The 15 best things to do in the Lake District

What is it? The Lake District is home to all 214 ‘Wainwright’ fells, the iconic tick-list of mountains created by guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright. Bagging a few – or all of them – is, perhaps, the greatest Lake District adventure you can have.  

Why go? The Lake District is nothing if not a hill-walking paradise – and no visit to the National Park is complete without setting foot on at least a ‘Wainwright’ summit or two. Some are small hills with big views, such as family favourites Cat Bells, Castle Crag and Loughrigg Fell. Others like Great Gable, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra are towering, imposing mountains, requiring good fitness and a head for heights. 

What is it? Go stand-up paddleboarding on England’s most beautiful lake

Why go? Forget Windermere lake – it’s overly touristy and, well, a bit boring. Instead visit Ullswater, which is often billed as England’s most beautiful lake. Why? Its waters curve sumptuously into the distance, encircled by a layered skyline of majestic peaks – truly a sight to behold. You can walk around the lake on the delightful 20-mile Ullswater Way or take a boat ride on the historic Ullswater Steamers, but we’d recommend something more outdoorsy. Hire a paddle-board from the Another Place hotel and you’ll feel like you’re walking on water. On a good day, the lake’s blue surface is glazed like a glistening sheet of glass. It’s pretty magical. 

What is it? Take a hike around Buttermere lake before some well-deserved post-hike refreshments at the charming Syke Farm Tearoom

Why go? It’s impossible to visit Buttermere without feeling rejuvenated and replenished. It’s like a distillation of everything special about the Lake District: glorious mountains, serene waters, wobbly dry stone walls and fields of cute-faced Herdwick sheep. It’s an easy four-mile walk around the lake, followed by some treats at Syke Farm Tearoom. The artisan pastries and indulgent cakes always hit the spot, but the ice cream is the real winner – it’s made from the milk of the farm’s resident cows. Sleeping over here? Go for the very quaint Fish Hotel. 

What is it? Standing at 978m, Scafell Pike is the highest point in England. 

Why go? A journey to its summit and back will likely leave you with blisters and wind or rain-blasted skin. But you’ll also get a stunning view of the National Park and an enormous sense of smugness. Just make sure you prepare properly! That means checking the mountain forecast and getting the right gear (primarily, decent footwear and some warm, waterproof layers). Sure it’s fun, but it’s also a pretty chunky undertaking. The simplest route option is to start in Wasdale Head and hike up and down the tourist path, also known as the Hollow Stones route.  

What is it? Guess...

Why go? This Cumbrian creative hub boats one of the loveliest settings of any theatre, with stunning views of Derwentwater that make a visit to the café as worthwhile as seeing something on the stage. With its varied and always interesting programme though, it’s well worth purchasing a ticket in advance – you wouldn’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of any visit to the Lakes.

What is it? A fascinatingly intriguing collection of boulders that dates back to the Neolithic period, putting it on an equal footing with Stonehenge. 

Why go? From the centre of Keswick it’ll take you roughly 45 minutes to walk to the circle. Entry to the site is free and the setting is certainly eye-catching (to say the least). With the peaks of Blencathra and Helvellyn painting a rugged backdrop, this Lake District historical site is a must-visit wonder – a Neolithic ceremonial sanctuary thought to have been constructed by pre-historic farmers in 3000 BC. Originally consisting of 42 stones up to 7½ft tall, with a total diameter of 30m, now only 38 are left. The Stone Circle has a solar alignment, so head along for summer solstice – it’s one of the more tranquil midsummer celebrations.

What is it? The verdant and charming former home of children’s author Beatrix Potter. She bequeathed her house to the National Trust upon her death in 1943, along with thousands of objects and personal effects.

Why go? At Hill Top you’ll see furniture, photos, unusual porcelain, paintings by Potter and much more – and you’ll get the chance to roam her famous garden. If you’re really bitten by the Potter bug, there are numerous other sites to visit across the Lake District including the family-friendly World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere.

What is it? An activity centre and place to stay in the wild Ennerdale valley 

Why go? When the nights draw in early, the Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre leads stargazing events with talks and telescopes. Thanks to its isolated location free of light pollution, Low Gillerthwaite has been officially named a Dark Sky Discovery Site and on a clear night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Become a member and bag yourself a whole bunch of perks, including discounted rates, newsletters and invitations to events.

What is it? Where William Wordsworth properly laid his hat, close to the postcard-pretty town of Ambleside.

Why go? The late Romantic poet was born in Cumbria and left his mark all over the Lake District. As a young man, he moved around various spots in Grasmere before he finally settled in Rydal in 1813, where he lived until his death in 1850. While the poet’s childhood home in Cockermouth is pegged as the Wordsworth abode to visit, this quaint sixteenth-century cottage known as Rydal Mount offers a different view of the man. Wander the stunning gardens that Wordsworth landscaped himself, peek inside his ‘writing hut’ and attic study, see his personal possessions and browse his library.

What is it? A gorgeous pub, dining room and hotel with good food and a range of exceptional beers.

Why go? Who could resist a brew with a view? Especially when the view in question is full of fells and your pint has only travelled a few feet from the brewery next door. Barngates Brewery has been crafting lagers, ales and stouts beside the Drunken Duck Inn since 1997. You’ll find a range of their beverages at the inn, as well as a menu of British fusion food. If it’s on, try the Barngates Brathay Gold – it’s an absolute belter of a golden ale. Plus it’s very refreshing… which might come in handy with all that walking.

What is it? This little shop that sells the famous Grasmere Gingerbread is in fact where the sweet, ginger-flavoured treat was born. 

Why go? Victorian baker Sarah Nelson, who once lived in the cottage, came up with the unique Grasmere Gingerbread recipe in 1854. This delicate, spiced, wonderfully chewy gingerbread has been a big seller ever since, and you can only get it from a few select places. Our recommendations would be the shop, naturally, or the Wordsworth Hotel next door, where you can sit down and enjoy your gingerbread with a cuppa. Trust us on this: try it with cheese, ideally bought from the Keswick Cheese Deli – it’s one of the Lake District's best.

What is it? An old-school inn and lodgings that has been here since 1689 and oozes character, from the low, beamed ceilings to the roaring log fire. 

Why go? Just outside Windermere and Ambleside you’ll find Troutbeck Valley, home to The Mortal Man. The menu is traditional British fare and is especially enjoyable in the garden on a summer’s day. Keep an eye on the events schedule: Keep an eye on the events schedule: there’s live music every Sunday and an open mic night on Tuesdays. Belt out a tune and you’ll earn yourself a free drink.

What is it? A top-notch distillery producing gin, whisky and vodka using loads of local produce.

Why go? The Lakes Distillery opened in 2014 and fast became a go-to destination in Cumbria. Tours and tastings run daily, and at the weekend you can meet their resident alpacas! There’s also a fully-stocked shop, should you want to take a little something home. Need to soak up some of that booze? There’s a very decent little restaurant here, too.

What is it? A quirky – but brilliant – museum about one of the more mundane things in life. 

Why go? This modest building, which sits in the shadow of the old Cumberland Pencils factory, is home to the world’s first ever pencil. You’ll also find spy pencils from World War Two, an 8m colouring pencil, a café and a shop. Above all, the Lake District is one of the wettest places in the UK, and while it might all sound a bit eccentric, this museum is a great place to while away a few hours until the rain (hopefully) subsides. 

What is it? Honister Slate Mine is the last working slate mine in England and the producer of green slate extracted from Fleetwith Pike.

Why go? This fascinating place does a range of activities for all ages and abilities. From the relatively gentle tour through the underground mine shafts to scaling the side and inside of a mountain, as well as crossing a terrifying infinity bridge, you have plenty to keep you occupied here. Fun fact: Honister is also home to the highest café in the National Park. Make a beeline for a surprisingly good souvenirs shop, too – it sells stuff a step above the usual overpriced tat.