Top 10 things to do in the Lake District
Windermere Cruises
Hop on board and enjoy a cruise on the Spectacular Lake Windermere, start your journey from Ambleside, Bowness, Brockhole or Lakeside Pier, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Lakeland mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.
Ravenglass and Eskdale
We were blown away with the scenery at the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, across the estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops with a 1:40 gradient at times, en route to our final destination some seven miles up the line to Dalegarth for Boot Station. Wainright was very fond of this journey through the foot of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike at 3209ft.
Greenquarries Shooting Ground
Run by the lovely Hetherington family, we can highly recommend a visit here; Peter is a patient and fabulous instructor. You can shoot his birds, springing teal, partridge, rabbits and many more; he even has a cherry picker to fire clays into the stratosphere. Sporting Clay Pigeon Shooting, providing facilities for individuals, corporate events, stag/hen parties. Tuition provided by a CPSA qualified coach.
Whinlatter
Walking trails, mountain biking, wildplay and much more can be found at Whinlatter, a great place to visit for fresh air and exercise.
Whinlatter, England's only true mountain forest, is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.
Picnics
Enjoy a picnic on the shores of Lake Ullswater. On the south of the lake near Glenridding there is a lovely beach area to sit and soak up the rays and have a picnic, when the weather is warmer it’s also a great place for a dip to cool down.
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre at Lowther
Penrith offers delightful surroundings and a perfect backdrop to the birds displayed and flown in the sport of falconry, and that are exercised daily at the flying demonstrations. The birds are displayed inside the walled area, which provides an ideal location for the aviaries which are designed to suit each bird’s individual needs. The flying birds are housed in weathering shelters, sat on blocks, falconry fashion. The birds are flown daily from 2pm until 4pm, weather permitting, a rare chance to see these magnificent birds flown free. There is also a lovely vintage tea room supplying delicious homemade cream teas and other dishes, and a craft and gift shop.
Rookin House
Rookin House is an established adventure venue and has been offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for over 20 years. Family owned and operated, Rookin House has a strong focus on both fun and safety. The centre is just 4 miles from Ullswater, and 8 miles from both Keswick and Penrith and easily accessible from the A66. All of the activities (unless otherwise stated) are based on one site with Blencathra providing a spectacular Lakeland backdrop. They offer self-catering accommodation at Rookin House, although you don't have to stay on site to take part in activity sessions. You don't have to be part of a larger group either (although minimum numbers do apply for some activities).
Cumbrian Heavy Horse Center
The Cumbrian Heavy Horse Center is situated in the Whicham Valley, within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, and nestling in the foothills of Black and White Combe. It is situated just a few miles from the Irish Sea coast, and with access to some of the UK's most spectacular riding (on occasion mountaineering on horse-back!!). Suitable for riders of varying ability, with steadier rides and mounts for the nervous novice and forward going fluent Clydesdale, Shire and Ardennes horses for those wishing to experience the thrill of riding a REAL horse!!! Offering Farm Rides, Fell rides, beach rides, trail rides, horse riding holidays, carriage driving instruction, riding lessons and tuition - all in the magnificent Lake District, Cumbria.
Lowther Castle
Lowther Castle is owned by Lowther Estate Trust and leased to Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust. It sits at the heart of a 75,000 acre agricultural estate in Cumbria's Lake District National Park, within a 3,000 acre medieval deer park originally laid out by the Lowther family in the 16th and 17th centuries. This was subsequently remodelled by Capability Brown, Richardson and Webb in the 18th and early 19th centuries for the first and second Earls of Lonsdale. The Lowther family is today maintaining and restoring this listed parkland, whilst still farming the estate. This castle stands on a site occupied by the Lowther family for over 800 years. Being the third home on the site in that time, the current castle was completed in 1806 and a beautiful sculpture gallery with decorative plaster ceiling added in 1814; this is the only remaining room of the castle, subsequently restored. As well as seeing the restoration of this spectacular castle, visitors are also invited, to explore the gardens (suitable for all ages), dine in the café and discover the shop. Open every day from 10am to 5pm (last entry to the Gardens 4pm). £8 Adult, £24 Annual Membership. Accompanied children under 16 free, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. The Cafe and Shop are open every day from 10am to 4.00 pm, situated in the stable courtyard, free access and parking.
Lake Ullswater
Arguably the most beautiful of the English Lakes, Ullswater is 8.5 miles long and enjoys 22 miles of coastline. With a maximum depth of 205 feet it has three distinct bends and has been likened in appearance to Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne. The village of Glenridding is to be found at the southern end of Lake Ullswater and here, St. Patrick’s Boat Landing enables you to explore to your heart’s content, fish the lake and via their mountain bikes, experience the dramatic terrain of this unique region.
