Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

9 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in the Lakes

The Lakes are a major tourist destination in the UK. In 2009 alone, 15.8 million tourists visited the region and this figure is soaring with more and more families taking Lake District holidays.

Why is it so popular? It has everything you could ever want on a relaxing break. Picturesque landscapes, fresh air, plenty of attractions and most importantly, peace and quiet.

But what happens if you book your break, get there and the heavens open? Do you stay indoors, feel miserable and have an awful holiday? Of course not! There is a vast array of things to do, even on a rainy day.

  • World of Beatrix Potter

This is a great attraction for all the family. Come and meet some of the infamous characters including Jemima Puddle-Duck and Benjamin Bunny, and join Peter Rabbit for some afternoon tea in the Tea Garden. Afterwards, you can get some beautiful gifts in the Beatrix Potter Shop.

  • The Pencil Museum

Home to the world’s first pencil, this attraction is perfect for a rainy day. Check out the world’s longest colour pencil, marvel at the James Bond style World War II pencil, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the art studio.

  • Lakeland Climbing Centre

If you wanted to experience some sort of adrenaline rush, this is ideal. Rock climbing is available for all ages and skill level; and there is an indoor and outdoor wall.

  • The Rum Story

Voted Cumbria’s smallest tourist attraction in 2007, you are transported to an exotic island in the Caribbean. Check out a tropical rainforest, an African village, a slave ship, Cumbrian cottages and much more.

  • Spa day

Sit back and unwind by booking yourself into a spa day. Go for a leisurely swim, relax in a sauna/steam room and treat yourself to a facial or back massage.

  • Lakeside Aquarium

Feast your eyes on deadly boa constrictors, red-bellied piranha, Asian otters and much more at the Lakeside Aquarium. On the ground floor you can grab a bite to eat and shop for some special gifts.

  • Muncaster Castle

If dungeons and dragons are more your cup of tea, Muncaster Castle is perfect. There is a maze, a World Owl Centre, two playgrounds and did we mention that the castle is haunted?

  • Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

Discover Lakeland’s industrial heritage at the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum. Go on an underground tour of a realistic mine experience, check out some fascinating locomotives on display and look at old artefacts and records of explorations.

  • Keswick Brewery

Take a tour of Keswick Brewery to learn all about the beers that they make. Walk on the archaic sandstone flagged floors, take a look at the wood burning stove and sample a selection of beers.

Muncaster castle
Muncaster CastleAndrew Pescod / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

So there is no excuse not to have a fantastic holiday in the Lakes, even if the weather is dismal!

This article was written by South Lakeland Holidays, specialists in self-catering holiday homes in the Lakes. If you want to visit the region and you need somewhere to stay, visit the site now for the very best caravans, lodge and touring accommodation.