Despite being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its luscious rolling fells and picturesque lakes, the Lake District has so many things to do other than just outdoor activities! In fact, the opportunities available for tourists and locals in the Lake District are so diverse, you can tailor-make your trip to suit just about any lifestyle.
Whether you’re in search of lavish lakeside luxury or really want to throw yourself into the lakes (quite literally!), the opportunities are endless and we are on-hand to sculpt your perfect Lake District getaway.
To shout about all the Lake District has to offer, we have put together a ‘bucket list’ of things you must see or do while you’re in the area. Of course, this goes out to locals too who may have completely missed all the wonderful things that are right under their nose!
We’ve included a downloadable Lake District Bucket List at the bottom of the page for you to download, print off and tick off as you complete them!
How many things have you seen, been to or done while visiting the Lake District?
Have a spa day at The Falls Spa
Immerse yourself in a day of pure relaxation at the stylish Falls Spa. This is one of the Lake District’s finest and “most instagrammable” spas. Let all your troubles drift away as you relax in the hydrotherapy pool with a glass of prosecco in hand overlooking Derwentwater. Reset and recharge with a soothing massage or facial or totally revitalise your skin in the sensual rasul. This is your one-stop destination for pure bliss.
Walk around Derwentwater
Taking a leisurely stroll around Derwentwater is an absolute must if you are visiting the Lake District. As the region’s most picturesque lake, this tranquil walk allows you to experience the surrounding fells in all their glory. The trail is a good 9 miles but the route is mostly flat, making it do-able for even those who aren’t huge fans of outdoor activities. Pay us a visit at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa for a quick rest & refuel.
Share a chateaubriand at Brossen Steakhouse
The AA Rosette award-winning Brossen Steakhouse at the Inn on the Square is a meat-lovers paradise based in the centre of Keswick. The highlight of the menu has to be the ultimate chateaubriand which is a feast for the eyes and the taste-buds. Cooked to your liking, this succulent cut of fillet is served piled high on a sharing board, served with a choice of 3 sides and 2 sauces.
Sample a famous Kings Arms Beef & Ale Pie
A trip to Keswick would not be complete without sampling the Kings Arms famous Beef & Jennings Ale Pie! This mouth-watering pie is really one to write home about and it’ll keep you coming back for more. Made on site, the head chef has a passion for locally sourced ingredients which translates into this melt-in-the-mouth, hearty pie!
See a production at Theatre by the Lake
Experience the ‘drama of the Lakes’ with a trip to one of Keswick’s most loved attractions. Hailed as “the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain” by the Independent, the scenic Theatre by the Lake opened its doors back in 1999 and rests just a stone throw away from Derwentwater. With two stages and an impressive selection of entertainment, the local theatre makes for an essential evening out. Make a real night of it and dine at one of our Keswick hotels’ restaurants before the show!
Watch the sunrise from Castlerigg Stone Circle
The thought of getting up at an ungodly hour to watch the sunrise may strike fear into the hearts of many, but we guarantee that setting your alarm early and welcoming the day from this local landmark is a surreal experience not to be missed. The Castelrigg Stone Circle is approximately a 45-minute walk from Keswick town centre and offers uninterrupted views of this breath-taking experience. We hold annual guided walks to watch the sunrise from Castelrigg Stone Circle on the longest day of the year as part of our Summer Solstice guided walk. Sign up for the next one and tick it off the Lake District Bucket List!
Try authentic Asian cuisine at Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant
Although we are big fans of wholesome, Cumbrian ‘scran’, a trip to Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant based at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is an unmissable experience for the senses. Take your taste buds on a cultural adventure as you discover the culinary genius of our skilled team of chefs. Sample tempting Japanese, Korean, Malaysian and Thai specialities to give you an authentic Asian dining experience in the heart of the Lakes.
Witness the view from the top of Catbells
You can’t visit the Lake District and not take in the breath-taking views from a higher altitude. The Lakes is renowned for its magnificent fells, encouraging many to travel to the area with the intention of climbing them alone. We believe the fell that will provide you with the greatest views is Catbells and trekking to the top is an absolute must for people near and far to truly uncover the exquisiteness of the Lakes.
Enjoy Sunday lunch at the Borrowdale Hotel
Despite being away from home, there is no reason not to delight in Britain’s favourite tradition – and a trip to the Borrowdale Hotel will do just the trick. Sunday lunch at the Borrowdale Hotel is unparalleled, serving up unforgettable roasts on a weekly basis. Sit down to this iconic meal from 12pm-2pm and our courteous staff will bring you sumptuous Yorkshire puddings, fluffy roast potatoes and juicy roast meats from our silver carving trolley.
Attend one of Keswick’s many festivals
Keswick is not only one of the most beautiful little towns in the whole of the UK, but it also boasts an impressive repertoire of entertainment. From jazz festivals to beer festivals and music festivals to film festivals, the ever-growing list of diverse festivals that are held in Keswick annually are a must for your calendar. All you need to do is choose which one tickles your fancy! Read our top 5 picks of Keswick festivals.
Get wild at the Lake District Wildlife Park
Get up close and personal with the animals at the Lake District Wildlife Park! Meet the resident gibbons, lemurs and meerkats while you admire the backdrop of Skiddaw massif. The park spans an impressive 24 acres and the number of animal species that inhabit the park is exhaustive. The highly motivated keepers are passionate about what they do, ensuring you have an excellent day out. There really can’t be many other wildlife parks as picturesque as this one.
Experience a lakeside Afternoon Tea at Inn on the Lake
Afternoon Tea is a sophisticated affair that many of us quite enjoy to indulge in, and it doesn’t get better than the Afternoon Tea served at Inn on the Lake. Enjoy your Afternoon Tea the right way, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ullswater. The kitchen team are perfect professionals when it comes to preparing fresh finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and homemade patisseries for your enjoyment. Our Afternoon Tea even has the royal seal of approval having been enjoyed by the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge during their royal visit to Cumbria! A regal Afternoon Tea such as this one fully deserves its place on the Lake District Bucket List.
WILL & KATE’S VISIT TO INN ON THE LAKE →
Sail on the Keswick Launch
The renowned Keswick Launch is the town’s token attraction. What better way to take in the panoramic views of Derwentwater than from atop of the lake waters themselves! Bob along on one of the Keswick Launches as you take in unique views of Skiddaw, Catbells and the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’. What’s more, there are 8 different jetties for you to disembark at and explore various areas of the valley. Be sure to get off the the jetty by the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa and pay us a visit.
Book a wine tasting at the Borrowdale Hotel
Definitely a must for the wine lovers out there, a wine tasting at the Borrowdale Hotel is a unique experience unlike any other – which is why it just had to make our Lake District Bucket List! Sample some of the finest wines from across the globe in this idyllic countryside setting. The Borrowdale Hotel is famous for its stunning walk-in wine cellar which is full to the brim of rich wooden cases that showcase the wines and champagne in the most refined fashion.
THE BORROWDALE HOTEL WINE CELLAR →
Stay in a Lodore Falls Deluxe Spa Suite
If you really want to nail the Lake District Bucket List challenge, do it in the most sophisticated manner and book a luxury escape to one of the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa’s Deluxe Spa Suites. These suites are the best rooms in the house and come with a whole catalogue of added goodies including: access to The Falls Spa, private balconies with picturesque views, ½ a bottle of prosecco, fresh fruit & popcorn plus many more.
Try one of the top whiskies at the Kings Arms
Even if you’re not a whiskey fan, the selection of whiskies held behind the bar at the Kings Arms is a fair sight to behold! The shelf is complete with over 40 different whiskies for customers to choose from. You can even become a regular connoisseur with the Kings Arms Whisky Shelf Loyalty Card so be sure to pick up your card from the bar if you’re frisky for whiskey.
Experience Aira Force
The Lake District scenery really does showcase some of Mother Nature’s finest work. When people think of the most scenic sights that nature has to offer, the Lakes manages to tick all the boxes, which is why we recommend taking a trip to Ullswater to see Cumbria’s most beautiful waterfall. Ullswater in general is a celebration of picturesque landscape and Aira Force waterfall is the highlight, making it a must-see if you’re in the area. Our glorious Inn on the Lake hotel is just under 3 miles walking distance from the waterfall so do pop in for a break while on your travels.
Watch the world go by in the Skiddaw Hotel Conservatory
We all love people-watching, and there is no better place for it than the Skiddaw Hotel Conservatory. The stunning glass conservatory is the heartbeat of Keswick and is smack-bang in the middle of the town centre, making it the ultimate destination to watch the world go by. Open throughout the day, choose to join us in a morning for a soothing coffee to get you going or in an evening with something a little stronger.
Take a stroll to the magnificent Lodore Falls waterfall
Tourists flood to the Lake District for the views, so you might as well make the most of it and see them all. Another beautiful waterfall you must-see while in the area is the majestic Lodore Falls. Located behind the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, this landmark actually looks most beautiful after a period of heavy rain – so it is convenient that it is located in the Lake District! The Lodore Falls waterfall allows you to truly experience the remarkable power and beauty of nature.
Sip sumptuous cocktails at Inn on the Square
Swap your walking boots for high heels and throw on your glad-rags as you hit up the chic Inn on the Square for a sophisticated evening of cocktails and chitchat. The welcoming bar staff are masters of their craft, taking your cocktail-tasting experience to whole other level. As the swankiest bar in town, the Front Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day or connect with your better-half.
Tour the Lakes Distillery
Named as one of eight distilleries you “must visit before you die” for two years running now by the prestigious World Whisky Day, it comes as no surprise that this experience also made its place on our Lake District Bucket List. Situated on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake, The Lakes Distillery produces its own whiskies, gins and vodkas and is also home to a handful of friendly alpacas, making it a fun and educational day out for people of all tastes and ages.
Tackle the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine
The Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine is a must-do mountain climbing experience for any keen thrill-seekers in the area. However, the faint of heart will be glad to know there is a more manageable route as well as the extreme experience! Step out of your comfort zone as you choose between the Classic or Xtreme course, then follow the historic miners’ paths as you scale the side of the mine walls. Don’t worry as the routes are incredible safe, making the experience achievable for people of all ages and abilities.
Download the Lake District Bucket List
Now’s your chance to download our Lake District Bucket List for yourself and you can tick each activity off as you go along! Be sure to mention Lake District Hotels in your social media posts and tag us in your photos!
DOWNLOAD LAKE DISTRICT BUCKET LIST →
