Lake District adventures to get you out and active
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful retreat into nature, the Lake District offers an abundance of adventure activities.
So, pack your bags, venture into the great outdoors, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting corner of England.
What Type of Outdoor Activities Would you Like to Experience in the Lakes?
Here’s a glimpse into the adventure activities awaiting you…
Activity centres
Adventures in the wild
Popular Lake District Adventure Centres:
Go Ape
Got a head for heights and a sense of adventure? Then Go Ape. High in the trees you’ll find challenging obstacles, wobbly bridges, exhilarating zip wires, and tree-to-tree crossings.
With courses for thrill-seekers of all ages, you can go easy or go hard (and higher) – if you dare. There are two Go Apes in Cumbria.
At Grizedale, you’ll find five different adventures, including (for older children) the Zip Trekking Adventure – 3km of tandem zip-wiring through the trees.
Or head to Whinlatter Forest, where four Go Ape activities await the adventurous.
Zip World
Not a place dedicated to zips, you’ll be glad to hear. Zip World is a fun-filled, thrill-heavy, treetop adventure at Brockhole in Windermere.
There are four adventures to choose from: the heart in your mouth freefall of Treetop Drop; the Full Trek, with 32 obstacles to tackle along the way; the lower 16-obstacle Mini Trek for younger adventurers; and the bouncy, family-friendly fun of Treetop Nets, with its slides, aerial walkways, ball park and crawl tunnel.
Via Ferrata and more at Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine is the last working slate mine in England and slate has been mined there for centuries. But these days it’s also a popular tourist attraction with a range of adrenaline-filled adventures for the family to enjoy.
From guided Mine Tours that delve deep into the mine through underground passages and caverns, to the thrilling and challenging Via Ferrata Xtreme, which ends with spectacular views over Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.
And that’s not all – you can Climb the Mine, walk across Infinity Bridge, the longest highwire bridge in Europe, or have a go at Canyoning. Getting up there is a bit of an adventure too – you can find the mine at the top of Honister Pass, one of the steepest roads in the country.
Lake District Adventures in the Wild:
Climb a mountain
Home to many of England’s highest peaks, The Lake District is heaven for climbers and fell walkers of all abilities. So, if you’ve come to scale the heights, make sure you arrive properly equipped – the weather can change in the blink of an eye, even during the summer months.
Invest in some good maps (you can’t always rely on your phone as a guide) and enjoy those incredible views from the top safely.
Not sure where to start? Head to our pick of the peaks, where you can read about our six of our favourite fells – some easy, some a little more challenging.
Rock climbing
The Lake District has some great rock climbing spots, both for beginners and experienced climbers. Some of the most popular climbing areas include Scafell Pike, Langdale Pikes, and Borrowdale.
Try Lost Art Adventures for some tips on where to head for some fantastic rock.
Mountain biking
The Lake District has some great mountain biking trails, with varying levels of difficulty. Whinlatter and Grizedale are great starting points. For those wanting to get a taste without having to drop a pile of money on buying a bike straight away, you can hire from the visitor centre.
For those that are keen to just get out there, LakesMTB has a good selection of mountain biking routes.
Fancy Something a Little Less Strenuous?
Visit the Lake District National Park website and check out their Miles Without Stiles walking guide. It lists 50 accessible scenic routes that almost anyone can do. And if you still can’t decide, our guide to pram-friendly walks might help you narrow it down a bit.
Safety tips
Remember, if you are heading out into the hills and lakes, it’s essential to stay safe while you adventure! Here’s some tips that could keep you out of trouble, should the worst happen.
- Plan your trip carefully: Before you go, make sure you have a plan for your adventure. This includes knowing the route you will be taking, the weather forecast, and the time of day you will be starting and finishing your trip.
- Tell someone where you are going: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is especially important if you are hiking or climbing in remote areas.
- Check the weather forecast: The weather in the Lake District can change quickly, so it is important to check the forecast before you go. If there is bad weather forecast, it is best to postpone your trip.
- Wear appropriate clothing: The weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable, so it is important to wear layers of clothing that you can adjust as needed. You should also wear waterproof and windproof clothing, as well as sturdy footwear.
- Bring the essentials: In addition to clothing, you should also bring the essentials with you on your adventure, such as food, water, a first aid kit, a map and compass, and a charged mobile phone.
- Be prepared for anything: The Lake District is a wild place, so it is important to be prepared for anything. This includes being aware of the risks of hypothermia, and other hazards.
- Listen to your body: If you are feeling tired, take a break. If you are feeling sick, stop and seek help. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
Perfect Cottages for Adventures in the Lake District
If you are the adventurous type and want direct access to the fells, a chance to explore the Lakes at its fullest, or even get the chance to kayak or paddle board direct from the doorstep of your retreat, we’ve got you covered!
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
6 Walks in Coniston
Lakeside strolls, challenging climbs, scrambles, serene valleys, industrial remains, vast caverns, flooded quarries… Coniston has them all!
Ambleside boat trips and water sports
You can’t visit the Lakes without taking to the water at some point. And, one of the best ways to see the spectacular scenery is from a boat!
Hawkshead’s delicious cafés and restaurants
If hunger strikes when you’re wandering through Hawkshead, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from cosy pubs to traditional tearooms
Events in Ambleside
There’s always lots going on in bustling Ambleside – it is one of the most visited places in the Lake District, after all!
Places to eat in the Lake District
The Cumbrian food scene has never been tastier – with an abundance of incredible local ingredients on the doorstep
Staveley Restaurants
Staveley offers plenty of food and drink options but, with no restaurants in the village, eating out in the evenings is bit more limited
