Things To Do - The Great Outdoors
Walking the Wainwrights
If you like walking in the hills why not try venturing up one of the Wainwrights? These are 214 of the English peaks (or fells) that lie within the Lake District. Helvellyn (3rd highest) can be walked from either Thirlmere (10-15 min drive north of Grasmere) or Glenridding (near Ullswater). Further afield is Scafell and Scafell Pike (1st and 2nd on the list) and are both connected. The Mountain Rescue recommend a route from Wasdale Head as the easiest to walk. Please check their website for advice on routes and safety information.
Walking the Lakes
Walking the Wainwrights isn 't for everyone and you don't need to scale up a mountain to enjoy the views of the Lake District. Grasmere and Rydal Lakes have some picturesque views when you walk around them. The circular path around Tarn Hows near Outgate has some stunning photographic opportunities. "The Coffin Trail" connecting Ambleside to Grasmere is equally as impressive. The National Trust have number houses, buildings, parks and gardens to visit, as well as details of walks such as Tarn Hows.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Both Grizedale and Whinlatter forests are a must for mountain biking. These Forestry England resorts have graded mountain bike routes and offer mountain bike hire on site. Grrizedale near Hawkshead also offers Segways, GoApe and zip wires. Visit the Forestry England website for details of forests and woods, to cycle and walk, in Cumbria.
The Great Indoors-ish
4 X 4 Adventure Driving
Based in Windermere, Kankku off-road driving is designed for all, from complete beginners to experienced drivers. You can travel off the beaten track, any weather, seven days a week in one of their specially prepared Kankku vehicles. Please book ahead.
Climbing Centres
The centres of Ambleside, Keswick and Kendal all have indoor climbing walls. The centre in Keswick also has an escape room. In the wet weather all these activities get busy so please book in advance.
Cinemas
Zeffirelli and Fellinis are independent cinemas in Ambleside showing the latests films.
There are also cinemas in Kendal (Brewery Arts) and Keswick (Alhambra).
.....Don't Forget the Little Ones
Boats
Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater all have boat hire, and boat trips; some also have watersports. Windermere boat cruises are passenger boats with multiple stops.
Museums
At the southerly point of Lake Windermere there are two museums. At Lakeside there is an aquarium and at Ulverstone a motor museum.
And don't forget the Peter Rabbit Museum in Bowness!
Castles and Historic Buildings
The National Trust have a number of places to explore. Wray Castle has lots of indoor and outdoor activities to keep small people busy. There are links via boat from Wray to Brockholes (another activities centre on Windermere) and Ambleside.
The picturesque village of Near Sawrey is home to Hill Top, once the home of Beatrix Potter.....a must for Peter Rabbit fans!