29 March 2023 Local area
From climbing the highest peaks and viewing picture perfect landscapes to delving into the biggest natural lakes in the UK - there are some things that money can't buy. You'll be spoilt for choice by a breadth of free things to do in the Lake District.
Although everything seems to be getting more expensive, one thing you can rely on staying the same is the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District. Cumbria’s crown jewel is regarded by many as being one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK. Best of all – witnessing its beauty is completely free.
It doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg to make memories with your loved ones. Whether you are visiting the area as a family with young children or as a couple looking for a quiet getaway, you’ll never be short of free things to do in the Lake District.
When you think of free things to do in the Lake District, walking will likely be the first thing that comes to mind.
There is a seemingly endless network of walking trails in the Lake District – so no matter how many times you visit, you’ll always discover a new route to explore. The Lake District is regarded by many as being among the best places to go for a walking holiday in the UK.
Experienced hikers looking for a challenge will get just that. The iconic climbs of Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Coniston Old Man are among the many rewarding hikes in the area.
However, you don’t need to scale massive mountains to appreciate the beauty of The Lakes. There are many gentle walks that are perfect for a leisurely stroll, such as Orrest head from Windermere and Tarn Hows.
Visitors with reduced mobility or pushchairs, can try out 48 ‘Miles Without Stiles‘ routes, which are much more accessible and make fantastic walks with young children in the Lake District.
Pictured: Scafell Pike, Britain’s highest mountain
With many rare species to spot, more people are booking a wildlife watching holiday in the Lake District than ever. Although brilliant guided wildlife tours are available, nothing beats packing a lunch, getting kitted up and heading out for a full day of searching for beautiful animals and insects.
The elusive Red Squirrel is the most iconic species that can be found in the the area. The Lake District National Park boasts the largest population of the UK’s 160,000 Red Squirrels, however don’t assume that spotting one will be easy! You’ll have the best chance of spotting one at Dodd Wood, Whinlatter Forest and Ennerdale Woodlands.
There are also a variety of mammals to spot across all types of terrain in the Lake District, including otters at various lakes including Bassenthwaite, red and roe deer at Haweswater Reservoir, and badgers, rabbits and foxes.
Look to the skies and you might come across a Peregrine Falcon soaring over Borrowdale Valley, an Osprey nesting at Bassenthwaite, or Kestrels, Buzzards and Kingfishers searching for food, to name but a few.
Pictured: an Osprey in the Lake District
Boasting some of the most iconic lakes in the UK, it is no surprise that the Lake District is a very popular destination for those looking to book a wild swimming holiday in the UK. Many people choose to base themselves at Park Cliffe Holiday Park in Windermere – right in the heart of The Lakes.
If you are looking to delve into the cold, crystal clear waters in the Lake District, you’ll be happy to know that a number of lakes are perfect for swimming in.
Rydal Water is a small lake that offers mighty views. Featured in Wordworth’s poems, the area has become popular among fans of his work and poets in search of inspiration.
Windermere, the National Park’s largest lake, makes a fantastic swim. In fact, it’s the lake is where the Great North Swim takes place. At over 10 miles long, Windermere is ideal for experienced swimmers looking for a workout. Do bear in mind that the lake can get very busy in peak times – so we recommend visiting for an early morning or a sunset swim.
Buttermere is another small but beautiful lake. Although it is only 2km long, it is 23m deep – so this lake is best suited to strong and confident swimmers.
Other lakes like Grasmere, Tongue Pot and Coniston Water are popular among visitors to the Lake District.
Pictured: The famous view of Rydal Water
Whether you are visiting with toddlers or teenagers, your children will never be bored on a family holiday in the Lake District.
There are some fantastic play parks in the area geared towards children of all ages. We love the Adventure Playground at Brockhole, Windermere – which is situated just 15 minutes from Park Cliffe Holiday Park.
Slightly further afield, the Outdoor Play Trial at Wray Castle near Ambleside is a brilliant playground with a miniature castle, rope swings, tunnels and an opportunity to make dens.
We also recommend Fell Foot Park in Newby Bridge (just 10-minutes from Park Cliffe) and The Lost Castle at Lowther Castle in Penrith.
We also have fantastic children’s play facilities at our Windermere holiday park – so even when you’re taking a break from exploring the local area, you can rest assured that your little ones will be kept entertained on-site.
Whinlatter and Grizedale Forests are perfect to explore with children of all ages. Younger children will love running around and finding the playgrounds nestled in the heart of the forests. Older children can take on the North Face Mountain Biking Trail, as well as a wide range of graded routes that are sure to provide much exhilaration and excitement.
Pictured: Children playing at Park Cliffe
Cook House Gallery showcases arts and crafts from local and national artists. Specialising in original paintings, Cook House is situated just a 15-minute drive away in Windermere. Entry is free, so why not visit and admire the fantastic collection of Lake District prints, paintings and crafts.
Old Courthouse Gallery is a 24-minute drive from Park Cliffe. The artwork boasts a range of crafts – featuring various ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal core sculptures, textiles, wall art and woodwork. Again, this is a free thing to do in the Lake District. You’ll have a great time walking around the gallery at a leisurely pace – marvelling upon the handiwork of the talented artists featured here.
The Dock Museum is great fun for all the family. The Barrow-in-Furness museum is a 35-minute drive from us, however we think the journey is worth it because there’s enough going on to spend a full day here! Explore the interesting galleries and exhibitions, take part in quizzes with prizes to be won, walk around Walney Channel and let the kids burn off some steam in the playground. Of course you can choose to spend money buying food here and in the gift shop, but entry is free. We think it’s one of the best free activities with children in Cumbria, and definitely worthy of our list of the top free things to do in the Lake District.
Park Cliffe in Windermere is perfectly situated to enjoy a range of free things to do in the Lake District. With fantastic children’s play facilities and a range of accommodation options including Camping, Touring and Camping Pods, you can be sure you’re getting the most for your money at Park Cliffe. We have built an enviable reputation for offering first class facilities and holiday accommodation.
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