Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)
Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀
Looking for adventure in the Lake District? If you’re planning an adventure in the Lake District, here are the best options to do in the area.
If you’re looking for an adventure in the UK, the Lake District is one of the best places to visit.
Even if you’re solo travelling the Lake District, there’s an adventure to be had!
From watersports to rock climbing, hiking to the highest peak in England and visiting ancient stone circles, there’s something for everyone.
In the following post, you can read about the best adventure activities in the Lake District, how to book and where to find them.
Backpacking for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!
Visiting the Lake District for the first time? Check out my other posts!
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
- Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
- Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
- Helm Crag walk from Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know
- Lake District for Couples: A PERFECT Romantic Break (2022)
- Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit (2022)
Adventure in the Lake District
1. Hike Scafell Pike or Helvellyn
One of the best adventures in the Lake District to be had is hiking Scafell Pike or Helvellyn.
Scafell Pike is the highest peak in England, and it will take up to around a day of your time to complete. If you’re looking for one of the best routes to the Scafell Pike summit, you can check out this Langdale to Scafell Pike guide here.
Helvellyn is another incredible hike in the Lake District and isn’t one to be underestimated. Depending on which route you take, it can be potentially dangerous and isn’t for beginner climbers.
One of the best viewpoints whilst hiking Helvellyn is from Striding Edge, which is a narrow path with sheer drops on either side.
It’s not one for the faint-hearted, and you must have a good head for heights to attempt it!
Check out my post: 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide) before hiking in the Lake District!
Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!
Other hikes you might like:
- Helm Crag walk from Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know
- Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
- 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide)
2. Ghyll Scrambling Water Activity
Ghyll scrambling, which is also known as gorge scrambling or gorge walking, is one of the best adventure things to do in the Lake District.
You’ll be guided through bubbling natural pools, rocky mountainsides, scrambling paths, walking through rapids and jumping into deep pools of water.
Depending on which company you use, prices range between £40-60 for a day tour, and they’ll provide you with all of the equipment needed.
You can book your ghyll scrambling experience here.
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!
3. Rock climbing
Rock climbing – inside and outside – is one of the best adventure activities to do in the Lake District.
Depending on your level and experience, there are either indoor climbing walls in towns like Kendal and Keswick, or natural rock formations perfect for climbing in places like Buttermere or Wasdale.
If you’re going inside, just be sure to either book online or check if the venue does walk-ins.
Looking for the best outdoor climbing spots? Check out the best rock faces here!
🌎 Looking for a carry-on bag to hold everything you need for your flight? I spent YEARS looking for a good carry-on that’s accepted by all airlines, and I finally found it. I couldn’t fault this Aerolite backpack!
4. 4×4 Off-Road Driving
Not the first thing that springs to mind when visiting the Lake District, but it can be done!
Drive deep into the mud (without getting your feet dirty), off-road in a 4×4 in some of the remotest areas in the Lake District.
Even if you’re a beginner, you can book your 4 x 4 driving experience here.
🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!
5. Hot Air Balloon Rides
You don’t need to travel all the way to Turkey to get some of the best hot air balloon ride views!
The Lake District is a great place in the UK to have a hot air balloon ride, and you can check out the views of the mountains from the sky.
Make sure you book well in advance, as trips can get booked up pretty quickly.
You can book your hot air balloon ride here!
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!
6. Canyoning
An adventure in the Lake District not for the faint-hearted, canyoning is one of the best things to do in the area!
If you like scrambling over rocks, jumping off cliff edges and getting extremely wet, canyoning is for you.
You’ll be jumping from rock edges from crazy heights, abseiling and swimming in bubbling pools surrounded by picturesque Lake District views.
Like the sound of it? You can book your Lake District canyoning experience here.
Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!
7. Canoeing
Canoeing is a slower-paced adventure in the Lake District and is a perfect one for all ages.
Most lakes in the national park will have a watersports hut or storefront where you can rent canoes (or other water equipment) and spend the day canoeing along the lake, surrounded by fells and mountainsides.
And the best thing? You can stay completely dry if you want to!
You can book your canoeing experience here.
I recommend purchasing a Dry Robe before visiting the Lakes, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water. And you can easily get dressed and undressed in complete privacy, right in the middle of the beach! Mine is a lifesaver!
8. Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is one of my favourite things to do whenever I’m near a lake, and the Lake District is definitely one of the best places to do it.
Whether you just want to hire a paddleboard for an hour, or want to take some lessons to brush up on your skills, you can do it in the Lake District!
Personally, I found Coniston Water to be the best place to paddleboard in the Lake District. The waters are calmer and the views surrounding the lake are just stunning.
You can book your paddleboarding experience here.
Want to take photos or videos in the water? You need a GoPro! I use mine every time I wild swim in lakes or the ocean. It’s an incredible way to keep your memories forever!
9. Kayaking
Like paddleboarding, kayaking is another epic adventure activity to do whilst you’re in the Lake District.
You can rent a kayak by the hour or take up some lessons, and kayak along the lake until your heart is content.
Want to find out the best places to kayak in the Lake District? Check out some awesome locations here!
A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!
10. Hydrospeeding
So what exactly is hydrospeeding?
Hydrospeeding is one of the best adventure activities in the Lake District, and you can enjoy your first experience of it in the northern town of Keswick.
Similar to white water rafting, hydrospeeding is a sport that involves jumping into fast-flowing water, and then being carried along at a high speed whilst holding onto your hydrospeed board.
Experience epic bends, twists and turns, waterfalls river waves and even 360-degree spins.
Sound good? You can book your once-in-a-lifetime experience here!
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
11. Raft building
Fancy something a bit more hands-on?
Raft building is a great adventure activity in the Lake District, and is a perfect competitive activity with friends.
Spend time building your raft and then seeing if it will hold on one of the lakes, with the winning team staying afloat for the longest.
Book your raft-building experience here!
🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos? 📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)
12. Abseiling
Abseiling can be done all over the Lake District, and is a perfect activity for anyone who likes heights and a bit of adventure!
This freeing experience gives you the chance to step off a sheer edge safely, abseiling all the way to the ground whilst in a harness.
With the number of mountains and rockfaces in the Lake District, it’s one of the best places to abseil in the UK!
Book your abseiling experience in the Lake District here!
13. Bushcraft
If you see yourself as an outdoor survivalist, you can test your wilderness skills in the Lake District with some bushcraft.
Learn how to light a fire in the wild, foraging for food, make a shelter or a natural water filter, all whilst surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District.
You can opt for a half day experience or overnight, with some tours even lasting a few weeks to fully immerse yourself in the wild.
The best survival training in the Lake District is from the highly experienced business, Green Man Survival.
Are you going on a Lake District road trip? Don’t forget to take a phone holder for your car. If you need to follow GPS to get around the lakes, you’ll need to prop your phone up somehow! We bought ours a few years ago and have used it on every road trip. Trust me – they never supply one!
14. Archery
Archery is another great adventure activity in the Lake District, and can be done in a few different locations.
It’s an activity that books up fast, so make sure you book your slot early online.
You can book your archery activities here.
🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.
15. Visit the Honister Slate Mine
Visit the 450-million-year-old volcanic green slate and how it’s been mined throughout the ages. You can book a fully guided mining tour and experience the deep underground for yourself.
You’ll delve into the underground tunnels and experience what life was like for the miners of old first-hand. It’s also a great adventure activity even if it rains!
You can find out more about the mine tours here.
Need insect repellent? As well as using spray, we have midge repellent wristbands. They definitely help when travelling the UK and standing by still water on a summer evening!
16. Treetop trekking
Fancy walking amongst the tree tops? A high ropes obstacle course in the Lake District is one of the best adventure activities (although it’s not for those afraid of heights!)
You’ll have the chance to climb ladders, cross nets, tight ropes, bridges and monkey swings all whilst suspended in the air.
Like the sound of it? You can check out the best Lake District high rope courses here!
17. Zip wire
If you head to Go Ape in Grizedale, you can actually zip wire 3km through the Lake District’s sky-scaping Douglas firs.
Go Ape is also home to tree top trekking adventures and segways, so you can make a day of it and book onto a few activities.
Check out the different booking options on Go Ape here.
Skyscanner is without a doubt my go-to when booking flights. It’s the quickest, easiest to use and cheapest – ALWAYS!
Plus, if you’re struggling with where to fly to, you can enter ‘EVERYWHERE’ into the search bar. The cheapest flights to destinations all over the world will appear, and you can pick a flight with a budget suited to you!
Try it out for yourself on Skyscanner here!
18. Boating
If you’re looking for a bit more of a slower adventure in the Lake District, you can hire a motorboat.
Perfect for any age, you can hire a boat for an hour or two to sail across the lakes and soak in the views.
We hired a motorboat on Consiton Water, and it was one of our favourite activities!
You can book your motorboat hire here.
19. Segway rides
Fancy a go on a segway? Well, why not do it in the Lake District?!
It’s a unique and fun way to see different parts of the national park, and there are plenty of opportunities to try it in this part of the UK.
One of the most popular places to hire a segway in the Lake District is Go Ape, similar to the tree top trekking and zip wire. You can check out Go Ape here!
🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place! Check out my travel resources for EVERY type of trip, big or small! (It might even save you some ££!)
20. Horseriding
You can also choose to go horseriding in the Lake District or go on a horseriding tour.
Whether you want a lesson or just a short trip out to see different parts of the area, it’s an epic adventure activity to be done in the Lake District.
Check out the best horseriding tours here!
🗺️ My wild swimming must-have: If you’re wild swimming, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every lake trip!
21. Mountain biking
There are some incredible places in the Lake District to go mountain biking.
With different grade trails all over the national park, there’s a mountain biking experience waiting to be had by all!
Not sure if mountain biking is for you or not? You can find out more about mountain biking here.
Other activities in the Lake District
If you’ve finished all of your adventures in the Lake District and are looking for something a bit slower, here are some other amazing things to do in the Lake District.
- Have a pint at a traditional English pub
- Go wild swimming
- Visit Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s family home
- Try the world’s best gingerbread in Grasmere
- Complete an easy, circular walk
- Watch the sunset at Waterhead
- Take in the views at Latrigg
- Hike Orrest Head for some of the best views in the national park
- Enjoy Ambleside or Keswick’s atmosphere
- Explore the small Lake District villages
Looking for more information on what to do in the Lake District? These posts might help!
- Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide (2022)
- 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do
- Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes (2022)
- Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!
What is the biggest attraction in the Lake District?
If you’re visiting the Lake District for the first time, you’ll probably want to make sure you do the ‘best’ and ‘biggest’ things.
But, there is so much more to the Lake District than just attractions! Even if you decide on visiting the lakes with no plan in mind, and just want to soak in the scenery and surroundings, your visit will be a memorable one.
However, if you are seeking out the biggest attractions, they include:
- Scafell Pike: England’s highest peak
- Lake Windemere: England’s largest lake
- Helvellyn: One of the Lake District’s most famous hikes
- Dove Cottage: William Wordsworth’s family home
- Beatrix Potter World: A museum in Bowness-on-Windemere
- Castlerigg Stone Circle: An ancient stone formation near Keswick
- Catbells Lakeland Walk: A scenic hike
- …or just a hearty meal in a traditional Ambleside pub!
Where can I go in the Lake District for a day?
One day is not enough to do everything in the Lake District, but it’s definitely enough to get a feel for the area!
If you start early, you’ll have enough time to have a dip in a lake, complete a short hike, eat at a local pub and enjoy some of the famous Lake District scenery.
Or, you can experience one of the adventures in the Lake District on this list in just a day. You just won’t have enough time to do everything.
However, if you do have the time to stay longer, I would highly recommend booking some accommodation and staying for longer than one day.
Decided you want more than just one day in the Lake District? Yay! Check out my post: Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide.
Have a bit longer in the lakes? Check out my 3 Days in the Lake District itinerary!
What to pack for the Lake District
I’ve written an extensive packing list for the Lake District, however, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District (especially if you’re planning an adventure).
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
- A portable charger
- Lots of layers
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
- A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
When to visit the Lake District
You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year. It truly is an ‘any kind of weather‘ place to visit in the UK.
However, if you want the cheapest prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). This is when the Airbnbs and hotels are at their cheapest, and you still get some dry and sunny days!
During the winter months (November – February), the Lake District is known to get quite a bit of snow. If you’re visiting during the colder months, make sure you pack the necessary warm clothes (especially if you want to hike).
The summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive, and the busiest. I’ve visited the Lake District during this time, and although the weather has been amazing, you can expect to share you trip with a lot of other tourists!
Personally, my favourite time in the Lake District is September. You can find out why, here!
🛏️ For cheap and backpacker-friendly hostels, check out Hostel World
🏨 For hotels and a bit of luxury living, check out Booking.com
✈️ Still need to book your flights? I recommend this comparison site to find the best flight deals!
🚣For tours around the world, check out Get Your Guide
🧳 For a 65L backpack fit for any type of traveller, check out my favourite here.
🩱For ALL backpacking essentials on your list, check out my definitive backpacking checklist here.
Where to stay in the Lake District for adventure
Knowing where to stay in the Lake District can be overwhelming if you’re visiting for the first time, so I wrote an entire guide about the areas and neighbourhoods to choose from.
However, if you’re short on time, I recommend the following:
- For first-timers and adventurers: Ambleside
- For groups of friends: Keswick
- For couples: Grasmere or Coniston
- For families or groups of friends: Bowness-on-Windemere
Love adventure? Check out my post: Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)!
Adventure in the Lake District: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it!
21 incredible adventure activities to do in the Lake District.
As always, if you have a question about adventure in the Lake District (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.
Happy travelling!
Jennie 😀 x
Other posts you may like:
- Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide (2022)
- Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
- Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)
- Best Pubs in Keswick: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- Helm Crag walk from Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT!📍
Hey you! 🙋♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!
📷 Instagram: @jennie_wanders
🎥 Youtube Channel: Jennie Wanders
📍Pinterest: Jennie Wanders Travel Blog
Pssst! Want to know a secret on how to travel for free?!
Yes, you read that right. FREE!
There IS a secret we travel bloggers use to be able to travel for free (or at a very low price).
Drumroll please…
WORLDPACKERS.
Worldpackers is one of the best and cheapest ways to travel the world for a very small price (or even free!).
With volunteering opportunities all over the world, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and make a real difference in a country of your choice.
From farming to teaching, content creation and photography, there are volunteering jobs to suit just about anyone!
And the best thing? It’s CHEAP!
Most opportunities are work exchange programs (where you work for accommodation), OR you pay a small fee of under $10 a day to stay. Sign me up!
We’ve booked in for a Worldpackers experience in Colombia in 2022 (follow along here!), and have so many other volunteering plans up our sleeves.
From the Amazon Rainforest to the heart of the African savannah, Worldpackers is the BEST way to travel on a budget.
Like the sound of it?
***Use my code: JENNIEWANDERS for $10 off your membership! (click here to join) ***
Oooh, and don’t worry, it’s super cheap to join, and your fee lasts an entire year!
It’s perfect for budget backpackers and solo travellers, and I just wish I had found Worldpackers sooner!
