“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”
Alfred Wainwright
No matter what the great Alfred Wainwright says, there are just some days you don’t want to be out on the hills in the wet and cold. Indeed, if my marriage ever breaks down, I am absolutely confident it will have happened as I slog my way up a soggy hillside immediately after The Husband has cheerfully declared how much fun “we” are having. I hereby declare that can’t be held accountable for my actions in such circumstances.
As glorious as the Lakes are – and I will admit that they have a certain kind of beauty on a misty, wet day – sometimes you just want to stay warm and dry. Thankfully there is plenty to do on the inevitable rainy day during your Lake District adventures.
I hope this guide persuades you that the weather is not a reason to avoid a holiday in the Lake District. Afterall, as my very wise friend once said… “you can’t exactly have a Lake District if there is no rain to fill the lakes!”
Be sure to check out my other Lake District guides for more ideas to help create your perfect itinerary – there are ideas on what to do and where to sleep, where to hike and where to find all the best things to eat!
EXPLORE THE TOWNS
Although best known for its gorgeous landscapes, the Lake District is also home to some charming Cumbrian towns and villages. With 24 towns and villages within the National Park, there is plenty to keep you occupied whilst the weather is a bit grim.
The bustling market town of Keswick is particularly good for a rainy day, as there are a wealth of cafes, shops and indoor attractions to choose from. My favourite has to be the quirky Pencil Museum. Surprisingly popular given its rather niche content, it attracts over 80,000 visitors a year. Located on the former site of the Derwent Pencil factory, the museum includes the world’s biggest colouring pencil, a history of pencil production in the area, and plenty of colouring activities! It also has a really fantastic art supplies shop if you are looking to stock up for additional rainy day activities. (Adults £4.95)
Both the Museum and Art Gallery, which holds the original manuscripts of the poets associated with the Lake District (adults £4.95), and The Theatre by the Lake are also worth visiting.
Check out my (non-wet weather!) guide to the Lake District for more ideas on the prettiest and most historic towns to visit.
PAMPER YOURSELF
In addition to its famous lakes and fells, the Lake District also boasts a large number of spas. Even if it is not a rainy day, they provide a great excuse for a slow day to allow your muscles to recover after a few days out in the hills! Most spa hotels have deals for spa days, or overnight stays with dinner included, so it is always worth checking for offers before booking a treatment.
Lodore Falls – overlooking Derwentwater, the 4-star Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa sits in over 40 acres of grounds, complete with their own waterfall. The outdoor 16m hydro infinity pool has views out onto Derwentwater and Catbells beyond. The views from the floor to ceiling windows of the adjacent Finnish sauna are likewise pretty special. The Lake View Restaurant has also won a number of awards, and serves afternoon tea, lunch or dinner. The spa offers a number of packages, with a half day starting from £90, and a full day pamper session from £150.
Low Wood Bay – set in an 18thC coaching inn on Windermere, and the thermal indoor and outdoor pools all have views out over the fells and lake. It is a seriously beautifully designed space. Prices range from £75 for a thermal treatment and lunch, and up to £400 for a couple’s spa day.
The Gilpin Hotel – another really gorgeous, Swedish-inspired spa. The Scandi-style wooden buildings are designed to take you on a “spa trail”, winding through woodland dotted with private pools. And if that all sounds too much work, you can book into one of the five detached Spa Lodges, and have your own rainmaker shower, steam room, hydrotherapy hot tub and sauna. It has to be the ultimate romantic, spa hideaway! This is unsurprisingly fairly near the top of my UK bucket list… The Jetty Spa offers treatments starting at around £70, and advance booking is strongly recommended.
HISTORIC EXPLORATIONS
Wray Castle – located on the north-western shores of Windermere close to Ambleside (adults £11). Built in 1840, it was planned as a retirement home for James Dawson, a surgeon from Liverpool. He used his wife’s inheritance to create the elaborate structure, but apparently she found it so ugly she refused to live in it!
Brantwood – former home the leading Victorian writer, poet, artist, and social thinker, John Rushkin, in a gorgeous location above Coniston Water. The 250 acre woodland estate, has 8 separate gardens (adults £8.70).
Rheged Centre – a seriously fantastic exhibition space near Penrith, just off the M6. The centre is Britain’s largest grass covered building with the roof of the complex completely turfed. It is also home to one of the largest 3D cinema screens in the UK. There are two cafés and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition.
Armitt Museum – established in 1909, this Ambleside museum is devoted to the lives of notable figures connected to the area, as well as providing detailed information about the history of the Lake District (adults £5).
Lowther Castle – spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces (adults £11). The castle and gardens were left abandoned after the Second World War, but work is currently underway to fully restore the gardens to their former glory.
FIND LITERARY INSPIRATION
The landscapes of the Lake District have inspired many writers, and has particular connections to the famous English poet William Wordsworth and the beloved author of my childhood, Beatrix Potter (find out more about her in my Lakes guide). A rainy day is the perfect time to find out more about these authors and their inspirations.
Beatrix Potter – Walk in the footsteps of Jemima Puddle-Duck and Tom Kitten at Hill Top, the seventeenth century cottage that was home to Beatrix Potter is well worth a visit (adult tickets £12.60). She bought the farm in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and used the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.
In addition to offering the world’s best cake, the Lingholm Estate was also a key inspiration for Potter. She spent many summer holidays on the estate, and the kitchen garden inspired that of the grumpy farmer, Mr McGregor.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead stages a different exhibition every year, in a 17th-century building, formerly home to the law offices of Potter’s husband. You can see Potter’s original illustrations and there are spaces to create your own masterpiece (adults £8).
The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere offers an even more interactive experience, and is a delight for children and adults alike (under 3s are free, adults £8.20, children £4.20 and family £23)!
William Wordsworth – visit the poet’s birth place at Rydal Mount and Gardens. The 16th-century house is home to a unique collection of family portraits and memorabilia (adults £12.50). You can also visit his adult home, Dove Cottage, where he wrote many of his most famous poems (adult tickets £12).
The small town of Cockermouth hosts the Wordsworth House and Garden (adults £8.80). This was home to the Wordsworth family from 1770 to 1779, and the National Trust property reveals the influence the rugged landscape had on his childhood.
If you want to find out more about Wordsworth, the National Trust has created a fascinating podcast, offering you the chance to delve deeper into the life of the poet and the influence of the house on literature in Britain and the world.
TAKE A BOAT TRIP OR GO FOR A DRIVE
A bit of wet weather doesn’t mean you can’t still see the beautiful Lakes landscapes – albeit they might be a bit mistier! A boat trip or a drive on some of Cumbria’s most scenic routes allows for exploration whilst staying dry!
Both the Windermere Lake Cruises and Ullswater Steamers go out in almost all weathers. A trip on the Ullswater steamer (adults £14.80 when booked online) is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Windermere Lake Cruises gives views of the mountains around Windermere, from inside the warmth of a cabin. There are multiple routes across the Lake.
The views from the top of the Kirkstone Pass (and the aptly named Struggle Road) are as close as you can get to the wild Lake District countryside without hiking out into the fells! This wonderful road snakes up out of Ambleside towards Patterdale, and there are a few lay-bys to pull into to admire the views. The cosy Kirkstone Pass Inn is also a great place to stop for a drink by a roaring fire!
Honister Pass is one of the most well-known and spectacular mountain passes in the Lake District. It is narrow, pretty steep in some sections (25% gradient) and is one of Cumbria’s highest mountain passes. It is also home to the Honister Slate Mine. This is the last working slate mine in England and guided tours of the mine are offered. There is also a Via Ferrata for the more adventurous (3 hour classic route is £45 per adult). The small cafe on site offers good food.
EAT AND DRINK!
Check out my detailed Foodie’s Guide for lots of ideas on where to eat and drink in the Lake District, but for a wet day here are a few of the cosiest choices.
Have a tipple at The Lakes Distillery – producing whisky, gin, and vodka near to Keswick, The Lakes Distillery offers tastings, a bistro lunch and a field of alpacas. It was founded in 2011 by the same person behind the Isle of Arran Distillery. They are a green distillery – their distilling process produces zero waste. (Tours are £12.50 and include tastings. It also includes £5 off in the shop should you want to continue the tastings back in the warmth of your cottage…).
You can also meet the furry occupants of the Distillery – Alpacaly Ever After run short experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with the resident alpacas, the proceeds of which go towards rehoming and rescuing alpacas and llamas.
If this has whetted your appetite, there are an impressive 36 breweries across the Lake District and this number keeps growing… so on a rainy day in the Lake District there are plenty of choices to sample! Other top recommendations include the Hawkshead Brewery (tours cost £10, including a drink, and run daily at 1pm to allow you to enjoy lunch in The Beer Hall before or after your visit) and Hesket Newmarket Brewery (a unique cooperative of 60 local ale lovers. Tours can be booked in advance for weekday evenings and include a meal at the adjoining Old Crown Inn).
Hole up in a cosy pub – there are heaps of fantastic pubs in the Lake District, many offering a great lunch spot to break up your day’s walk or somewhere for a well-earned drink at the end of the day.
- Traveller’s Rest – we stopped at this 16thC coaching inn on a whim one wet and cold evening and were completely blown away by the fantastic food. We had the menu from the specials board and it was one of the best pub meals I have ever eaten. Try and sit in the booths by the open fire for a cosy pub atmosphere, rather than in the main restaurant room.
- The Mortal Man – the location is hard to beat with amazing views over the valley to Windermere. The food is hearty rather than fancy, with generously portioned British classics – the chicken pie is just the thing on a cold day.
- Kirkstile Inn – cosy pub in the north west Lakes, perfect location for lunch after a walk up Haystacks. In winter there are roaring fires and in summer, a garden onto the river. Classic pub food done really well, with a locally sourced menu – the cheesy chips are delish. It is also home to the award winning Loweswater Gold – the best ale in the Lakes according to The Husband.
- The Pack Horse – an open fire, low wooden beams, draught ales and good menu make for an inviting atmosphere on a rainy day. It is in the centre of Keswick so a good lunch spot after a morning exploring the shops.
Indulge in a traditional tea room or café – after the lakes, perhaps the most famous thing in the Lake District are the cafes and tea shops! If you wanted to – and who wouldn’t – you could easily spend your entire holiday going from one delicious slice of cake to another. On a wet day there are few particularly appealing options.
- Cartmel Village Shop – you absolutely must not leave the Lake District without trying the original, and best, sticky toffee pudding.
- Mathilde’s Café – great Scandinavian Grasmere café attached to a lovely art gallery making it a perfect place to while away a wet afternoon. The Husband thought he had died and gone to heaven after sampling the bacon and maple bun.
- The Tea Room at Blackwell Arts – this little gem has great friendly service and good food. The salads are great. Grade I listed arts and crafts style design makes the building an interesting visit in its own right.
- The Wild Boar – a pub not a café, but serves the most inventive – and delicious – afternoon tea I have had. Mini Fish and Chips, pork scratchings and pigs in blankets replace the more common slithers of sandwiches – although the traditional scone keeps its place!
SHOP
Outdoor supplies – there are many excellent outdoors shops across the Lakes, often with fantastic discounts. All of the usual suspects can be found, but there are also a few local suppliers and shops to explore. My top two picks are:
- George Fisher – probably the most famous outdoor shop in the Lake District since it was founded in 1967. Three floors of boots, tents and kits – this is the place to go to get your boots fitted. They have a huge dog section if your furry friend is also in need of some new kit. The café on the top floor is excellent, with lovely views out across the fells.
- Mountain Hi – a smaller, locally owned shop with fantastic local knowledge and advice.
Art galleries – there are a number of art galleries across the Lake District that are perfect for a rainy day, but Ambleside in particular has a great selection. Top picks include Old Courthouse Gallery and Hobbs Gallery.
Take the Lakes home with you – in addition to the great outdoors shops, the Lake District is also home to some lovely independent shops.
- The Rattle Ghyll Deli and Café – cheeses, quiches and all manner of tasty baked treats at this vegetarian, plastic-free deli. The perfect place to stock up on delicious treats to munch in front of the fire in your cottage! They also have a wide range of local alcohols.
- Herdy – all things sheep-inspired! Really fun, and impossible to leave without a purchase.
- Ye Olde Friars – family owned since 1927, this gorgeous chocolatier has shops in both Keswick and Ambleside.
- The Bath House – luxury brand from the Lake District that now has multiple locations across the North. 100% natural and organic products, many of which are made in a converted grainstore in Sedburgh. The Ambleside shop is beautiful.
SHORT WALKS
And finally, if your travelling companion is like my husband, and still begs to head out into the hills on the wettest of days, there are lots of options across the Lakes for a more sheltered walk.
Grizedale Forest – there are multiple walking trails through the 8,000 acres of Grizedale Forest, including a Sculpture Trail dotted with works of art made by artists “in response to the landscape”. Some are permanent installations, but others have been created from natural materials and will gradually be reclaimed by the forest.
Aria Force – an extra bit of rain only makes the waterfalls that drop 65 feet into Aria Beck more impressive. It is only a ten minute walk from the carpark to the falls, but you can easily add on extra distance by exploring the forest trails further. There is also a National Trust Tearoom and visitor centre on site.
Rydal Water – a short 3.1m loop around Rydal Water from Grasmere. It is unusual to find a flat walk with such pretty views in the Lakes, but this one really delivers. The large Rydal Cave is also accessible from this route. Most of the walk is accessible for pushchairs and more rugged wheelchairs – and the bit that isn’t can be easily avoided.
Blea Tarn – a small, but very picturesque, body of water at the head of the Little Langdale valley, near to the mountain pass into Great Langdale. There is an easy 1.8 mile trail which offers brilliant views of Lingmoor and Pike of Blisco, and the surrounding Langdale fells. Much of the first part is under tree cover, and the second half is relatively protected from the wind. Just be aware that the road to Blea Tarn is very narrow, steep in places and single track for the most part.
Castlerigg Stone Circle – whilst not as famous as Stonehenge, for me, the lack of crowds and wild setting make the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle more dramatic and atmospheric. And on a wet day it only means extra atmosphere! Visiting is free but you need to pay to park, or can walk there from Keswick in about half an hour along an old railway path.
Whinlatter Forest – England’s only true mountain forest, not far from Keswick. There are multiple trails of varying lengths, all with the benefit of tree cover on a rainy day.
Be sure to check out my other Lake District guides for more ideas to help create your perfect itinerary – there are ideas on what to do and where to sleep, where to hike and where to find all the best things to eat!
Leave a Reply