Ghyll Scrambling with Genuine AdventuresVisitors Ghyll Scrambling with Genuine Adventures in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • 5Wordsworth GrasmereDove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • 6The Old Laundry TheatreStage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
  • 7Photography Tours of the Lake District with Jonny Gios PhotographyPhoto overlooking Grasmere by Jonny Gios Photography
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