Get active outdoors in the Lake District

The Lakes is the perfect place to get active outdoors. Whether the fells are dusted with snow or the sun is shining, you're spoiled for choice here in the Lake District. From watersports to stone skimming, lakeside walks to challenging hikes, we have it all.

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Plan your visit
Woman jumping into Windermere at Fell Foot

Join in the fun at Fell Foot 

With summer sports for families, open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding and kayak hire, there's plenty of ways to get active at Fell Foot. You can also try out Nordic Walking, the 5km Fell Foot Parkrun or join a yoga session, all set against the backdrop of Windermere.

Get active at Fell Foot
A sailing boat on Windermere

Hoist the sails at Wray Castle 

Try your hand at something new this summer with these taster sailing sessions at Wray Castle. Suitable for family groups and children aged 7-16 too.

Book now
Walking group explore the Lakeland Fells in Cumbria

Get your walking boots on 

We're proud to have some of the world's greatest walks in the Lake District. If you're looking for familiar favourites like Great Gable, or hidden gems to explore on foot, we've got you covered. Try out some of these walks near Grasmere, from the peace of High Close Garden to the jagged summit of Helm Crag.

Enjoy great walks near Grasmere
Two people cycling through the countryside
Cycling

Cycle to the pub in Langdale 

Work up an appetite on this 11 mile cycle route through the Great Langdale valley, exploring woodlands, meadows and lakeside trails before heading to the National Trust pub at Sticklebarn.

Explore Great Langdale on two wheels
Ghyll scrambling

Adventure holidays in the Lakes 

Spend a little bit longer in the Lakes with an active holiday. Our campsites offer a huge range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. From gorge scrambling to moonlit canoeing, there are plenty of ways to get active on a Lake District holiday.

Go on an adventure
Family and dogs walking in Stonethwaite, Borrowdale

Way-marked trails and approachable fells 

Borrowdale is a great place to walk in the Lake District without leaving civilisation too far behind, especially with our easy to follow way-marked trails.

Find your perfect path
A visitor using the tramper at Tarn Hows

Try out a Tramper 

Everyone should have the chance to get outdoors in the Lake District. If you have limited mobility, hire one of our all-terrain mobility scooters at Tarn Hows and enjoy a spectacular lakeside route.

Enjoy Tarn Hows by Tramper
Two people cycle in front of Wray Castle, Cumbria

Bike to Wray Castle 

The grounds of Wray Castle are just waiting to be explored and to make your adventure even more exciting, you can easily travel there by bike.

Find out more
Runners in the parkland at Lyme Play Video
Video

Get active in the North West

From gentle strolls to longer hikes in scenic surroundings, fast-paced running events for grown-ups to teaching little legs to ride a bike, there are plenty of ways to get active in the North West, all year round.

Explore the North West