Things to Do in the Lake District
The Lake District is admired by many for being one of the UK’s finest National Parks.
No matter the season, you’ll always find plenty to do during a break to the Lake District. Home to thousands of independent food outlets and shops, adventurous activities, famous fells and breathtaking scenery.
The Perfect Destination For Boaters
Lake Windermere is also England’s largest natural lake, making it the perfect holiday destination for boaters. Featuring numerous bays, beaches and islands, there are many places to explore along the lake, as well as a fantastic choice of local pubs, restaurants and hotels offering public jetty use.
Enjoy A Paddleboard Adventure On Lake Windermere
LakesSUP tuition and tours are an ideal introduction to Lake Windermere and are suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, offering an ideal opportunity to explore the shoreline, islands and beaches.
If you’d like to adventure elsewhere in The Lakes, LakesSUP offers delivery to your door, giving you the freedom to explore the other waters Cumbria offers.
New for 2023, LakesSUP now offers Sit On Top Kayak’s!
Master The Art Of Wakesurfing
Have fun riding the boat’s wake – similar to surfing! After getting up on the wake using a tow rope, drop the rope when you feel comfortable and enjoy surfing the wake waves!
The experienced team at Windermere Wakesurfing boasts over 30 years of experience navigating Lake Windermere, offering a private charter, wakesurf lessons, private experiences and team building events. The licensed instructors will adapt your session to your needs, using the ‘Nautique Surf System’ to create the best surfing conditions.
Explore Bowness and Windermere
Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most visited towns in the country, and it’s no surprise with stunning views over Lake Windermere, charming streets and walks suitable for the whole family. Here are some of our favourite things to see and do whilst visiting Cumbria.
Visit The World of Beatrix Potter
Those visiting the Lake District National Park with children should pay a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, located in Bowness-on-Windermere, just 10 minutes walk from Windermere Marina Village.
The family attraction brings to life Beatrix Potter’s famous characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Tom Kitten where you can meet, and take photographs with the famous story animals as well as re-discovering the story of Beatrix Potter and her love of the Lake District.
That’s not all, step outside and wander through Peter Rabbit’s Garden before refueling in the on-site cafe and picking up a memento of your visit from the world-famous gift shop.
Discover Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum
At Dove Cottage and The Wordsworth Museum you can expect to travel back in time, discovering the local heritage and culture that Cumbria has to offer.
Dove Cottage was home to world-renowned poet William Wordsworth, and the very place where he wrote his most famous poems including ‘I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud’ and ‘Ode To Duty’. Wordsworth described the setting of Dove Cottage as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. After a £6.5 million reimagining, Wordsworth Grasmere is now open for Dove Cottage tours where you can wander around the very place he called home, discover the brand new museum, taking you on a journey of Wordsworth’s life and view artefacts that belonged to the man himself. Amble through the garden-orchard and woodland before relaxing with a coffee and cake in the cafe.
Set Sail to Windermere Jetty Museum
Windermere Jetty Museum – where fun, learning and exploration combine! Located on beautiful Lake Windermere in England’s scenic lake district, it is home to a wide array of fascinating artifacts from throughout Cumbria’s boating history. From mysterious sunken vessels to precious antiques that date back centuries, you are sure to find something interesting about this incredible museum.
The Windermere Jetty offers educational experiences for families or groups visiting together; each week they have special activities tailored towards different age ranges. You can learn all kinds of interesting facts about ancient sailing ships while exploring interactive displays in the main exhibit hall. The upper deck gives visitors stunning panoramic views across the lake by day and dazzling star-filled skies at night!
So if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with wonder and beauty then don’t miss out – head over to the enchanting world found inside the walls of Windermere Jetty Museum today. The best bit – you can even arrive by boat!
Walk the Cumbrian Fells
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, there are plenty of trails that will suit your needs. The views from the top are breathtaking – with rolling hills, lush green valleys, and stunning lakes all around you.
The area also offers some fantastic wildlife watching opportunities; keep an eye out for red squirrels, deer, badgers and more as you explore the paths. Each of our recommended walks are perfect for your four-legged friend.
Climb The Highest Point In England – Scafell Pike
Discover Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England! Standing at 978 meters (3,209 feet) above sea level, this majestic mountain is a sight to behold. Located within the Lake District National Park and surrounded by stunning views of rolling hills and lush green valleys, it’s no wonder why so many people flock here each year for an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or just want to take in some breathtaking scenery, we recommend Scafell Pike is on your ‘must-climb’ list!. Once you’ve reached the summit, simply sit back with a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the beauty of nature from the top one of England’s most iconic peaks – we promise it’ll be worth every step!
Enjoy Panoramic Views of The Cumbrian Fells From Orrest Head
Orrest head can be enjoyed as one of the Lake District’s ‘miles without stiles’ walking routes for accessible walking. Although the route isn’t particularly long, the panoramic views from the top are incredible! Once described by famous author, Alfred Wainwright who stated ‘a moment of mafic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes.’
With views stretching almost the length of Lake Windermere and across towards The Langdales, sit a while and enjoy the stunning scenery.
P.S. watch out for The Gruffalo on your ascent to the top!
Venture Across Lake Windermere To Claife Heights Viewing Station
You can enjoy this route straight from Windermere Marina Village! Taking you across Lake Windermere by ferry to the western shore, you will walk through the beautiful woodland until you reach Claife Heights Viewing Station. It offers stunning, elevated views across Lake Windermere and its surrounding fells, valleys and woodlands. The station itself has been carefully designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience that allows them to take in the beauty of the natural landscape.
Dating back to the 1790’s it was built for the first tourists to the Lake District. Revamped, it now belongs to the National Trust and features incredible stained glass windows. Each panel is tinted in a different colour to present what the view would look like in different seasons. Before you head back, or continue your journey along the lakeshore to Wray Castle, enjoy a locally made light bite or artisan coffee from Joey’s cafe!
If you are looking for the perfect short weekend break or staycation in the Lake District, discover Windermere Marina Village luxury self-catering for the perfect base to explore Cumbria.
