What to do in the Lake District in the rain

British summers just wouldn’t feel right without the odd day of downpours, would they? But sometimes it’s hard to know how to fill those rainy days when you are on holiday, and perhaps especially if you are camping.

But do not fear! Our suggestions that will keep you occupied, so read on and find out what we'd do in the Lake District when it’s raining!

Family fun indoors

Families with younger children will be familiar with the tales and tails created by Beatrix Potter, and did you know she lived and wrote her stories in the Lake District? The area celebrates this with a number of Beatrix Potter related attractions, firstly at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.

This fantastic day out includes films, 3D exhibits based on Beatrix’s characters, a visit to Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s garden and the Peter Rabbit Garden, plus a shop and tea room. There is even an exhibit where you can take a virtual walk of the Cumbrian countryside. Tickets cost £6.95 per adult and £3.65 per child and it’s open from 10am daily.

Next on the Beatrix Potter list take the 30-minute drive to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s house. The house remains exactly the the way it was when she lived there, including a lovingly-maintained cottage garden. Hill Top is open daily, though the house itself is closed on Fridays. Tickets cost £9 per adult and £4.50 per child.

Exploring history

Muncaster Castle is one of the best days out in the Lake District and is perfect for a rainy day.

Aside from wandering the fabulous building, there is a lot to keep both children and adults entertained here all day, including the much-loved Owl Centre where you can see over 200 birds of prey.

Smaller kids will have fun running around the indoor maze, and grown-ups will enjoy warming cups of tea in the café. All the attractions are open daily, though the castle itself is closed most Saturdays. Tickets cost £13 for adults, £7.50 for children, with under 5’s going free.

For some fun that will take you deep underground, head to Borrowdale to discover the Honister Slate Mine. So good we dedicate a whole article to it!

You can take a tour of this fascinating functioning mine for as little as £12.50 (£7.50 for children), where you’ll see the original mines and take a walk through amazing underground caverns. The tours take approximately one and a half hours, so they’re perfect for filling a showery afternoon.

The site is open 9am – 5pm daily, and equipment is provided for you - just remember to wear warm clothes and sensible shoes.

Braving the outdoors

Don’t think I’m mad, there really are things to see and do outside that are improved by the rain, honest!

Aira Force is one of the Lake District’s best waterfalls - and during the rain, or soon after rainfall, is when waterfalls are at their most impressive. After walking through tranquil woodland, which should keep you pretty sheltered, you’ll reach the amazing 65ft falls.

If you are feeling like braving it, afterwards you can head round to the nearby lake at Ullswater where you’ll find many activities such as canoeing and sailing.

Sightseeing by steam train

If you fancy staying in the warm and dry, but still want to see as much of the beautiful Lake District landscape as possible, then take a ride on a steam train. Head to Haverthwaite Station and hop aboard the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway. You can sample the menu at the Station Restaurant, or pop in the gift shop while you wait for your train, which will take you through landscapes which are stunning no matter what the weather.

Try something different

The Puzzling Place in Keswick is a fun and interesting museum that has become very popular in recent years.

Here you’ll find unique puzzles and curiosities to explore and try your hand at. The Puzzle area and gift shop are free to enter, so you can check these out before deciding if you want to pay to enter the ‘World of Illusion’ - a fun exhibit which explores the idea of optical illusions.

Your mind will be tricked into believing weird and wonderful things you know to be impossible, and don’t miss the ‘anti-gravity room’! The Puzzling Place is open 10am – 5.30pm, 7 days a week, and tickets to the World of Illusion cost £3.75 for adults, £2.90 for children and concessions.

You can also treat the family to a movie, on a cinema screen the size of 6 double decker buses. The Rheged Centre show popular family films at reasonable prices in their impressive screening room. And if you don’t fancy a film, the centre also runs lots of art and craft workshops for all ages and have both indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids to enjoy.
 

You certainly won't be short of options for filling those drizzly days in the Lake District. Rain in the British summer time might be inevitable, but boredom can be avoided!

Explore our listings of campsites in Keswick, Windermere and Kendal for some great places to stay. You will also find a range of glamping options, including camping and glamping pods.