Things to do in the lake district when it rains

There are so many great things to do with kids in the Lake District but sometimes the weather isn’t on our side. If it didn’t rain a lot in the Lake District, then we wouldn’t have the lakes in the first place! Nevertheless, I have put together this post filled with things to do in the Lake District when it rains. This is part of my guide to family days out in North West England.

If the rain is bearable, the best thing to do is put on your waterproofs and head out for a walk anyway. Below are some ideas for places to visit in the rain. I’ve included some outdoor places that are worth visiting in the rain if it’s not too bad. I’ve also rounded up the best indoor attractions to head to if the weather is really bad.

One of my favourite walks to do in the rain is Keswick to Threlkeld railway trail. The tunnels break up the rain a little and it’s often better weather on low ground in the rain.

Visit Keswick, Ambleside or Windermere for a bit of retail therapy

Perhaps you’ll choose to visit one of the beautiful towns so you can dip in and out of the shops. Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere are all perfect for this. They mostly have independent shops but a few of the big names especially in the world of outdoor clothing, are also found in these towns. You’ll find loads of gifts, outdoor clothing, walking boots and much more.

Find a guide specifically to Things to do in Keswick in the rain here.

Find the best things to do with kids in Ambleside here.

Visit a waterfall

There’s no better time to see a waterfall than when it’s raining. Our favourite that we have discovered so far in the Lake District is Aira Force. Aira force is one of many fantastic Child-friendly walks in the Lake District. We love the red squirrel trail for kids (purchase a trail from the National Trust shop) and the waterfall is worth the uphill climb.

Aira Force is managed by the National Trust, find out everything you need to know about visiting Aira Force here. There is a car park at the bottom of the climb to the waterfall or you could even combine a visit with a cruise on the Ullswater Steamers (see further down this post for more details).

Another waterfall we like is Stock Ghyll Force which is a short walk from the centre of Ambleside (so you could combine your visit with a walk around Ambleside which is one of my favourite Lake District towns). Again this isn’t pushchair friendly but is a walk that most children can achieve.

Allan Bank

Allan Bank is one of my favourite National Trust properties for kids. It’s a beautiful house and gardens for families as it’s definitely not your typical National Trust property. The house is only partially decorated but what we love is how child friendly it is. There’s a well-stocked art room with the most stunning view, a playroom, various craft and games rooms and a room where you can make yourself a hot drink or eat your picnic.

Updated July 2023 – the playroom no longer seems to be open but there is the art room, garden and regular family activities to enjoy..

You can find out what is open here – Allan Bank

They often have special events during school holidays for kids too and we love the little mud kitchen area of the garden in nice weather. There is no parking on site but there are several car parks around Grasmere (get there early they do fill up fast). Grasmere is a gorgeous little village to explore, filled with lovely places to eat and shops to browse. You must visit the tiny Grasmere gingerbread shop too.

We love walking around this village and it is one of our favourite pram-friendly walks in the Lake District.

Brockhole on Windermere

Brockhole on Windermere is a great family day out. For children over 5 there is an indoor play caving activity that is perfect for wet days.

The walk is lovely and flat too. The playground is amazing if the rain is bearable. There is also a treetop trek and the amazingly fun Treetop nets Windermere.

Lakes aquarium

Lakes Aquarium is a great place to go on a wet day. Here you can see sea creatures native to the Lake District as well as some from places further afield. The best bit has to be the water tunnel where you can see creatures that you find in lake Windermere floating above your head. Find out more here.

Keswick museums

There are a number of small museums in Keswick that are great for rainy days.

Derwent Pencil Museum is home to the first pencil! Enter the museum through a replica graphite mine and discover the story of graphite and pencils right through to modern times.

Puzzling place is a world of illusions with an anti-gravity room, hologram room and much more.

Keswick Museum and art gallery have a whole range of items on display that reflect Keswick’s life. This gallery is located on the edge of Fitz park which has a great play area for kids.

Kong Adventure

Kong adventure is filled with climbing fun including a 70m long indoor cave, an indoor climbing wall and a kid’s hard play area (suitable from 3 years).

The world of Beatrix Potter

If you love Beatrix Potter then you need to include a visit to The world of Beatrix Potter next time you are near Bowness-on-Windermere. It’s an indoor attraction suitable for all the family so perfect for a rainy day in the Lakes. Here the stories of Peter Rabbit are brought to life in this wonderful family attraction. Visit Mr McGregors garden, walk through Jemima’s woodland glade and take a virtual walk through the Lake District as it was when Beatrix Potter was living there.

Visit Rheged Centre

We love Rheged which is at the top of the Lake District near to Penrith. There is so much to do on a rainy day. There is a cinema, a soft play area, a cafe, a small gallery and some lovely shops too. Find out more here.

Watch a film at Zeffirellis cinema, Ambleside

Zeffirellis is a small independent cinema in Ambleside that often shows family films during the day, especially in the school holidays. Find out what’s on here.

Take a boat cruise

As long as it’s not too windy, then a boat cruise on one of the lakes is a great way to spend a wet day. There are several different lakes with cruises available.

We love Windermere lake cruises for visiting Wray castle and Brockholes. On days where the forecast is better for part of the day you could take a Windermere cruise, getting off at Wray castle and enjoying some time out of the rain playing in the castle before catching the boat to Brockhole and enjoying the outdoor activities here.

We also love Ulswater steamers which are a great way of getting to Aira force as well as exploring Ulswater.

We haven’t tried this one yet, but you can cruise around Derwent water on a boat from Keswick launch company.

The final lake that you can take cruises on is Coniston. In fact, there are two different options for boat cruises on Coniston. There is Coniston launch and also National trust runs a steam yacht gondola.

Lakeland Motor museum

This is another museum in the South Lakes that is good for a rainy day if you have a classic car enthusiast with you. There are 140 classic cars and motorbikes to look around. Find out more here.

Take a rain ride

I have to confess we haven’t tried any of the steam train rides in the Lake District yet but they are perfect for bad weather days. There are two options –

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the longest and oldest narrow-gauge railways in England. The 7-mile line allows a journey time of 40 minutes. Possibly not the best option if the weather is really bad as many of the cartridges are open to the elements. There is a free railway museum.

The lakeside & Haverthwaite railway is better if the weather is horrid. The line runs from Hatherwaite to Lakeside pier at the bottom of Lake Windermere. You can even get combined tickets with many of the attractions above like the Lakeland motor museum, Brockholes and Lakes aquarium to name just a few.

Visit Honister Slate Mine

This is a fantastic attraction, particularly if you have older children. There are many adrenaline-fuelled adventures you can have outdoors but do check they are still running if it is heavy rain. There are also slate mine tours that you can book. These are great wet weather activities for the whole family. Find out more and book here.

Visit Heyes garden

This is a large garden centre on the edge of Ambleside. It’s worth noting that they no longer have all the fish which my kids used to love but from autumn until Christmas they still have an amazing Christmas display that is well worth a visit on a wet day.

Go climbing at Ambleside climbing wall

If you’re kids like bouldering or rock climbing then head to Ambleside climbing wall where you can do both. Book your session here – Ambleside Adventure

Visit Mirehouse Keswick

Near Keswick, there is Mirehouse which is a historic house that if it is open is welcoming to kids with some activities. If the weather isn’t too bad you can enjoy the play areas, gardens and walks too. Find out more here Mirehouse Keswick.

Outside-in, Kendal

This is a fantastic play centre in the Lake District with a castle soft play area (based on Kendal castle), a high street role play area (based on Kendal landmarks) and a dedicated toddler area.

Find out more here – Outside In

Rockshop Ambleside

This is a really unique shop in Ambleside with 3 short experiences for kids, a gem pit, bracelet making and a dinosaur den.

Find out more here – Rockshop Ambleside.

You might also be interested in

• Find 11 Pram friendly walks Lake District here.
• Another gorgeous walk in the Lake District is Tarn Hows.
• Or if you want a little more of a challenge try Gummer’s How walk.
• Find more Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District here.
• Find loads of ideas for Things to do in Lake District with toddlers in all weathers here.
• Fantastic Family walks near Bassenthwaite for you to enjoy.

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