Things to do & places to visit in Cumbria, United Kingdom

Cumbria #22 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.57 based on 54.6k traveler reviews, of 36 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 7:38.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Derwentwater (2.950 reviews)
- Truly breathtaking
Bodies of Water

Wonderful views from all around the lake. Lovely walks. Stunning scenery. Travel on the boats was great value for money and a day pass meant you could got to all 6 jetty's to explore around the lake. See more..
5.0 Orrest Head (1.739 reviews)
- Best part of Windermere.
Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts

I stayed in Ullswater for two nights over new years with my girlfriend which was fantastic and decided to have one night in windermere seen as its the main town in the lake district. Orrest head was the only part of windermere i enjoyed, it offered fantastic views of the lake district. I would recommend getting up here to watch the sun rise as this is what myself and my girlfriend done and it was awesome to see the sunlight hit all the surrounding fells. Only around a 20 minute walk from Windermere station, all i'd advise is be careful if its been raining as it gets quite slippery on the climb. See more..
5.0 Catbells Lakeland Walk (1.719 reviews)
- The Climbers have arrived... in Keswick!
Hiking Trails

Theatre by the Lake are proud to be hosting the World Premiere of The Climbers: part love story, part ghost story and part mystery. In their first week of rehearsals the cast had a day out on Catbells, with perfect weather they had the best time... views for days and the best way to test their mountain legs for the month long production starting June 17, 2022. See more..
5.0 Alpacaly Ever After (1.431 reviews)
- Great experience, good value for money
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

BOOKING ESSENTIAL Want to take some alpacas out for a walk? Of course you do... and now you can! Alpacaly Ever After are thrilled to offer alpaca walks around the stunning grounds of The Lingholm Estate or alpaca walks at Whinlatter Forest, Meet and Greets at The Lakes Distillery or Lingholm and if you fancy climbing a local mountain, we have Llama Treks that take you there as well. All our activities take place outside in the fresh air, and as an outdoor activity provider we are fully versed in risk assessment and safe operating procedures. We would like to reassure our visitors and those looking to book that we are doing our utmost to protect both our visitors and guides, and are confident in providing a safe and hugely enjoyable experience that will be beneficial to physical and mental wellbeing. We have some exciting new activities coming soon, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest updates. Come and join The Woolly Army! See more..
5.0 Michael Coates Clay Shooting (1.019 reviews)
- Absolutely brilliant experience, safe and very well coached. Smashed it!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shooting Ranges

Providing Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and Axe throwing for beginners, intermediate and more experienced shooters all over the Lake District, with our main site between Windermere and Kendal. Fantastic scenic setting with a log burner if its cold and cover if its raining. With locally sourced food that is smoked on site it completes the perfect shooting site. See more..
5.0 Crags Adventures (977 reviews)
- First thing to do when you visit the Lakes
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours

Craig was an absolutely fantastic guide and we had the best introduction to the Lake District possible. Craig kept us entertained and safe throughout the whole trip and we’d highly recommend anyone who feels safe in water to undertake the canyoning at Church Beck Canyon. Cheers Craig! Rosie & Lyle See more..
5.0 Buttermere Lake (899 reviews)
- Beautiful drive to a beautiful lake
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Beautiful drive down to what is a fairly secluded but beautiful place. The drive that takes you to Buttermere is just as stunning as the lake itself. I'd recommend visiting either as the sun is beginning to set or just as it's risen as the light that would bounce off the lake would be stunning. Surrounded by beautiful trees a lovely 1 hour path encompasses the lake with a lovely little cafe waiting for you after your walk. One thing to be aware of is parking as it can be tough once you're down there so might be worth parking at what is a passing point on the mountain and walk down. See more..
5.0 Adventure 21 (891 reviews)
- Canyoning and Ghyll Scrambling, with Mark of Adventure21
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours • Water Sports • Kayaking & Canoeing

Excellent experience at every stage. The booking was very helpful (it was last minute because of last minute changes forced upon me, but Adventure21 could not be more helpful and had a can do mentality). Finding the meeting point was easy. The prices were competitive (some operators are slightly less expensive but the trip is only an hour and a half, not the 3 hours you get with Adventure21). The equipment was very good (wetsuits, buoyancy aids, waterproof trousers and top, helmet). The locations they use are well chosen: not the small streams you get with other outfitters). Church Beck (near Coniston). The best part was Mark. His passion for his job was that of someone who loved the activity and wanted to share that experience with you. He was friendly, funny, engaging, he had stroppy teenagers excited and adults thrilled. He was an excellent judge of character, pushing everyone to, but not past their limit. My two sons and I had a great time. Of all the things we did on our trip to the Lakes my sons want to do Church Beck again the most. See more..
5.0 Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents (881 reviews)
- Family friendly, exciting experience
Monday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours

I booked the abseiling for my family, 2 adults and 2 children aged 11yrs and 9yrs. My youngest was very nervous but Si was excellent with him and helped him feel confident and relaxed. Although we were a mixture of abilities between the 4 of us, we all had a fantastic time and all felt like we had a fun, exciting experience! Si was extremely professional and instantly put us at ease (I was a little nervous too), meaning we felt safe and happy to take those steps over the top. We would definitely recommend and will book again with Lakeland ascents when we visit the Lake District next time. See more..
5.0 Keswick Adventures (694 reviews)
- Perfect afternoon: fun, exhilarating, informative.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

We did the paddle boarding on Derwent water, up the upper Derwent river, and jumping off a bridge. It helped that the weather was very good, but due to tour leader Jaye’s gentle and supportive instruction it was a perfect afternoon. He pointed out fish and birds and landforms, told stories about the area and his life, and his appreciation of his job and the area made it a special experience. Jumping in to the cool river Off the bridge was so much fun. We recommend booking this trip in the morning as car parking space by the lake is harder in the afternoon. See more..
5.0 Loughrigg Fell (622 reviews)
- Great for views and dip in a lake
Mountains • Historic Walking Areas

We went to Loughrigg Tarn as we saw it recommended in a guide to wild swimming. The tarn is just a few miles off Ambleside, and it is a short walk from a nearby campsite. Gorgeous lake, good quality water and great swimming. Beautiful! See more..
5.0 Lake District Adventuring (510 reviews)
- Walk-hike-climb all in one day
Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Epic day with Jack hiking and climbing in Borrow-dale Valley. He was highly encouraging and motivating on the climb as we had different levels of experience. Would absolutely recommend a day or more out to experience the beauty of what the Lake District area has to offer from a local’s mountaineering perspective…hot chocolate with marshmallows was a great touch. Go for it See more..
5.0 Derwentwater (2.950 reviews)
- Truly breathtaking
Bodies of Water

Wonderful views from all around the lake. Lovely walks. Stunning scenery. Travel on the boats was great value for money and a day pass meant you could got to all 6 jetty's to explore around the lake. See more..
5.0 Orrest Head (1.739 reviews)
- Best part of Windermere.
Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts

I stayed in Ullswater for two nights over new years with my girlfriend which was fantastic and decided to have one night in windermere seen as its the main town in the lake district. Orrest head was the only part of windermere i enjoyed, it offered fantastic views of the lake district. I would recommend getting up here to watch the sun rise as this is what myself and my girlfriend done and it was awesome to see the sunlight hit all the surrounding fells. Only around a 20 minute walk from Windermere station, all i'd advise is be careful if its been raining as it gets quite slippery on the climb. See more..
5.0 Catbells Lakeland Walk (1.719 reviews)
- The Climbers have arrived... in Keswick!
Hiking Trails

Theatre by the Lake are proud to be hosting the World Premiere of The Climbers: part love story, part ghost story and part mystery. In their first week of rehearsals the cast had a day out on Catbells, with perfect weather they had the best time... views for days and the best way to test their mountain legs for the month long production starting June 17, 2022. See more..
4.5 Lake Windermere (4.127 reviews)
- Islands tour
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

More than ten miles in length, Windermere is England's largest lake that offers a wide variety of summer recreation including cruises, fishing, boating, sailing and scuba diving. See more..
4.5 The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction (2.849 reviews)
- Insight Into The Villages And Farms
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

An enchanting visitor attraction in the English Lake District where Beatrix Potter’s magical stories are brought to life in 3D. Learn about the famous Miss Potter, meet Peter Rabbit and step into Mr McGregor’s kitchen garden. Enjoy delicious treats in the Cafe and browse the world-famous souvenir gift shop. Please check our website for seasonal opening times. See more..
4.5 Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House (2.613 reviews)
- Lovely little house
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's most beloved place, packed full of her favourite things and left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. You will see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's tales. Your visit helps the National Trust continue her work to look after the Lake District. See more..
4.5 Aira Force Waterfall (2.344 reviews)
- Big waterfall off Ullswater, well worth a visit.
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls

For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an impressive waterfall. A network of trails weaves its way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots and views out across Ullswater. You can start your day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in the sights of Ullswater Valley along the way, then stroll back to Glenridding through Glencoyne Park and along the lakeshore. Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel. See more..
4.5 The Lakes Distillery (1.842 reviews)
- Perfect rainy day experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

The Lakes Distillery, established in 2011, nestles on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. Our majestic surroundings near Keswick inspire our artistic ethos and our ranges of fine whiskies, gins and vodka. Visitors enjoy tours of our state-of-the-art distillery and tastings of our award-winning spirits. Our distillery store is fully stocked with our entire product ranges as well as giftware from other local makers. Informal dining and beverages are available too at The Bistro at The Distillery, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and products. Our warm welcome in a scenic setting extends from a quick coffee with homemade cake to a leisurely lunch, afternoon tea or a delicious three-course supper. See more..
4.5 Muncaster Castle (1.718 reviews)
- Amazing day out.
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Castles • Gardens

The historic and reputedly haunted Castle dating from the medieval age has been home to the Pennington family for over 800 years. It is a treasury of beautiful art and antiques, collected through the ages by the family who still live there. The Castle sits majestically in over 70 acres of wild, woodland gardens famous for collections of rhododendrons and azaleas set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland fells including Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. The Hawk & Owl Centre is well worth a visit with daily displays at 2pm and watch the wild herons come in to feed at 4pm. The indoor MeadowVole Maze is an entertaining ecological attraction to entertain the young at heart. Playground, cafe, gift shops and an ancient church are all within the gardens. Regular events programme, including festivals, outdoor theatre, historical re-enactors and Halloween Week. See more..
4.5 Lakeland Motor Museum (1.675 reviews)
- Fascinating.
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums

The Lakeland Motor Museum nestles in the picturesque Leven Valley, at Backbarrow, close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere in the beautiful English Lake District.This thought-provoking attraction provides a perfect 'whatever the weather', all year venue, which entertains and enthrals all ages.Our free educational quiz helps pass on knowledge and understanding.We offer combined ticketing with Windermere Lake Cruises and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway.The museum's adjacent Cafe Ambio has a beautiful riverside setting and our welcoming gift shop is among the best of places to find the perfect present for any occasion. See more..
4.5 Castlerigg Stone Circle (1.674 reviews)
- Simple stone circle in an attractive setting
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Dating from about 3000 BC, this is one of the first stone circles built in Britain, which is perched atop a high moor with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. See more..
4.5 Carlisle Cathedral (1.593 reviews)
- Impressive smaller cathedral
Monday: 7:45 AM - 6:15 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Discover 900 years of faith and history the heart of Carlisle at one of The Border City's most visited attractions. Discover rare treasures, medieval paintings, stained glass and stunning architecture... Discover the turbulent story of the Borderlands - of kings, queens, bishops and rebels... Discover worship and music beneath our heavenly starlight ceiling... Discover peace and tranquility in the city centre... Discover more... Treasury exhibition, Gift Shop, expert Guides and Welcomers, and a treasure trail for young explorers. Free entry. Open daily. See more..
4.5 Sizergh Castle (1.508 reviews)
- New to us
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Castles • Gardens

I thought we had visited this place before but we didn’t recognise it so presumably this is our first time. We were so lucky to arrive just as a garden tour was about to start so we hooked into this and had an hour’s tour around these lovely gardens. Hilary Smith, a long time volunteer, showed her love of these gardens and led us through the various parts - the lake, rockery, stumpery, herbaceous etc. A great tour and well worth taking if you get the chance. We then went on an estate walk leading to a hide. A long trek at the end of a day but we were rewarded with a kingfisher visit. I clocked up 20,000 steps that day! See more..
4.5 The Puzzling Place (1.499 reviews)
- A fun hour or two
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums

A unique exhibition based on optical illusion. Witness balls rolling uphill in the antigravity room, visibly grow and shrink in the Ames room and be amazed by our interactive optical illusion exhibits, artwork and sculptures, as well as the hologram gallery! See more..
4.5 Theatre by the Lake (1.398 reviews)
- A great attraction
Monday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays on its two stages and has won multi-starred reviews from national critics. It also hosts festivals of literature, jazz, film and mountains. There are lifts to all levels and wheelchair users can get to all front-of-house and backstage areas. Both auditoria have enhanced-hearing and induction loop systems. See more..
4.5 Tarn Hows (1.374 reviews)
- A "must visit" Destination
Bodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas

Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn. There is a mobility scooter available for use for those who are less able to get around the Tarn. See more..
4.5 Lowther Castle and Gardens (1.342 reviews)
- Can get dog crazy in the cafe on a Saturday!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Castles • Gardens

Lowther Castle sits a few miles south of Penrith on a limestone bluff with stunning views over the Bampton Valley. Surrounded by acres of woodland and gardens old and new, the ruined castle is a stunning place to visit for families of all sizes and ages. An adventure playground in the woods is amazing for the younger visitor; the gardens are a feast for the imagination; the café offers freshly made food for all palates. Dogs on leads very welcome. See more..
4.5 Grizedale Forest (980 reviews)
- Great Day Out
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Forests

Grizedale forest in the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer! Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. For more of a challenge, test your nerve and swing among the trees on one of our Go Ape courses. See more..