Looking to cut your mountain-climbing teeth on something more achievable? Cat Bells is a mini-mountain that’s become home to one of the most popular routes in the Lakes and its iconic peak is worth climbing. Or find Nemo and plenty other aquatic life at the Lakes Aquarium, where kids under three go free.
Head to the Lakeland Motor Museum to see over 30,000 exhibits tracing the development of road transport through the twentieth century – cycles, motorbikes, motor cars, and automobilia. Or take a mine tour, brave the Via Ferrata or Infinity Bridge, or try 30 metres of freefall at Honister caves and quarry.
Ride the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – La’al Ratty – through the Eskdale Valley. Check out Roman-heritage sites along the way and wind up at the playpark in Dalesgarth. Find a beach with a beautiful backdrop at Drigg Sand Dunes. And meet the birds of prey at Muncaster Castle.
Find out how our rural ancestors lived, at Eskdale Mill, complete with milling machinery, double-overshot waterwheels, traditional oats drying rack, and ingenious mechanisms made from local wood, metal and stone. Or get over to the Glenridding Activity Centre for pirate events, rafting, Swallows and Amazons, sailing, and picnics.
Take a hike to the roof of England – the summit of Scafell Pike. Take the Hollow Stones route from the car park at Wasdale. If you’re not ready to go full Sir Edmund Hillary, consider the Stanley Force waterfall walk or a stroll up to Aira Force in the Eden Valley. Or try a jaunt around beautiful Wastwater, England’s deepest lake.
Head to Michael Coates to shoot clay pigeons, fire arrows or throw axes. Get further into the outdoor spirit with canoeing, kayaking, ghyll scrambling, paddleboarding or raft building with West Lake Adventures. Go Ape at Whinlatter. Or fire over the trout pond on the 14th at stunning Eskdale Golf Course.
Bike, kayak and stand-up paddleboard on beautiful Wastwater with Marra Bikes and Boards. Dive into massage and reflexology with holistic treatments at Restorative Path. Relax in an idyllic setting at Muncaster Castle and Gardens. And be sure to check out the hawk and owl centre.
Cruise the lake on Ullswater steamers. Fly falcons at the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre. Enjoy great views without leaving your car with a trip along the Honister Pass or Wrynose Pass. Make sure your car’s up to it! Watch the wildlife at Bassenthwaite, eat great gingerbread at Grasmere, and catch some culture at the Rosehill Theatre.
