6 cool things to do in the Lake District

1. Camp in Buttermere

If you have one or two free days in your Lake District itinerary, you might want to consider grabbing a tent and fishing out your sleeping bag. It’s time to go camping!

Buttermere is one of the best places to pitch up in the Lakes. We recommend heading to the family-run Syke Farm Campsite, where you will be surrounded by the fells in all their glory.

The site is one of very few that still lets you choose your own pitch, but you can pre-book car parking online. For an idea of how the site works and what you can expect, check out our Buttermere camping reel over on Instagram.

Local tip: To get the most out of your stay, we’d recommend driving through to Buttermere early when the roads are quiet. If you’d like us to set you a hiking challenge for your stay, we’d recommend tackling Haystacks.

2. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Rail travel in the Lake District is beautiful enough as it is, but on a steam train? We’re sold!

Hop on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to uncover miles of beautiful scenery across the western Lake District.

Purchase a day pass to hop on and off the train as you please. Enjoy the views from the train, disembark into nature, visit the local towns, and head home in style.

Local tip: Follow the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway on Facebook to keep up to date with the company’s latest events – the seasonal calendar is usually released in March each year. The Railway also announces special trips here, such as its ‘Fish and Chips Train’, which stops for a chippy tea halfway through the journey!

Book tickets through the Ravenglass Railway website.

3. Windermere Ferry

You haven’t been to the Lake District unless you’ve been on Lake Windermere, and what better way to experience the water than with your very own boat.

Hire a self-drive motorboat from Windermere Lake Cruises to sail at your own pace. Boats are available to hire for one or two hours at a time, and you’ll be given a full guide on sailing the lake before setting off.

These boats have roll-back roofs and quiet electric motors to make your trip super relaxing. If you don’t fancy being captain of your own ship, hop on one of Windermere Cruise’s group tours. Ferries travel between Bowness and Ambleside or Lakeside on a regular basis.

Make sure to pre-book your boating adventure on the Windermere Lake Cruises website. 

4. Theatre by the Lake

This gorgeous theatre is sat on the shores of Derwentwater offering great live theatre, a glass of fizz or two, and stunning views for miles.

This is the perfect Lake District activity for couples – take a cute date night over to the Theatre by the Lake, and enjoy one of many performances put on year-round for guests.

The theatre is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Keswick.  Over the road you’ll find Crow Park, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The Main House is spacious, airy, comfortable, and accessible for all.

Local tip: If you’re driving to the theatre for an evening show at 7.30 pm, try to arrive at the car park no earlier than 7 pm to avoid paying daytime prices. Car parking drops to £1 after 7!

See what’s on and book your tickets via the TBTL website.

5. The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery is perfect for anyone who enjoys a tipple or two, and one of the best things to do in the Lake District.

Found on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, this state-of-the-art distillery is fully stocked with the very best whisky, gin, and vodka. Take a tour of the distillery itself, then settle down to enjoy tastings of the Lake’s finest spirits. You’ll also find products and gifts from local businesses and a bistro to sit back and relax at the end of a long day.

Visit the Lakes Distillery website to book your stay or purchase directly from the company’s online shop.

6. Eat tacos at Tacos Del Sol

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you absolutely have to visit Tacos Del Sol in Ambleside. 

Ran by Marisol and her partner Chris, Tacos Del Sol serves some of the best Mexican food in the Lakes and beyond. Marisol brings years of experience cooking Mexcian cuisine to the table, which shines through in the form of incredibly fresh tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more.

Top tip: The menu here changes regularly, but we’d highly recommend keeping an eye out for the fried rolled tacos and Tinga Tostadas. Tacos Del Sol is absolutely the best place to refuel after a day of hiking in the fells.

Find Tacos Del Sol on Google Maps.