Things to do in the Lake District when it Rains
We’re not going to lie – it does rain a fair bit up here. Even in the Summer. But don’t let that dampen your spirits.
Wet Days in the Lakes Call For Some Fun Indoor Activities
You can either waterproof up and just get out and about anyway or see it as an opportunity to take in some of the Lake District’s indoor delights.
The World of Beatrix Potter
No trip to the Lake District is complete without a trip to see Peter Rabbit and his friends at The World of Beatrix Potter – especially if you’re visiting with children.
You can see Beatrix Potter’s stories brought to life in a magical woodland glade. Explore Peter Rabbit’s Garden (watch out for Mr McGregor) and see how many details you can spot from the stories – you can even sample some of the fruit, vegetables and salad that’s grown there in the café.
And don’t forget to take home a souvenir or two from the gift shop.
Lakes Aquarium
Over two floors at the Lakes Aquarium you’ll find hundreds of incredible creatures from the Lake District and around the world, including diving ducks, blind cave fish and the amazing axolotl – these awesome amphibians are able to regenerate their limbs, gills and parts of their eyes and brains. Pretty cool, eh?
Derwent Pencil Museum
Want to see a gigantic pencil? Be rude not to. Home to one of the biggest colour pencils in the world (almost eight metres long), the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick is well worth a visit.
You enter the museum through a recreation of the mine where graphite was first discovered in the sixteenth century, learn about the fascinating history of pencil making through the ages and see how Derwent make their fine art pencils today.
Blackwell House
One of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture, with nearly all of its original features still intact, Grade 1 listed Blackwell House also enjoys a gorgeous and peaceful setting with views over Windermere and the Coniston fells.
Formerly a holiday home and a school, it’s now recognised as an internationally significant masterpiece of artistic design.
Brantwood
Overlooking Coniston Water, Brantwood was once the home of Victorian writer and art critic, John Ruskin. Now a museum dedicated to Ruskin and the arts, it holds events and exhibitions all year round, and is also co-home to the Cumbria Wisteria Collection – Ruskin was also a noted garden experimenter and the 250-acre estate features eight unique gardens created by him.
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!
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6 Walks from Ambleside town centre
If you’re staying in Ambleside, you don’t have to get in the car to start enjoying the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake District scenery.
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
