A locals guide to the wonderful things to do in the Lake District in winter

The Lake District is beautiful at all times of the year, however, there’s something special about the Lake District in Winter. Snow-capped mountains, ice blue lakes and plenty of opportunities to get cosy in front of the fire. I love getting out and exploring at this time of year, partly because of it’s beauty and also because it’s much quieter in the lakes too. So, I’ve popped together a bumper list of things to do in The Lake District in winter to help give you the inspo to go out and explore!

21 things to do in the Lake District in winter…

A winter walk

If you wrap up warm, there’s no reason to not enjoy the hundreds (if not thousands!) of brilliant walks The Lakes has to offer.

Make sure you check the weather before you go, and if you’re going up hills and mountains, have your map and compass, food, water and layers with you!

But you could also use this time to do some easier walks – Derwentwater, Aira Force, or Castle Rigg Stone Circle are three musts!

The World of Beatrix Potter & Hill Top Farm

Another author synonymous with The Lake District is Beatrix Potter. And to celebrate her, there are two great attractions all year round; The World of Beatrix Potter and Hill Top Farm.

The World of Beatrix Potter is perfect for all the family and explore this winter. Get up close and personal with the characters from Beatrix Potter and feel the magic of Peter Rabbit and his friends. Note, the attraction is closed until 4th February 2023 for refurbishments.

Hill Top Farm is now a National Trust site, and is the home of Beaxrix Potter. Explore the house where she wrote, and the gardens that inspired her stories – and keep an eye out for the golden goose egg in the garden! The attraction will reopen on the 18th February.

Wordsworth, Grasmere

There’s nothing better than exploring a museum when it’s cold outside, and The Wordsworth Grasmere museum is a great way to learn more about the landscape that inspired William Wordsworth.

Based around Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Grasmere is the fountain of all knowledge on the Wordsworth family. Dove Cottage has been restored to how it would’ve been when they lived there, and the museum next door is faced in the local stone and is beautiful.

Read the blog : Wordsworth Grasmere review

A lake cruise

Wrap up warm and enjoy the gorgeous views that the lake district has to offer from a lake cruise.

Cruise on Ullswater, Windermere or Derwentwater and see the famous Lake District hills in a slow and peaceful way. Even in summer it can be a bit nippy, so make sure to wrap up warm.

Lakeland Motor Museum

Head down memory lane to the Lakeland Motor Museum and see a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits. That includes 140 classic cars and motorbikes, all carefully assembled over 50 years. The museum isn’t just about cars, the entire collection is presented in a social context, with a host of rarities to awaken some special motoring memories.

There is also a lovely riverside cafe with locally sourced homemade food, freshly baked scones and cakes, Lake District cheeses, Cumbrian meats and sticky toffee pudding

Visit Brantwood this winter in The Lake District

Brantwood is an arts and crafts house on the edge of Coniston and was the home of writer, artist and social reformer John Ruskin. 

At Brantwood, you’ll find the house, which also has a Turner exhibition inside, the most AMAZING gardens and a beautiful cafe/restaurant.

You can read my full post on Brantwood by clicking here.

Brockhole Visitor Center

There’s something for everyone at Brockhole Visitor center. Whether you’re wanting to get crafty, up for an adventure on Tree Top Treks or have a gorgeous afternoon tea.

All ages and all abilities can enjoy this beautiful arts and crafts house turned visitor center on the edge of Windermere.

A winter wild swim

For those who are feeling brave, why not enjoy a winter wild swim.

Make sure to do this safely, and if you haven’t done it before, go with an organised group.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Valley Railway

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, aka the La’al Ratty, is a stunning seven-mile journey from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in The Lake District, to Dalegarth for Boot station.

This unique experience is a must when you come to the lake district, and you can even enjoy afternoon tea whilst you’re there too!

Cosy up in the pub

Sometimes, the best thing to do when the weather is cold is to get cosy in a Lake District pub. There are so many brilliant pubs, you can’t go wrong!

Some of my favourites are The Queen’s Head at Troutbeck, The George and Dragon at Clifton and Hole in t’ Wall, Bowness-on-Windermere

Experience unique cinema’s in the Lake District

There are some brilliant cinema’s that you can escape the weather in.

The Alhambra theatres in Keswick and Penrith are two of the friendliest cinema’s you can go to. Zepherelli’s at Ambleside is beautiful and Rheged boasts the biggest cinema sceen in the county!

Looking for some different things to do in the lake district in winter? Try a DIY food tour!

There are so many amazing foodie spots in The Lake District, so why not make your own DIY food tour and have a day of eating around the lakes.

Looking for some inspo? Make sure to check out my food guides!

The Puzzling Place, Keswick

Another perfect thing to do in the lake district in winter is The Puzzle Place. Filled with optical illusions, holograms and anti-gravity rooms, if you’re looking for something to do in Keswick that the whole family will enjoy, then this is the place to go. The Puzzle Place always has me in stitches, and it’s a really good day out – especially on a wet and windy day!

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Ah Castlerigg Stone Circle, a place I have been fasinated by since I was a little kid.

It’s a lovely walk to here, and has beautiful views. Plus, the stone circle is magical with panoramic views including Helvellyn and High Seat.

It’s thought to be one of the oldest stone circles as well, raised in about 3000 BC during the Neolithic period.

Rydal Hall and Garden

Rydal Hall and Garden is a formal garden and 16th Centuary house, with beautiful gardens which include breathtaking waterfalls and wooded gardens.

There’s also a sculpture garden that you can explore for free daily.

Here’s some relaxing things to do in the lake district in winter – a spa day!

Why not have a bit of luxury and relax with a spa day this winter in the lake disrict. As well as being famous for lakes and hiking, the lake district is also known for it’s luxury spa’s.

From Lordor Falls to Low Wood Bay, there are so many options to rest and be pampered with gorgous views

Lakes Distillery

You’ll find The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake. There are currently three tours; Distillery Tour & Tasting, Single Malt Whisky Tour, and the Chocolate & Whisky Experience. For younger members of the family, there’s also a meet the Alpaca’s attraction as well!

The cafe/restaurant at The Lakes Distillery is a must visit – the food here is delicious, and they change the menu seasonally. There’s also afternoon tea, which always looks delicious when you go!

Afternoon tea in the Lake District

Afternoon tea is one of my favourite things. There such fun ways to catch up with friends and a special way to spend the day.

Some of my favourite afternoon tea spots are Low Wood Bay, The Wild Boar and The Belsfield

Theatre in the lake district

In and around Cumbria, there is some brilliant theatre to be found.

My favourite theatre is Theatre by the Lake, and they always have a wide variety of theatre, and you’re bound to find something you like! Find Theatre by The Lake on the shore of Derwentwater in Keswick. If you’re coming in the summer, you’ll find their summer season of plays – usually six plays in rep. If you’re here for the week, it’s worth getting a season pass to see more theatre at a reduced price whilst you’re here. Click here to see what’s on currently

Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal has a wide range of touring theatre, talks, and comedy and you can find really fun and unique things on. There’s a real wide range here; I’ve gone to a Radio 4 recording, a comedy show, and a piece of serious theatre here – all of which were brilliant in their own way.

The Laurel and Hardy Museum

Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy was born in the Cumbrian town of Ulverston. The Laurel and Hardy museum stemmed from one man’s collection stemming from his lifelong love of ‘the boys’. Starting out as a few scrapbooks of photos, the collection grew over time until it filled one small room with pictures covering all the walls and even the ceiling. 

Now, the museum is based in the Roxy Cinema and is the place to go for any fan of the comedy duo

and finally, The Pencil Museum

You can’t do a round-up of things to do in the lake district without mentioning The Pencil Museum in Keswick. Known for being the home of the first pencil, and the worlds smallest pencil, this is a must visit place.

And that was our round-up of things to do in winter in the lake district! I hope you’ve found this list useful, and we’ll be updating it as we find more things!