11 Things To Do In Lake District When Raining For Families
We have listed the top things to do in the Lake District when it rains to keep the kids occupied and your sanity intact for days out packed with fun! So read our family favourite list of the best places to let off steam when the outdoor play areas are too wet to venture to. There are plenty of things to do, no matter if it rains a little or a lot.
Are dark clouds and heavy rain looming in the weather forecast for your family’s day out or stay in the Lake District? Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits! There are plenty of indoor attractions and activities that promise a fun-filled and memorable experience for kids, regardless of the bad weather. Here is a list of the best things to explore when the rain starts to fall.
As always, please check with the venues before setting off, as things can change from prices to events or pre-booking required, and we would hate for you to have any issues on arrival.
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The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, UK, LA23 3BX
Ticket Prices:
Child 0 – 2 = Free
Child 3 – 16 = £6.00
Adult = £10.50
Senior 60 plus = £9.50
Family 2 adults 2 children = £30.00
Website: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in the Lake District was like stepping into the pages of a storybook. It’s a fantastic attraction. Situated in the cute town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this enchanting attraction celebrates the life and works of one of the most beloved children’s authors.
From the moment you enter The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, you’re transported into the magical world of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and all their friends, my kids just loved it. The attraction faithfully recreates the enchanting settings of Beatrix Potter’s stories, including Mr McGregor’s garden or, more rightly, the Peter Rabbit Garden! To Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen and the cosy interior of Peter Rabbit’s burrow. You are sure to have a great time.
Children can explore the exhibits at their own pace, interacting with displays and learning about the characters and stories. From touch-screen activities to hands-on exhibits, there’s plenty to engage young minds and spark their imagination.
One of our highlights in The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is meeting some of Beatrix Potter’s most beloved characters in person. From Peter Rabbit himself to Benjamin Bunny and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, children can pose for photos and create memories with their favourite literary friends.
Of course, a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction would only be complete with a stop at the gift shop, where you’ll find a delightful array of Peter Rabbit-themed souvenirs, books, and gifts to take home. After exploring the attraction, families can relax and enjoy a meal or snack at the onsite café, which offers delicious treats inspired by Beatrix Potter’s stories. Our top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining.
The Puzzling Place
Address: The Puzzling Place, 78-80 Lake Road, Keswick, CA12 5DQ
Website: The Puzzling Place
Cost:
- Adult (Age 17+)£4.50
- Child (Age5-16)£4.00
- Senior (65+)£4.25
- Family (2A+2C or 1A+3C)£15.00
Prepare to be puzzled and amazed at The Puzzling Place in Keswick! This quirky indoor attraction is filled with mind-bending optical illusions, perplexing puzzles, and interactive exhibits that will challenge and entertain visitors of all ages. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day unravelling mysteries and exploring the fascinating world of perception in this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining..
The Rheged Centre
Address: The Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ
Cost: Varies on activity
Website: The Rheged Centre
Discover a world of creativity and culture at The Rheged Centre near Penrith. With a diverse range of family-friendly activities, including workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let your imagination run wild as you explore this vibrant arts and entertainment hub perfect for our top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining..
The Lakes Aquarium
Address: The Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, LA12 8AS
Cost:
| Adult | 9.95 | 7.95 |
| Children under 3 years | FREE | FREE |
| Children (Age 3 To 15) | 6.95 | 5.95 |
| Senior (60+ yrs)/ Student | 8.95 | 6.95 |
Website: The Lakes Aquarium
Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere in the picturesque town of Lakeside, this captivating attraction offers a journey beneath the surface of the water, allowing you to explore the fascinating world of aquatic life. The Lakes Aquarium boasts a diverse range of exhibits showcasing a variety of freshwater and marine species found in lakes, rivers, and oceans worldwide. From colourful tropical fish to graceful sea turtles and mysterious jellyfish, there’s abundant marine life to discover and learn about.
Children can engage their senses and learn through hands-on experiences at The Lakes Aquarium. Interactive displays provide fascinating insights into aquatic creatures’ habitats, behaviours, and adaptations, making learning fun and engaging for young minds.
One of the highlights of The Lakes Aquarium is its underwater tunnels. Visitors can walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by water, offering 360-degree views of marine life swimming all around. It’s a mesmerizing experience that gives visitors the sensation of being immersed in an underwater world.
In addition to its indoor exhibits, The Lakes Aquarium also features an outdoor wildlife area where visitors can observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. From birds and otters to amphibians and insects, there’s plenty to see and explore outdoors, offering a well-rounded experience for families for this listing for things to do in Lake District when raining. .
We took the boat to visit the aquarium, and it was a great afternoon. Kimi was still tiny, so we had the pushchair. Always take your little one out of the buggy for boarding or debarking. Theng The boat staff are always happy to help.
Keswick Climbing Wall
Address: Goosewell Farm, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN
Cost: Various prices dependent on experience
Website: Keswick Climbing Wall
Keswick Climbing Wall is a fantastic option for children on a rainy day in the Lake District. When the weather isn’t cooperating for outdoor activities, Keswick Climbing Wall provides the perfect indoor adventure for children. They can still experience the excitement of climbing in a safe and controlled environment, regardless of the rain outside. They offer routes specifically designed for kids, with colourful holds and manageable challenges that make climbing enjoyable and achievable for young adventurers in this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining. .
Honister Slate Mine
Address: Honister Pass Borrowdale Keswick Cumbria CA12 5XN
Cost: Mine Tours Adults £17.50, Children £9.50, Family (2A + 2C) £49.00
Website: Honister Slate Mine
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Honister Slate Mine offers guided underground tours that take visitors deep into the mountain. On a wet day, visitors can explore the fascinating world of slate mining. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide insight into the challenges faced by miners and the importance of slate to the local economy.
My kids were excited by the dark, mysterious tunnels and the stories of the miners who once worked there. They loved looking at the towering caverns and learned about extracting and shaping slate. It was an adventure and a great way to spark their curiosity about the world around them.
In addition to the underground mine tours, Honister Slate Mine also offers interactive exhibits and activities that further enhance the experience for families. From hands-on demonstrations to educational displays, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy in this listing for things to do in Lake District when raining. .
Kong Adventure
Address: Kong Adventure Lake Road Keswick Cumbria CA12 5EZ
Cost: Krazy Kong Wall Child (5 – 17 years) £20
Website: Kong Adventure
Discovering Kong Adventure in Keswick was a game-changer and a great place for young and older children when the wet weather hits. Tucked away in this picturesque corner of the Lake District, Kong Adventure offers a world of excitement under one roof and promises you tired children by the end of it with lots of things to choose from!
Kong Adventure boasts an impressive indoor climbing facility suitable for climbers of all ages and abilities. From colourful vertical climbs explicitly designed for kids to challenging routes for more experienced climbers, there’s something for everyone. My kids love scaling the walls, testing their strength and agility while having a blast.
Bouldering walls: If roped climbing isn’t your thing, fear not! Kong Adventure also features a bouldering area where climbers can tackle shorter but no less thrilling routes without the need for harnesses or ropes. It’s a fantastic way for kids to build confidence and hone their climbing skills in a safe environment.
Clip ‘n Climb: For an extra dose of fun, Kong Adventure offers Clip ‘n Climb sessions—an innovative climbing concept featuring a variety of themed climbing challenges. From scaling giant beanstalks to conquering towering skyscrapers, kids can embark on exhilarating climbing adventures unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
: But Kong Adventure isn’t just about climbing. The centre also boasts an adventure play area where kids can let off steam and burn energy in between climbs. With slides, tunnels, and obstacles to navigate, it’s the perfect place for younger children to explore and have fun.
Adventure Play Area: But Kong Adventure isn’t just about climbing. The centre also boasts an adventure play area where kids can let off steam and burn energy in between climbs. With slides, tunnels, and obstacles to navigate, it’s the perfect place for younger children to explore and have fun.
There is also an onsite cafe where you can grab coffee and breathe while the kids run off for their adventures. Rainy days in the Lake District can be challenging, but thanks to Kong Adventure, they’re also an opportunity for adventure and excitement. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled indoor activity that the whole family will love, look no further than Kong Adventure in Keswick for a top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining.
Fuzzy Ed’s at selected Brewers Fayre pubs.
Derwent pencil museum
Address: Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NG
Cost:
Adult: £6.50
Child: £5.00
Senior/Concession: £5.70
Website: Derwent Pencil Museum
As you step through the doors of the Derwent Pencil Museum, you’ll be greeted by a colourful array of exhibits that showcase the evolution of pencils through the ages. From ancient graphite deposits to modern-day innovations, the museum offers insight into the art and science behind these essential tools of creativity.
One of the museum’s highlights is the “World’s Largest Pencil,” a towering replica that captures the imagination of young and old visitors. Kids can marvel at this impressive feat of craftsmanship and even pose for photos besides this oversized pencil! And don’t forget the gift shop with this entry in our listing for things to do in Lake District when raining.
Lakeland Motor Museum
Address: Lakeland Motor Museum Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8TA, United Kingdom
Cost:
| Adults (16+ years) | £12.00 |
| Children (5-15 years) | £7.20 |
| Families (2 adults & up to 3 children) | £32.50 |
| Child (under 5 years) | FREE |
Website: Lakeland Motor Museum
Entering the museum, we were greeted by the nostalgic scent of vintage leather and engine oil—a scent that instantly transported me back to my childhood. The kids got excited when they saw the rows of classic cars and motorcycles lining the exhibit halls.
Walking through the museum, we stumbled upon interactive displays that are always a win for kids. From sitting behind the wheel of a vintage car to pressing buttons that activated engine sounds, every moment was filled with laughter and learning.
We had a great talk by a museum guide, with tales of automotive pioneers and their groundbreaking inventions. Then, we embarked on a scavenger hunt, eagerly searching for hidden treasures scattered throughout the museum. With each discovery, our excitement grew, and our bond as a family strengthened.
As the day drew to a close, we bid farewell to the Lakeland Motor Museum, but the memories we made will linger for years to come. Through the rain-soaked windows, I watched my children’s faces lit up with joy, their hearts filled with the magic of exploration and discovery.
In the end, it wasn’t just a rainy day adventure—it was a journey through time, a celebration of history with this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining.
The Armitt Museum and Library
Address: The Armitt Museum and Library Rydal Road Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9BL
Cost:
Adults £6
Children under 16 Free
Website: The Armitt Museum and Library
Tucked away in this picturesque corner of the Lake District, the Armitt Museum offers a journey through the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Art and Artefacts: The museum’s eclectic collection features diverse art, artefacts, and archival materials that shed light on Ambleside’s rich history. From paintings and photographs to archaeological finds and literary treasures, there’s something to pique every family member’s interest.
Beatrix Potter Connection: One of the highlights of the Armitt Museum is its connection to beloved children’s author Beatrix Potter. Potter, who spent many summers in the Lake District, bequeathed a significant portion of her personal collection to the museum, including original illustrations, letters, and manuscripts. Kids and adults alike will delight in seeing the world of Peter Rabbit come to life.
Natural History Displays: In addition to its art and literary collections, the Armitt Museum also features displays dedicated to the natural history of the Lake District. From geological formations to native flora and fauna, visitors can learn about the region’s unique landscape and ecosystem through interactive exhibits and informative displays.
Café and Gardens: When it’s time for a break, the museum’s onsite café and tranquil gardens provide the perfect setting to relax and recharge. Enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake while soaking in the serene surroundings, rain pattering gently on the windows with this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining.
The Haverthwaite Railway
Address: Haverthwaite Station Haverthwaite Ulverston Cumbria LA12 8AL
Ticket Prices:
Adult Return £11.00
Adult Single £6.50
Child Return £6.50
Child Single £4.50
Family Return (2 adults & up to 3 children) £32.00
Adult Day Rover £40.00
Child Day Rover £20.00
Child age is 3-15yrs… under 3yrs travel FREE.
Website: Haverwaite Railway
Nestled in the scenic Lake District in Cumbria, England, is a delightful heritage railway that offers a nostalgic journey through picturesque countryside on a steam train. Here’s why it’s a fantastic destination for families, rain or shine. The Haverthwaite Railway winds through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Lake District, passing by rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil waterways.
Whether rain or shine, the views from the vintage carriages are spectacular, providing a serene backdrop for a leisurely journey. One of the highlights of the Haverthwaite Railway is its collection of lovingly restored steam locomotives. As the train chugs along the tracks, passengers are transported back to an era when steam power ruled the railways. The sights, sounds, and smells of the steam engines evoke a sense of nostalgia that will captivate both young and old alike.
This family-friendly attraction offers special events and activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. From themed train rides to interactive exhibits and storytelling sessions, there’s always something exciting happening along the railway line!
Along the route, the Haverthwaite Railway passes through several historic stations, each with unique charm and character. Take some time to explore these quaint stations, where you can learn about the railway’s history and admire vintage railway memorabilia in this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining. .
Storytime at Local Libraries:
Address varies depending on location
Escape into the world of books at storytime sessions hosted by local libraries throughout the Lake District. From classic tales to modern favourites, kids can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities led by friendly librarians. It’s a beautiful way to foster a love of reading and imagination.
Indoor Swimming Pools:
Address varies depending on location
Make a splash on a rainy day with a visit to an indoor swimming pool. Many leisure centres and hotels in the Lake District boast heated pools and water features, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for aquatic fun. Let the kids splash, swim, and play to their heart’s content, whatever the weather.
Cooking Classes for Kids:
Address varies depending on location
Get hands-on in the kitchen with cooking classes tailored specifically for kids. From baking workshops to culinary adventures, these classes offer a fun and educational experience for young foodies. Let them whip up delicious treats and discover the joys of cooking with fresh, local ingredients.
With these 11 Things To Do In Lake District When Raining For Families in the Lake District you have no need to worry and you can carry on enjoying your holiday. From magical adventures to creative pursuits, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors with the whole family. So don’t let the weather rain on your parade – embrace the opportunity for indoor exploration and create unforgettable memories together with this top listing for things to do in Lake District when raining. .
#11 Things To Do In Lake District When Raining For Families