Things to do in the Lake District
If you’re not sure what to do when you come here, we have made a few suggestions of things to do in the Lake District during your stay. We hope this page gives you some ideas.
Fell walking
This is the most obvious and probably what the majority of visitors to the Lake District do. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing, so long as you have your waterproof clothing and your map and compass, you will never be disappointed with the local Fells.
England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, is just south of our B&B. The nearest route starts in Seathwaite at the end of Borrowdale.
We have a number of Wainwrights near Skiddaw Croft if you want to look here for Local Walks in the area.
Water Sport at Derwent Water Marina
If you’ve ever fancied water sports activities whilst on holiday in the Lake District you could try out paddle boarding or kayaking, or why not hire a canoe or rowing boat. Explore Derwentwater from on the lake, surrounded by the Fells that form the basin for the 3rd largest lake in the Lake District. Derwent Water Marina and Nichol End Marine are only a few minutes walk from our front door and the staff are very friendly and helpful. (Afterwards you can stop in at The Chalet and have some refreshments).
mountain goat
Let someone else do the driving. A great way to explore the sights of the Lake District is with Mountain Goat. They have day trips that start and end at Keswick, and will pick up passengers from Portinscale.
Take a full day or half day tour and select the type of tour you want, taking in view points, local food and drink, Wordsworth sites, historical sites and many more. (When you book, tell them Skiddaw Croft sent you 😉)
wordsworth house
Wordsworth House is a Georgian House from the 1700’s and was home to the famous poet William Wordsworth. His house and gardens are open to the public and there are frequently additional exhibitions within the house.
Did you know that Wordsworth was also a pivotal figure behind the founding of the National trust?
Wordsworth House is located in Main Street, Cockermouth.
castlerigg stone circle
This ancient monument dates back to the Neolithic period, about 3,000 BC, and is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain.
The stone circle’s location just outside of Keswick is in one of the most atmospheric areas. It’s dramatic backdrop is a photographers dream.
It is free to visit and open every day of the year. Free roadside parking.
derwent pencil museum
This is the home of the first pencil. The museum takes you through the history from when graphite was first discovered and the pencil’s humble beginnings, the secret pencils used by airmen in the second World War right up to modern day production.
This is a great place to visit and is very interesting.
Honister slate mine
Honister Slate Mine is an historical and adventure site. You can see the last working slate mine in England as well as try out some of their adventures.
The most well known is probably the Via Ferrata (Steve has done the Via Ferrata Extreme), mine tours, climbing a mine, walking across the infinity bridge or canyoning. All activities are done in ALL weathers!
Keswick museum and art gallery
The building and its collection were originally established in October 1882 and opened to the public in 1898. The collection held here reflects life in the Keswick area and covers Landscape & natural history, the lives of local people – domestic and community, social and industrial history and local art, artists & writers, crafts & crafts people. There is also a small cafe at the museum.
vindolanda
This site is an absolute treasure trove of Roman materials and artefacts, from the delicately thin slivers of wood with writing on them, the cavalry sword (a very rare find), Roman boxing gloves and many, many more amazing pieces of Roman life.
The Fort is located just south of Hadrians Wall and is just over an hours drive away. Definitely worth a visit.
the lakes distillery
Visit this beautifully renovated old Victorian farmstead located to the north of Bassenthwaite Lake beside River Derwent. Take a tour and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of a working distillery, and discover how every flavour possibility is achieved. They also have a bistro restaurant with high standard food.
more things to do in the lake district
There are so many different activities to do in addition to what is above, here are some more suggestions:
Open water swimming or fishing
Cycling
Guided Tours of the Fells and Lakes
Take a Lake Cruise
Visit the home of Beatrix Potter
Get Married
Pamper yourself at a spa
Eat at one of the excellent Michelin Star restaurants
Brewery tour