Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status back in 2017, the Lake District is an increasingly popular destination – and it’s not hard to see why! Beautiful natural landscapes, excellent places to eat and drink, cultural activities, and much more await visitors to this stunning National Park. From exhilarating outdoor activities to award winning attractions, here are our top things to do in the Lake District.
Discover Lake Windermere
With a total length of 11.23 miles, and a surface area of 5.69 miles, Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake – and offers plenty to see and do!
For anyone looking to get active, a wide variety of water sports are available. Whether you want to experience the thrill of waterskiing or see the lake on a paddleboard, there are plenty of options to choose from, with the Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre a great place to start.
Want to see the lake from the water, but not keen on getting wet? Why not hop on board a Windermere Lake Cruise! Boats travel to and from a number of destinations around the lake, including Bowness and Ambleside, with stunning views to accompany your journey. Motor or rowing boat hire is also available if you’d prefer to see the lake at your own pace.
Take a Walk on the Fells
The Lake District is famous for its stunning walking routes, with everything from challenging mountain climbs to accessible paths to enjoy. Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain, can be found in the Southern Fells of the Lake District and makes for an invigorating ascent, with the reward of beautiful 360 views from the top.
Looking for a slightly easier route? The countryside around Bowness and Lake Windermere is filled with shorter paths and relaxing strolls. Orrest Head is a great beginner’s walk from Windermere, which still boasts breathtaking views from the summit; while you can’t go wrong with a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Windermere!
Explore by Bike
Prefer to explore on two wheels? Cycle routes can be found in abundance across the Lake District! Grizedale Forest is a good option for off road cycling, with bike hire available on site and plenty of car-free paths to enjoy for everyone from beginners and more experienced cyclists. There are also plenty of bike friendly trails around Lake Windermere: why not hop on the car ferry in Bowness and head across to the west shore, before cycling along a family friendly route to Wray Castle?
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, Go Lakes has a fantastic selection of routes on their website to suit all levels, covering everywhere from Hawkshead to Keswick.
Go Shopping
If retail therapy is your thing, the Lake District is just the place! Independent shops and boutiques can be found across the National Park, selling everything from outdoor clothing and climbing gear, to beauty and skincare. There are an abundance of home grown brands, and if you’re looking to pick up a locally made souvenir of your visit to the Lakes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Bowness is a great place to indulge in a little retail therapy; the nearby towns of Windermere, Ambleside and Kendal are also filled with lovely shops selling local food and drink; unique souvenirs; and plenty more.
Eat & Drink
The Lake District is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for foodies – and it’s not hard to see why. An increasing number of Cumbrian food producers are creating everything from chutneys and jams to teas and coffees, while the Lake District’s restaurants and cafes are putting the national park on the culinary map.
Looking for somewhere to eat in the Lake District? As the only independent restaurant in Windermere to be awarded an AA Rosette for the quality of its food, Porto is an excellent place to enjoy fine dining just a few steps from Lake Windermere. Lunch and dinner menus feature local produce and creative cuisine, freshly prepared by a talented team of chefs and served by a friendly front of house team. During the summer months, the heated roof terrace provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Bowness; in winter, the cosy interior and festive menus are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Enjoy a Night at the Theatre
If an evening of theatrical entertainment floats your boat, look no further than The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness. Located in the centre of town, this theatre in the round puts on a year round program of plays, comedy shows, musical entertainment and more – and even welcomes a few famous faces to its stage! Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn is a trustee, while there have been performances from actors and comedians including Alan Carr and Victoria Wood over the years. Enjoy dinner and drinks in Bowness before catching a show – our early bird menu at Porto is perfectly timed for a pre-theatre meal.
Visit a Museum
As well as being a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, The Lake District is also home to numerous museums – great for a little cultural exploration. Bowness is home to the World of Beatrix Potter; the Windermere Jetty Museum; and Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, while in nearby Kendal, the Abbot Hall Art Gallery is filled with beautiful pieces by artists including George Romney and JMW Turner.
In Ambleside, the Armitt Museum is well worth a visit, while the pretty village of Grasmere was once home to William Wordsworth: his house is now part of a museum dedicated to his life and writings.
Head to a Local Event
From music festivals to Christmas markets, the Lake District puts on a spectacular program of events throughout the year. The summer months see outdoor markets (take a look at the Markets on the Glebe in Bowness for a great way to find local produce and gifts in the heart of the Lakes) and open air concerts, while the winter months are the perfect time to get festive, with Christmas lights being switched on in towns across the National Park.
The Golakes website has an up to date calendar of what’s on in the Lake District, and is a great place to keen an eye on for your next trip to the Lake District.
