Enjoy the Lake District on a rainy day with this guide to the best indoor and sheltered activities.
From historic houses and fascinating museums to indoor climbing and cosy cafes, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful part of Cumbria, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, something to entertain the kids, or a quiet, relaxing spot, you’ll find something to enjoy.
So, put on your raincoat and get ready to discover all the Lake District offers, rain or shine.
Things To Do In Lake District On a Rainy Day
1. The Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
Located in the Whitewater Hotel in Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, this spa offers luxurious treatments and fitness facilities, perfect for unwinding on a wet day.
Click here to find out more about this Newby Bridge Spa…
2. Keswick Climbing Wall
Situated in Keswick, this indoor climbing facility provides a range of climbing experiences suitable for all skill levels and is ideal for staying active indoors.
3. The Lakes Distillery Tour & Quiz!
This distillery, located near Bassenthwaite Lake, offers insightful tours and a quiz, making for an educational and enjoyable visit.
4. Beatrix Potter’s Home – Hill Top
Located Near Sawrey, this historic house museum preserves the setting of many of Beatrix Potter’s stories.
5. Alpacaly Ever After
Offering walks with alpacas at various locations, including the Lingholm Estate and Whinlatter Forest, this is a unique way to enjoy the Lake District’s natural beauty, rain or shine.
(For a list of Newby Bridge activities and attractions, visit our page on things to do in Newby Bridge).
6. Wray Castle
This mock Gothic castle stands on the shores of Lake Windermere, featuring dramatic interiors and extensive grounds ideal for exploring between showers.
7. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Running from Haverthwaite to Lakeside along the southern end of Lake Windermere, this heritage railway offers a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes.
8. The Lakes Aquarium
Located on the southern shore of Windermere at Lakeside, this aquarium showcases both local and exotic marine and freshwater species.
9. Aira Force Waterfall
Situated near Ullswater, this famous waterfall offers a spectacular natural spectacle, especially impressive during or after rainfall.
10. Abbot Hall Art Gallery
This fine art gallery is located in Kendal, offering exhibitions of historical and contemporary art in an elegant Georgian setting.
11. The Keswick Brewing Co Brewery Tour
Based in Keswick, this brewery provides tours that detail the brewing process and offer samples of their craft ales.
12. Sizergh Castle
This stately home and garden, located near Kendal, features beautiful interiors and a rich history, with extensive grounds that are worth exploring even in damp weather.
13. Rydal Mount
Situated near Ambleside, this was once the home of the poet William Wordsworth. Visitors can explore the historic house and its beautiful gardens, which Wordsworth designed himself.
14. Brantwood, Coniston
Located on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood offers insight into the life of John Ruskin, one of the most influential figures of the 19th century.
The house is filled with Ruskin’s drawings and writings.
15. Brockhole on Windermere
This visitor centre on the shores of Lake Windermere near Windermere town offers a range of activities, including indoor exhibitions and a café, making it a perfect spot for a rainy day.
16. Rheged Centre
Found near Penrith, this centre is known for its giant cinema screen showing educational and documentary films, exhibitions, and a variety of shops and eateries.
17. The Rum Story
Located in Whitehaven, this attraction is set in an original 1785 shop and takes visitors on a journey through the history of the rum trade and its connections to the area.
18. Lowther Castle
Near Penrith, the dramatic ruins of Lowther Castle are surrounded by extensive gardens and woodland, with a fascinating museum inside the stable courtyard detailing its history.
19. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Just outside Keswick, this prehistoric stone circle is one of Britain’s most atmospheric and dramatically sited, with panoramic views and a mysterious ambience, particularly in misty weather.
20. Ruskin Museum
In Coniston, this museum deepens into the area’s history and associations with notable figures like John Ruskin and Donald Campbell.
21. Keswick Museum
Located in Keswick, this museum features local history, geology, and culture, with interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
22. The Dock Museum
Situated in Barrow-in-Furness, this museum tells the story of the town’s shipbuilding heritage and includes exhibits on the local area and its industrial past.
23. The Puzzling Place
In Keswick, this fun and quirky attraction features a gallery of optical illusions and interactive exhibits that challenge the senses, perfect for a family outing on a rainy day.
24. The Windermere Jetty Steamboats
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere in Bowness-on-Windermere, this museum displays a collection of historic steamboats and boats, offering indoor exhibits and covered boat rides.
25. Cruise With Ullswater Steamers
Departing from various points like Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, and Howtown, these steamers provide a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ullswater, shielded from the rain.
26. Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre
Situated in the peaceful surroundings of Conishead Priory near Ulverston, this centre offers a tranquil retreat with the opportunity for guided meditation and peaceful walks on the grounds.
27. A Mountain Goat Tour Around the Lake District
Starting from various locations, including Windermere, these guided tours around the Lake District offer a way to see the dramatic landscapes of the region from the comfort of a minibus, perfect for wet weather.
28. Kendal Museum
One of the oldest museums in the UK, located in Kendal, provides fascinating exhibits on natural history, geology, and local heritage.
29. The William Wordsworth Museum in Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808, is in Grasmere.
The museum adjacent to the cottage gives insights into the poet’s life and the Romantic Age.
30. Dalemain Mansion and Historic Garden
Near Penrith, this stately home offers beautifully preserved interiors and a collection of historical artefacts.
The gardens are also a treat, even in light rain.
31. Honister Via Ferrata
Located at Honister Pass near Keswick, this adventure activity involves climbing a route with a safety cable.
It can be an exhilarating experience, especially with the misty mountain backdrop typical of rainy days.
32. Sail Around Derwentwater With Keswick Launch
Operating from Keswick, this boat service allows you to hop on and off at various points around Derwentwater, offering sheltered views of the lake and its surroundings.
33. Kendal Climbing Wall
An excellent rainy day activity, this indoor climbing wall in Kendal caters to various skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers.
34. Center Parcs Whinfell Forest
Located near Penrith, this holiday park offers a wide range of indoor activities, from swimming in a subtropical water park to spa treatments and indoor sports, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
35. Hayes Garden World
Located in Ambleside, this is one of the largest garden centres in the UK, featuring indoor displays of plants, garden tools, and home decor items, perfect for a leisurely browse away from the rain.
36. Ambleside Climbing Wall
Situated in Ambleside, this facility offers indoor climbing challenges for all abilities, making it a great spot for active fun on a wet day.
37. Wrap Up Well And Enjoy a Wet Walk In the Fells
The Lake District is known for its beautiful fells and walking paths, such as those around Ambleside, Keswick, or Grasmere.
Donning waterproof gear can turn a rainy hike into an exhilarating adventure.
38. Levens Hall
Located near Kendal, this historic house is famous for its beautiful gardens and topiary.
The hall itself provides a fascinating glimpse into several centuries of history.
39. Laurel And Hardy Museum
Found in Ulverston, the birthplace of Stan Laurel, this museum is dedicated to the famous comedy duo, offering memorabilia and films that are perfect for entertainment on a dreary day.
40. Keswick Pencil Museum
This unique museum in Keswick traces the history of pencil making and includes fascinating exhibits like a World War II secret pencil.
41. Kong Adventure – Keswick
Also located in Keswick, this indoor adventure centre offers climbing walls, a soft play area, and an escape room, making it ideal for families.
42. Holker Hall
Situated in Cark-in-Cartmel, this stately home offers tours of its grand rooms and a chance to explore its well-kept gardens, which are captivating even in the rain.
43. Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House
Near Bowness-on-Windermere, this beautifully preserved house showcases the Arts and Crafts movement through its architecture and interior design.
44. Honister Slate Mine Tour
Located at the head of Honister Pass in Borrowdale, the mine offers a fascinating tour underground, perfect for learning about the history of slate mining and staying dry.
45. The Lakeland Motor Museum
Found in Backbarrow, near Ulverston, this museum features a diverse collection of vintage vehicles and motoring memorabilia, providing an engaging diversion for automobile enthusiasts.
Each location offers a unique way to experience the Lake District’s culture and history, ensuring plenty to do, rain or shine.
Whether indoor activities or covered outdoor options, these venues provide enjoyable and educational experiences.
Or… Vist the Whitewater Hotel for Afternoon Tea
Located in the heart of the Lake District near Newby Bridge, the Whitewater Hotel offers a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Sitting on the stunning banks of the River Leven, the restaurant offers a selection of teas, sandwiches, cakes, and scones in a cosy setting, making it a perfect treat on a rainy day.
Whether you’re winding down after a day of exploring or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, the Whitewater Hotel provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Click here to find out more about our Traditional English Tea…
Some Final Notes on Rainy Day Activities Lake District
Rainy days in the Lake District can be just as enjoyable as the sunny ones.
With so many indoor activities and covered attractions, you can explore the rich history, enjoy the arts, or get active, all while staying dry.
So don’t let the weather stop you; there’s always something wonderful to discover in the Lake District, making every visit memorable.
