The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular countryside destinations, known for dramatic mountains, peaceful lakes, historic villages and some of England’s best walking routes.
There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District, whether you want to hike to a viewpoint, take a boat across Windermere, explore a traditional village or simply enjoy the scenery at a slower pace.
The area is large enough to offer very different experiences depending on where you stay. Windermere and Ambleside are popular for first-time visitors, while Keswick is a strong base for northern lakes and walking routes.
Here are some of the best things to do in the Lake District UK for a day trip, weekend break or longer stay.
1. Take a Boat Trip on Windermere
Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and one of the most recognisable places in the Lake District.
Boat cruises are one of the easiest ways to experience the landscape, with services connecting several points around the lake. The journey gives you views of wooded shores, hills and villages without needing to spend the day walking.
It is particularly useful for first-time visitors who want a relaxed introduction to the area.
Best for: Scenic views, couples and first-time visitors.
2. Explore Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the busiest visitor centres in the national park and a good place to combine sightseeing with food, shopping and lake activities.
The waterfront is the main attraction, where you can join boat trips or simply walk beside the lake.
If you are researching things to do in Windermere Lake District, Bowness is usually one of the easiest places to start.
Best for: Lake cruises, families and short visits.
3. Visit Ambleside
Ambleside sits near the northern end of Windermere and offers a good balance of town facilities and countryside access.
The centre has cafes, outdoor shops and restaurants, while walking routes begin close to town. One of the best-known local landmarks is Bridge House, a small historic building spanning Stock Beck.
Ambleside is also well placed for travelling towards Grasmere, Rydal and other central Lake District locations.
Best for: Walking, cafes and longer stays.
4. Walk Around Derwentwater
Derwentwater lies beside Keswick and is surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most impressive mountain scenery.
You can explore sections of the shoreline on foot, take a boat across the lake or combine both in the same day.
Several viewpoints and walking routes around Derwentwater make it suitable for different fitness levels.
Best for: Walking, lake scenery and photography.
5. Explore Keswick
Keswick is one of the most useful bases for exploring the northern Lake District.
The compact town centre has independent shops, cafes and traditional pubs, while Derwentwater is only a short distance away.
Keswick is especially popular with walkers because of its access to nearby fells and valleys, but you do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the area.
Best for: Walking, outdoor activities and northern Lake District trips.
6. Visit Grasmere
Grasmere is a small village surrounded by hills and traditional Lake District scenery.
It is strongly associated with poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the area, and visitors can explore local literary landmarks as well as the village itself.
Grasmere is also known for its gingerbread and makes an easy stop when travelling between Ambleside and Keswick.
Best for: Literature, village atmosphere and relaxed day trips.
7. See Aira Force Waterfall
Aira Force is one of the Lake District’s best-known waterfalls.
Woodland paths lead through the valley to the waterfall, with several viewpoints along the route. The surrounding landscape near Ullswater makes it easy to combine a visit with other outdoor activities.
Paths can be wet or slippery after rain, so suitable footwear is useful.
Best for: Waterfalls, woodland walks and families.
8. Spend Time at Ullswater
Ullswater is often quieter than Windermere but offers equally impressive scenery.
Visitors can take a boat trip, walk along sections of the lake or explore nearby villages and viewpoints.
The lake is also a good base for accessing walks around Glenridding and Patterdale.
Best for: Peaceful scenery, walking and boat trips.
9. Hike Catbells
Catbells is one of the most popular short hill walks in the Lake District.
The route gives wide views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells without requiring a full day in the mountains.
Although the climb is relatively short, there are steep and rocky sections, so proper footwear and suitable weather conditions are important.
Best for: Short hikes and panoramic views.
10. Visit Rydal Water
Rydal Water is a smaller lake between Ambleside and Grasmere and is ideal if you want a quieter walk.
Footpaths around the lake pass through woodland, open countryside and historic areas associated with William Wordsworth.
The nearby Rydal Cave is also a popular stop for walkers.
Best for: Gentle walks, photography and quieter scenery.
11. Drive Through Honister Pass
Honister Pass offers one of the most dramatic road journeys in the Lake District.
The route runs through steep mountain scenery between Borrowdale and Buttermere, with changing views throughout the drive.
The road is narrow and steep in places, so it requires more care than a typical countryside drive.
Best for: Scenic drives and mountain landscapes.
12. Explore Buttermere
Buttermere is one of the most scenic areas in the western Lake District.
A walking route around the lake provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, water and woodland.
It tends to feel quieter than the Windermere area, which makes it particularly appealing for visitors looking for a more peaceful experience.
Best for: Walking, scenery and quieter trips.
13. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle sits on open ground near Keswick and is surrounded by mountain views.
The prehistoric stone circle is one of the most atmospheric historic sites in the Lake District, particularly in clear weather when the surrounding fells are fully visible.
It is a relatively quick stop, so it works well alongside other Keswick-area attractions.
Best for: History, photography and mountain views.
14. Explore Hawkshead
Hawkshead is a traditional village with narrow streets, old stone buildings and a quieter atmosphere than many larger Lake District towns.
The centre is easy to explore on foot, and the village has historic links to both William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
It works well as part of a day exploring the area west of Windermere.
Best for: History, village character and slower travel.
15. Visit Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is one of the Lake District’s most accessible scenic walking areas.
The circular route around the tarn passes through woodland and open countryside, with views towards surrounding hills.
It is a good choice if you want a shorter walk without committing to one of the higher fells.
Best for: Easy walks, families and countryside views.
Things to Do in Windermere Lake District
Windermere is one of the easiest parts of the national park for first-time visitors because there is a wide range of activities close together.
Popular options include:
- Taking a lake cruise
- Exploring Bowness-on-Windermere
- Walking near Orrest Head
- Visiting nearby Ambleside
- Exploring Hawkshead
- Spending time around the waterfront
- Visiting local cafes and shops
Windermere is also well connected compared with many more remote parts of the Lake District, making it useful for visitors travelling without a car.
Best Things to Do in the Lake District for Walking
Walking is one of the main reasons people visit the national park.
Popular options include:
- Catbells
- Buttermere
- Rydal Water
- Tarn Hows
- Derwentwater
- Grasmere
- Aira Force
- Routes around Ullswater
There are walks for almost every level, from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain routes.
Weather can change quickly in higher areas, so check conditions before setting out and take appropriate clothing.
Things to Do in the Lake District Without Hiking
You do not need to climb mountains to enjoy the area.
There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District without taking on a difficult walk.
You can:
- Take a Windermere boat cruise
- Explore Keswick
- Visit Grasmere
- Drive scenic mountain passes
- Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Explore Hawkshead
- Take a boat on Ullswater
- Visit historic houses and literary attractions
- Spend time in lakeside cafes and villages
This makes the Lake District suitable for families, couples and travelers who prefer sightseeing over hiking.
Best Places for Families in the Lake District
Families can combine outdoor scenery with short walks and easy attractions.
Windermere and Bowness are particularly convenient because boat trips, shops and places to eat are close together.
Aira Force, Tarn Hows, Derwentwater and Keswick are also good options for shorter days where you do not want to spend hours walking.
For younger children, it is usually better to choose flexible activities rather than long mountain routes.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Lake District
The Lake District can become very busy during summer weekends and school holidays, particularly around Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick.
Starting earlier in the day can make parking and popular walks easier.
Public transport connects many of the main towns, and Windermere has a railway station, but a car gives you greater flexibility for remote valleys and lakes.
Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Take waterproof clothing and suitable footwear even if conditions look good when you start.
If you are planning several attractions in one day, keep them in the same part of the national park. Driving between distant valleys can take longer than expected.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District, whether you prefer boat trips, village walks, waterfalls, mountain viewpoints or quiet lakeside scenery. Windermere is ideal for first-time visitors, Keswick works well for northern adventures, while Buttermere and Ullswater are excellent if you want something quieter.
If you are planning a wider trip around Britain, you can also explore our guides to the best day trips from Edinburgh, scenic train journeys in UK, the best places to visit in Yorkshire, the best places to visit in Devon, and the Best Places to Visit in the Peak District.
The Lake District is one of those places where you can build a completely different trip depending on whether you want adventure, relaxation, history or simply a good view.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in the Lake District?
Some of the best things to do in the Lake District include taking a boat trip on Windermere, visiting Keswick, walking around Derwentwater, hiking Catbells, exploring Grasmere, seeing Aira Force and visiting Buttermere.
What are the best things to do in Windermere Lake District?
Popular things to do in Windermere include lake cruises, exploring Bowness-on-Windermere, walking to nearby viewpoints and visiting Ambleside and Hawkshead.
Is the Lake District worth visiting if you do not hike?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy lake cruises, scenic drives, historic villages, waterfalls, cafes, museums and viewpoints without completing difficult hikes.
How many days do you need in the Lake District?
Two to three days is enough for a first visit, while four or five days gives you more time to explore different parts of the national park without rushing.
Which is better, Windermere or Keswick?
Windermere is better for lake cruises, tourist facilities and first-time visits, while Keswick is often preferred for walking, Derwentwater and access to the northern Lake District.
Can you visit the Lake District without a car?
Yes. Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and several popular attractions can be reached using trains and buses. However, a car makes remote valleys and smaller villages easier to explore.
