Things to do in the Lake District

Cumbria’s Lake District is an outdoor adventure lover’s paradise. From hiking and cycling through to more strenuous activities such as climbing, kayaking and quad biking; if you love the outdoors you’ll love the Lakes. All year round there is plenty to keep everyone of all ages busy, no matter how much energy you have! Here are a few suggestions for things to do in the Lake District.

Get Outdoors

The Lake District is full of wide-open spaces and, unsurprisingly, lakes! (In fact there’s actually only one ‘lake’ in the entire region, the rest are meres or ‘waters’). Each has its own unique personality, but they all have one thing in common – lots for visitors to see and do. On Windermere, Derwentwater and Coniston you can learn to sail with courses that will have you out and at the tiller of a small sailing boat in no time. For a less energetic waterbased workout you could always hop on board the Lakes’ cruises such as the Victorian steam yacht gondolier at Coniston or the paddle steamers of Windermere, and let someone else do all the hard work.

If you prefer to get wet and go wild in the country then the Lake District is full of kayaking opportunities. Hire shops are plentiful and groups ‘break out’ on rivers throughout the region, ranging from gentle beginner’s courses through to some more challenging white water runs.

One thing the Lake District is famous for is its excellent climbing opportunities. Throughout the country schools and courses run that will have you scrambling up sheer rockfaces like a professional. And if you’re a little bit intimidated by the Old Man of Coniston to start with, then head to the indoor climbing walls at Kendal, Ambleside or Keswick.

Capture the Moment 

The Lake District has inspired artists for generations, and throughout the region there are groups that will take you out to some of those secret places so that you can draw your own inspiration and create your own art. Up in Penrith the Greystoke Cycle Café isn’t just a meeting point for cyclists exploring the hills and dales of the Lakes, but it also holds events and activities throughout the year. From stone letter carving and creative blacksmithing through to stained glass and silver clay jewellery making, this industrious little venue is busy with craftspeople learning new skills all year round.

Cooking Up a Storm

How do you fancy learning to cook authentic Indian, Thai or Moroccan food? Or perhaps even local Cumbrian specialities? Lucy’s cookery school in Kendal holds classes throughout the year teaching even the most amateur of cooks how to craft perfect cupcakes, bake bread or rustle up a Spanish fiesta feast. There are plenty of other schools throughout the Lake District inspiring the next generation of Bake Off competitors, and you could always practice your newly-developed skills when you get back to your luxury holiday cottage in the evening!

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