Ten Things to Do in The Lake District on A Rainy Day

England’s Lake District is one of the country’s most impressive and scenic places, but what can you do when it starts to storm outside whilst taking a short break in the lake district? Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in the Lake District when it rains that are fun and memorable for the whole family.

These top ten rainy day destinations will help you enjoy every second of your holiday.

1. GO ON A LAKE CRUISE

Windermere is England’s biggest lake, so take advantage of the rainy day and explore it by boat. This is one of the best things to do in the Lake District in the rain. You’ll get incredible views of the nearby mountains and learn about the history of the lake and its importance. Cruise lengths vary, and you have both public and private options, making your Windermere lake voyage one of the most memorable things to do when it’s raining in the Lake District.

2. ENJOY SOME OF THE LAKE DISTRICTS MUSEUMS

The Lake District has some quirky, fascinating, and fun museums that will keep you and your family entertained on a rainy day. Visit the Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories to learn all about the long 200-year history of boating in the region.

Holker Hall and Gardens is another great place to escape the rain, as it’s one of Britain’s best-restored mansions. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction delights visitors of all ages with 3D renditions of Potter’s stories and a bounty of classic English treats in the Tea Room.

3. LAKES AQUARIUM, NEWBY BRIDGE

Lakes Aquarium in Newby Bridge is a state-of-the-art destination that features a massive collection of freshwater and marine fish. Come face to face with adorable otters, piranhas, clownfish, and reptiles as well. The biggest draw of Lakes Aquarium is its underwater tunnel, featuring diving ducks and other incredible creatures from the depths. You can easily spend an entire day at Lakes Aquarium, making it one of the best things to do when it’s raining in the Lake District.

4. RAILWAY RIDE ON A STEAM TRAIN

Travel the British countryside in style, by riding on a steam train. Since you can see the great outdoors without actually getting wet, this is one of the most popular things to do in the Lake District in the rain.

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a charming experience that will remind you of a bygone era as you travel to Lakeside and around parts of Lake Windermere. People and dogs are both welcome on this one-of-a-kind journey.

5. TAKE A BREWERY OR DISTILLERY TOUR

The Lake District is full of distilleries and breweries, and taking a comprehensive tour of them is one of the most popular things to do in the rain in the Lake District. Brewery and distillery tours give you an unprecedented peek into how your favourite beverages are made.

Two of the most popular breweries and distilleries are Hawkshead Brewery and Lakes Distillery. Hawkshead Brewery uses water right from the lakes themselves, creating beautiful traditional beers like bitters, ales, lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. They also do a few excellent wheat beers. You can sample them all right at the brewery and even take home a few cans for later.

The Lakes Distillery prides itself on “holistic” whisky making, which involves complete involvement from the whisky maker. By overseeing all aspects of the process, the whisky maker can ensure that the quality and flavours are both totally on point.

6. INDOOR CLIMBING AND BOULDERING

For some indoor adventure during Lake District’s rainier days, check out the indoor climbing and bouldering options at Kendal Wall, Keswick Climbing Wall and Outdoor Activity Centre, and Kong Adventure. You’ll find climbs suitable for all ages and activity levels and make the most out of your rainy day.

7. HONISTER SLATE MINE TOUR

Honister Slate Mine is a gorgeous, hidden gem in the Lake District. It’s famous for its Westmorland Green Slate, a natural material that locals have used for centuries. Most parts of the mine are ancient, with slate that’s approximately 450 million years old.

Tour the Honister Slate Mine for a unique experience that will prove to you that the Lake District is just as beautiful below ground as it is above it—an excellent choice among things to do in the Lake District when it’s raining.

8. RHEGED AT PENRITH

Even if it’s not raining during your Lake District visit, you still should make time to see Rheged at Penrith. This vast complex has plenty of shopping, a cinema, an art gallery, and a cafe. There’s also a workplace where you can plug in and get some emails fired off.

Rheged at Penrith hosts plenty of events as well, so make sure that you check its website when you arrive in the Lake District. Their artistic collections are full of exciting, emerging artists and established ones.

9. HAYES GARDEN WORLD, AMBLESIDE

Hayes Garden World is a long-established Lake District institution serviced by five generations of the family. Celebrating 200 years of horticultural excellence and tradition, Hayes Garden World is the place to check out if you have a love or interest in gardening. You’ll find all the different kinds of plants there, plus gardening equipment.

10. LAKELAND SHOP, WINDERMERE

Windermere’s Lakeland Shop is a great place to get lost when it starts to rain. This shop is full of all kinds of kitchen and home products and is a fantastic place to pick up a few souvenirs for back home. So if you love to cook, you can’t miss Lakeland Shop.

Also, make sure that you visit their cafe where you can grab a quick bite to eat and check out Lakeland Fells. Lakeland Shop is a relaxing and interesting place to spend an afternoon and escape from the rain. Even though you are in the Lake District in the rain, things to do still abound.

Book your stay at our luxury lake district hotel and spa, and make sure that you check out one of these top ten things to do when it’s raining in the Lake District. That way, you’ll be sure to maximise your Lake District break, whether it’s rain or shine!