101 Things To Do Around The Lake District

When the sun has got its hat on...

• Stroll around the National Trust herb garden at Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, to admire 250 different species.
• Explore the nooks and crannies of historic Sizergh Castle, Kendal
• Cruise on the largest lake in England - Windermere, then drive to the only genuine "lake" - Bassenthwaite
• Travel aboard the steam yacht 'Gondola' on Coniston water, to marvel at the spectacular scenery.
• For a week up to the second Wednesday in June watch the horses being washed in the river as you take-in Appleby's world-famous horse fair.
• Travel on the scenic Settle/Carlisle train, stopping at Skipton to look around the castle and pick up a bargain at the market held 5 days a week.
• Tread in the footsteps of the legionaries along the ancient Hadrian's Wall.
• Take a round walk through lanes and fields around Croglam and Stenkrith, Kirkby Stephen, admiring the plant life and views.
• Cruise on Ullswater, one of the most beautiful lakes, then test your car over the breathtaking passes.
• Wonder at the Stalactites and Stalagmites at Ingleborough Caves, Clapham. Which is which? Answers on a postcard please.
• Take a trip to Hawes to watch the rope-maker at work, then drive up to admire the strange and unique "Buttertubs" in the hills above.
• Visit the beautiful historic home of Lord Inglewood at Hutton-in-the-Forest, with its 'pele' tower, then stroll around the grounds.
• Use our doorstep guide for a great walk around the local area.
• Jump on board the steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite, then go for a picnic at scenic Tarn Hows.
• Hie one of our electric bikes for the day
• Admire the views when you climb ancient and crumbling Brough Castle.
• Stroll through the countryside and villages around Kirkby Stephen.
• Relax whilst fishing in Appleby waters. We'll cook your catch for you! (Permit required for non-local -residents of Appleby)
• Improve your par as you avoid the sheep on Appleby Golf course.
• Watch a bird of prey in flight at Silverband falconry, then pick out the different species in the aviaries.
• Learn about the ancient town of Appleby, walking the 'town trail'.
• Ride a tram at Beamish Museum - an exciting day out for all the family.
• View the man-made Lacy's Caves, then count the stones at Long Meg's stone circle, Kirkoswald. You won't get the same number twice.
• Keep all four wheels on the ground as you quad-bike at Rookin House Farm.
• Nunnery Walks is now CLOSED.
• Walk along the picturesque Eden's riverbank to the village of Ormside.
• Find out where and how prisoners wore the wall away at Carlisle Castle.
• Take your binoculars up the scenic Pennine Way to High Cup Nick.
• March out around the 'Pikes, Mines & Commons' at Hilton and Murton.
• Buy souvenirs at historic Barnard Castle then pop into the castle itself.
• Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting (booking essential) at Rookin House.
• Walk from Howtown to Glenridding; catch the Ullswater steamer back!
• Plenty to do at Penrith Castle in the summer with bowls, putting, crazy golf and tennis on offer, as well as the ruins.
• Get wet, windsurfing or Kayaking on Windermere.
• Wander around Brougham Castle and imagine yourself in Norman times.
• Safari on foot round the unique South Lakes Wild Animal Park.
• Tone up your leg muscles as you take your hired bike around Appleby.
• Supernatural or Natural - take a spooky walk around Appleby and frighten yourself to death.
• Have a full day out at Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange over Sands
• A variety of different activities are available at Brockhole - the Lake District National Park Visitors Center, Windermere. Plenty to do!
• View the outstanding rhododendrons and other flowers at Lingholm Gardens, near Derwent Water, then climb the Bowder Stoner, Borrowdale.
• Have a gentle game of Bowls at Appleby's Bowling Club.
• Step out for 7 miles' Beneath the Fiend's Fell', Dufton and Knock.
• To say you've 'done' Appleby we can give you a full walk around Appleby and the surrounding countryside.
• Walk from Muker to Thwaite and back in Herriot's beautiful Swaledale.
• Board the South Tyendale Railway at Alston Station and enjoy a unique 40-minute trip through the beautiful North Pennines.
• Stroll along the delightful Raven Beck which provided power for milling, and return past a 13th century castle, Kirkoswald to Parkhead.
• Try one of the eight walks around Settle, after travelling the Settle/Carlisle railway to get there, over the famous Ribblehead viaduct.
• Try the woodland trails at Whinlatter pass Visitor Center near Keswick.

When the sun hasn't got its hat on...

• Drive along the scenic route incorporating Kirkby Stephen, Pendragon Castle, Sedbergh and back over Orton Scar - Drive 1
• Watch the magnificent mechanical swan eat the fish - one of the antique exhibits at the interesting Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.
• Take time to walk around some of Kendals museums and learn about the history of the local area Then drive to Lakeland Ltd, Windermere for a wide choice.
• View the East Window with its fine 14th-centry stained glass in Carlisle's beautiful sandstone Cathedral.
• A morning well spent at Carlisle's Tullie House museum to see the untold story of England and Scotland and learn about the fierce Reivers.
• Take a drive along Ullswater that incorporates Aira Force, where you must see the spectacular waterfall - Drive 2.
• Hundreds of stalagmites and Stalactites await you at Britain's biggest tourist cavern - White Scar Caves, Ingleton.
• Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea and browse round the crafts in the Keld Butter Market and Craft shop (May -October).
• Take the train from Appleby along the beautiful Settle & Carlisle railway - there's plenty to see and do in Skipton and Carlisle.
• See milk turn to cheese as you watch the Wensleydale Experience.
• Take a day trip to York to stroll around the famous York Castle Museum.
• Wander round well-stocked antique shops: Kirkby Stephen.
• Dove Cottage, Grasmere was William Wordsworth's home. Learn about the daily life of the poet. Go in Spring for "a host of golden daffodils".
• Imagine you are James Bond as you inspect his Lotus; just one of the famous vehicles in the 'Cars of the Stars' Museum at Keswick.
• Go shopping in 'The Lanes' or browse around the Victorian covered market at Carlisle. Make the trip by train along the Settle/Carlisle line.
• Take your car on a round trip through 'James Herriot country' made famous by the TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small'.
• Visit Mirehouse to explore the 1666 family house, adventure playground, ancient lakeside church and walks available at Bassenthwaite Lake.
• When it's wet outside, get wet inside! Keswick Spa is a fun swimming pool with lots to keep the kids occupied, including waves and a flume.
• Dalemain, near Ullswater, is a home full of surprises, well worth a visit.
• An ideal place to buy your gifts: Dent Craft Centre in the beautiful Dales.
• At Levens Hall, Kendal, you can explore the interesting corners of this fascinating Elizabethan house with its idyllic gardens.
• Beat your opponent at ten-pin bowling: Carlisle's 'Hollywood Bowl'.
• Find out (safely) how nuclear fuel is made at the Sellafield Visitors Center. This is one of Cumbria's most popular attractions.
• Learn the ins and outs of pencil-making at Keswick's Pencil Museum.
• Sample the ales on a shepherded tour of Masham's Black Sheep Brewery.
• Explore Eden and the lovely Lyvennet Valley on a motor tour - Drive 1.
• Take a leisurely drive through Ullswater and John Peel country - Drive 2
• Take the road north-east to look into the interesting history of Weardale.
• Experience history brought to life - a lead mine and crushing mill is just one of the things to see at Kilhope Wheel. Great for the kids!
• The award winning exhibition of Beatrice Potter's original drawings awaits your inspection in her gallery at Hawkshead.
• Tour historic Raby Castle set in a 200-acre deer park at Staindrop.
• Penrith, with its individual shops, is just the place to wander around.
• Take a drive around North Eden and the Pennine Fell side - Drive 3.
• See Stephenson's 'Locomotion' at Darlington Railway Center and Museum. A must for all train-spotters and steam-lovers alike!
• Wander round Lakeland's most popular garden center and pick up an exotic plant or ornamental fruit tree - Hayes Garden World - Ambleside.
• Learn about starfish and animals with backbones at the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe. Now just what are they called?
• See and hear the evocative sights and sounds of the Lake District when it was an industrial center - Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Newby Bridge.
• Drive around some of Eden's picturesque local villages including the market town of Kirkby Stephen and the Mallerstang Valley.
• A short drive to the lovely village of Morland and you can purchase the right gear for the weather from Penrith Survival Center.
• Follow the story of Lady Ann Clifford, from Skipton, through Appleby, and finishing at Brougham Castle where she died.
• Drive around the East fell side taking in the pretty villages - Drive 3.
• Take time carefully to produce a copper rubbing or try your hand at hot-poker-work at The Craft Village, Windermere.
• Admire the oldest propeller-driven mechanically-powered boat in the world, afloat and in working order at Windermere Steamboat Museum.
• Take a leafy-lane drive from the Border City of Carlisle to the Solway and Inglewood Forest - Drive 4.
• Watch woolly work in progress: Eden Valley Woollen Mill, Armathwaite.
• Brush up on your pool and snooker or table-tennis in our games room.
• Just relax in the Hotel's leisure club. That's it - just relax.
• Visit Alston, the highest market town in England and pop into Gossipgate Gallery to choose a gift for someone at home.
• Presenting the past at Richmond's Three Museums, and if the sun comes out, why not climb the castle too?