The Lake District is one of the wettest areas in England, so it is quite likely if you are going to visit one of the most beautiful National Parks in England, you will hit a period of incremental weather. Despite the rain, there are many things to do in the Lake District when it rains.
Here are some suggestions on things to do when visiting the Lake District.
Firstly, even if it is raining this should not stop you hiking or doing outdoor activities. The adage that there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing is very appropriate. If the weather has been bad for a while, then remember that the waterfalls are likely to be particularly strong. Therefore, wrap up, get your umbrella out and go visit one of the many waterfalls in the area.
The Lake District has many historic house, such as, Hill Top (Near Sawrey), Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse, which is filled with her belongings and the inspiration for many of her stories. Muncaster Castle (Ravenglass) is another historic building, famous for being haunted, this historic castle has extensive grounds and gardens should the weather clear up. There are also many other museums in the area that are focused on Beatrix Potter or William Wordsworth, where you can learn about their lives, their inspirations and ultimately their work.
The Lakes is known for its Craft Shops and Art Studios and are well worth visiting regardless of the weather. However, the wet weather will give you a perfect opportunity to visit these without you feeling like you are missing out on the natural beauty of the area.
There are many Tea Rooms, Cafes and Cozy Pubs. Use the wet weather to get cozy in one of the areas fantastic food and drink establishments. If you haven’t tried a traditional afternoon tea, or enjoyed pub grub, then this is your chance. You can always visit a local distillery or brewery, such as the The Lakes Distillery (Bassenthwaite) where you can take a tour of the whisky, gin, and vodka distillery, followed by a tasting session. Or you could try Hawkshead Brewery (Staveley) where you can enjoy a brewery tour and sample some of the best local ales.
If you know in advance the weather is going to be bad then maybe think about where you are staying. This may mean a stay in a Spa is a way to go. A couple of recommendations include Armathwaite Hall in Bassenthwaite, which is a luxury spa offering treatments and facilities like a pool, sauna, and steam room. You could also try The Samling in Windermere which is a luxurious retreat with a spa overlooking Lake Windermere. Alternatively find an Air BNB and just relax in a larger property. This is what we did when we visited the Lake District, and we were not disappointed.
Finally, you could go indoor climbing at either Kendal or Keswick Climbing Walls, or if you are not feeling that adventurous just relax in one of the areas cinemas.
Hoping you’ll have great weather on your trip to the Lake District, but if you don’t know you can still have an amazing time.