We have been visiting the Lake District as a family for over 20 years and although we have had a shower or two we have never really experienced a rainy day until this year. The whole weekend it rained non stop and therefore our plans had to change. If you are familiar with the Lakes you will know that most of the best things to do are not ideal for a wet day or wet weather in general. We have a few favourite things to do in the lakes however we instantly had to do a few google checks for things to do in The Lake District when it's raining. Luckily we were close to a few of the indoor attractions however if we were better prepared for the bad weather we could have enjoyed a few more as we were surprised that there are actually lots of things to do in the Lake District when its raining.
Enjoy A Boat Cruise
You may associate boat cruises with sunny days, sitting on the deck watching the world go by however the boat cruises are just as nice on rainy days. Choose from Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater and Ullswater as they all offer undercover boats. They are a great way to see the Lake District National Park and perfect for the whole family. We have done the trip from Bowness on Windermere to Ambleside many times and the boats offer refreshments and toilets on board.
Coniston Cruises boat trip is a smaller boat than those on Windermere however they are just as nice. They offer you the chance to disembark at a range of stops along the Lake with some amazing sights to see including the home of artist and writer, John Ruskin.
You can find out more information about the cruises by visiting Windermere Lake Cruises or Coniston Cruises by visiting Coniston Launch
Take a Steam Train Ride
A perfect way to see the beauty of the Lake District is taking a short trip on a steam train and travel three and half miles from Haverthwaite Station to Lakeside pier at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Once you disembark the train at Lakeside it's just a short walk to the Aquarium of the Lakes. Also for easier access to Bowness or Ambleside you can jump on board a boat cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Open every day from 1st April - 29th October
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co. Ltd, Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL
For more information, timetables and admission prices visit Lakeside and Haverthwaite
Lakes Aquarium
A perfect indoor activity for a rainy day. Situated on Windermere the Lakes Aquarium is an award-winning attraction and has the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish. As mentioned earlier you can arrive at the aquarium via boat or train.
If booking in advance you can combine your boat or steam train ticket with an aquarium ticket to receive a discount. Children under 3 go free and there is a variety of tickets available including family tickets.
The Lakes Aquarium is open daily from 10.00am.
Last admission 4.30pm, close at 5.30pm
Open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, only closed Christmas Day.
Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AS
For more information and admission prices visit The Lakes Aquarium
Brantwood, John Ruskin's Home
Brantwood is a historic house located on the shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District. It was the former home of John Ruskin, a famous Victorian writer, artist, and social reformer, and is now open to the public as a museum, showcasing Ruskin’s life and work. The property also includes guest accommodations, a cafe, and extensive gardens and woodland trails.
Visitors to the house are introduced to Ruskin’s world by a brief introductory video and are then free to explore the seven historical rooms which he occupied during his lifetime, all of which are filled with his furniture, art and objects.
Brantwood is open daily 10:30-5pm throughout the Summer and Wednesday to Sunday during winter, also closing on Christmas & Boxing Day.
The Brantwood Trust, East of Lake, Coniston, LA21 8AD
For more information and admission prices visit Brantwood
The World Of Beatrix Potter
The World Of Beatrix Potter attraction gives you the opportunity to celebrate Beatrix Potter's 23 enchanting stories. Each one brought to life right before your eyes, you will feel like you are walking amongst the pages of her books.
Peter Rabbits garden is available for you to wander through admiring all the fruit and vegetables growing. You can even try some in the cafe.
The World of Beatrix Potter is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day and a short period of closure in Jan/Feb for maintenance.
Summer opening hours (April – October) 10am – 5.30pm
Winter opening hours (November – March) 10am – 4.30pm
The World Of Beatrix Potter, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, UK, LA23 3BX
For more information and admission prices visit The World of Beatrix Potter
Hill Top
A visit to The Lake District wouldn't be the same without a visit to Hill Top. Visiting Hill Top allows you to enjoy the tales of Beatrix Potter. The Farmhouse Retreat is full of her favourite things and the cottage inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District.
The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.
Hill Top is open daily with a usual opening hours of 0am-5pm however please do check before you visit.
Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
For more information and admission prices visit Hill Top
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