15 Fun Things to Do in the Lake District This Summer
Summer in the Lake District is a bit special.
The days stretch on, the valleys turn every possible shade of green and it suddenly feels perfectly reasonable to spend your morning halfway up a fell, your afternoon swimming in a lake and your evening working your way through a very good dinner.
Whether you are planning a romantic Lake District break, a family summer holiday, a walking weekend or a dog-friendly getaway, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Lake District this summer.
You do not need to conquer Scafell Pike, spend the whole trip sitting in traffic or queue for every famous attraction to experience the best of the Lakes either.
From our corner of the Lake District near Grasmere, these are some of our favourite ways to make the most of summer.
1. Walk from Grasmere to Rydal Water
Let’s begin with a Lake District classic.
The walk between Grasmere and Rydal Water brings together woodland paths, open fell views, lakeshore scenery and plenty of places to stop and stare dramatically into the distance.
You can follow the lower paths around Rydal Water or climb towards Loughrigg Terrace for an elevated view across Grasmere. The higher route requires a little more effort but rewards you with one of the loveliest views in the central Lake District.
Rydal Cave is another popular stop along the way. It is an old quarry rather than a natural cave but that does not make it any less impressive.
The Grasmere and Rydal area is also home to waterside walks, rowing boat hire and several places connected with William Wordsworth.
Best for: Couples, dogs, photographers and anyone wanting a proper Lake District walk without committing to an enormous mountain day.
Local tip: Start early or head out later in the afternoon. The paths are often quieter and the light is usually much better.
2. Go Wild Swimming in the Lake District
There are few better feelings than getting into cool, clear water on a warm summer day.
Grasmere, Rydal Water, Elterwater and several smaller tarns are within easy reach of The Yan. Each offers a different experience, from wider stretches of open water to quieter spots surrounded by fells.
Wild swimming should always be approached carefully. Check the weather, water conditions and local access information before entering. Wear something visible, avoid swimming alone and keep well away from boats, jetties and busy launch areas.
The Lake District National Park lists swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and cruising among the many ways visitors can enjoy the water.
Best for: Confident swimmers looking for a memorable start or end to the day.
Local tip: Bring a warm layer, a towel and something hot to drink afterwards. It is still the Lake District rather than the Mediterranean.
3. Hire a Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe
Walking around a lake is lovely. Seeing the landscape from the middle of one is even better.
Paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are some of the best summer activities in the Lake District. Equipment hire and guided sessions are available around Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater.
Beginners can book an instructor-led session while more experienced paddlers can hire equipment and explore independently where permitted.
Choose a calm day for your first attempt and always use an established local provider who can supply appropriate equipment, buoyancy aids and safety advice.
Best for: Couples, families, groups and competitive friends who claim they definitely will not push each other in.
4. Hire a Dog-Friendly Boat on Windermere
Hiring your own boat is one of the most memorable ways to explore Windermere during the summer.
It is also one of the best dog-friendly things to do in the Lake District, as you do not have to leave your four-legged passenger behind.
Windermere Hire Boats
Windermere Hire Boats welcomes well-behaved dogs aboard its self-drive hire boats.
The boats are easy to drive, making them a great option for couples, families and groups who want the freedom to explore Windermere at their own pace. You can head out onto the lake, take in the surrounding fells and enjoy a completely different view of the Lake District landscape.
Windermere Hire Boats specifically promotes its boat hire as family-friendly and dog-friendly, with well-behaved dogs welcome aboard.
You do not need to be an experienced sailor. Instructions and safety information are provided before you set off, so even complete beginners can enjoy time on the water.
Dog-Friendly Windermere Cruises
Prefer to let somebody else do the driving?
Well-behaved dogs can travel free on scheduled Windermere Lake Cruises services. Dogs are also welcome on the company’s self-drive boats and traditional vessels, although they should remain well behaved and on a lead during scheduled cruises.
Cruises connect popular Lake District locations including Bowness, Ambleside, Lakeside, Brockhole and Wray, depending on the route and service.
You can therefore use the boat as part of a full day out, rather than simply taking a return cruise.
Best for: Couples, families, groups and dog owners looking for a memorable summer day out.
Local tip: Summer boat hire can be popular, so book ahead. Bring drinking water, a bowl and a towel for your dog and keep them safely under control around the water and local wildlife.
5. Take a Windermere Cruise
Some days call for adventure.
Other days call for sitting on a boat while somebody else does the work.
A Windermere cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to see England’s largest natural lake. You can choose a shorter sightseeing trip or use the services to travel between different parts of Windermere.
Windermere Lake Cruises connects several popular destinations and offers everything from shorter journeys to tickets designed for a full day of exploring.
The Red Cruise runs between Bowness and Ambleside while other routes provide access to Lakeside and the quieter western shore. Well-behaved dogs can travel free on scheduled cruises.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, dog owners and anyone whose legs have had enough after yesterday’s fell walk.
6. Watch the Sunrise from a Fell
Yes, the alarm will feel offensive.
Yes, you may briefly question every decision that led you there.
Then the sun will begin to rise over the fells and it will all make sense.
You do not need to climb one of the Lake District’s highest mountains to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise. Smaller fells near Grasmere and Ambleside offer incredible views without requiring a major expedition before breakfast.
Popular options include:
Loughrigg Fell
Silver How
Helm Crag
Todd Crag
Alcock Tarn
Always check the forecast, download your route in advance and take a headtorch. Conditions on the fells can change quickly, even during summer.
Best for: Photographers, couples and morning people. Night owls may require coffee and emotional support.
7. Order a Packed Lunch and Have a Proper Lake District Picnic
A picnic in the Lakes does not need to mean a crushed sandwich eaten beside a packed car park.
Find a quiet spot beside a river, tarn or viewpoint and make lunch part of the day rather than something you rush through.
Guests at The Yan can order an adventure-ready packed lunch before heading out. Each one includes a filled bap, crisps, homemade flapjack, fruit and water, so you have everything needed to refuel on the fells.
Elterwater, Great Langdale and the quieter edges of Grasmere all have lovely places to stop. Remember to take all litter home with you and never light fires or disposable barbecues on the fells.
Best for: Romantic afternoons, family days and anyone keen to make lunch last several hours.
Local tip: Bring a waterproof picnic blanket. The ground has an impressive ability to stay damp even when it has not rained for days.
8. Explore Great Langdale
Great Langdale is one of the most dramatic valleys in the Lake District and it is right on our doorstep.
The Langdale Pikes dominate the skyline while lower routes weave between fields, woodland, rivers, pubs and traditional stone buildings.
You can plan a serious mountain day or take things much more gently.
Some of the best summer options include:
Walking between Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge
Following a section of the Cumbria Way
Visiting Stickle Ghyll
Walking around Blea Tarn
Exploring Chapel Stile
Tackling one of the Langdale Pikes with suitable experience and equipment
The Lake District National Park identifies both Langdale and the Grasmere and Rydal area as key places to explore within the National Park.
Best for: Walkers, landscape lovers and people who want every photograph to look like the cover of a Lake District calendar.
9. Cycle Through the Central Lake District
Cycling in the Lake District can be beautifully peaceful or brutally steep.
Sometimes both within the same ten minutes.
There are road routes, bridleways, gravel tracks and mountain bike trails across the National Park. Families and more relaxed riders may prefer quieter routes or e-bike hire while experienced cyclists can take on the larger passes.
An e-bike is a particularly good way to explore the central Lakes if you want to cover more ground without spending the whole day questioning your fitness.
Plan your route carefully, wear a helmet and be prepared for narrow roads, changing weather and steep gradients.
Best for: Active couples, families with older children and anyone who enjoys earning their dinner.
10. Spend a Slow Afternoon in Grasmere
Grasmere is popular for good reason.
The village has a beautiful setting, independent shops, galleries, traditional stone buildings and plenty of places to stop for coffee or something sweet.
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
You can wander through the village, visit St Oswald’s Church, see William Wordsworth’s grave, walk beside the River Rothay or hire a rowing boat during the summer.
There are also several walks beginning directly from the village, including routes towards Easedale Tarn, Silver How, Helm Crag, Rydal Water and Alcock Tarn.
Best for: Mixed weather days, gentle afternoons and visitors who believe shopping counts as a physical activity.
11. Find a Lake District Waterfall
Summer rain is not necessarily bad news.
It fills the rivers, wakes up the waterfalls and gives you a perfectly good excuse to return to a warm room afterwards.
Popular waterfalls and cascades include:
Stock Ghyll Force near Ambleside
Skelwith Force near Elterwater
Colwith Force in Little Langdale
Rydal Falls near Rydal Mount
Aira Force beside Ullswater
Wear appropriate footwear because paths can become slippery, particularly after heavy rain.
Best for: Families, photographers and anyone facing a forecast that appears to consist entirely of small grey clouds.
12. Discover Quieter Lake District Villages
The famous towns and viewpoints are worth seeing but some of the best Lake District moments happen between them.
Make time to explore quieter villages and valleys such as:
Elterwater
Chapel Stile
Little Langdale
Troutbeck
Kentmere
Hawkshead
Borrowdale
Please park responsibly and never block gates, narrow roads or access for residents and emergency vehicles.
Where possible, use local buses, boats, walking routes and cycle paths. It is often a much less stressful way to experience the Lake District during the busy summer months.
Best for: Return visitors and people who prefer finding their own favourite places.
13. Try a Lake District Outdoor Adventure
For something with a little more adrenaline, book an outdoor experience with a qualified local guide.
Depending on your age, experience and appetite for adventure, you could try:
Ghyll scrambling
Rock climbing
Abseiling
Canyoning
Via ferrata
Guided paddleboarding
Mountain biking
Guided fell walking
Bushcraft
Sailing
There are options for beginners as well as experienced adventurers, so you do not need to arrive with your own helmet and a history of scaling cliffs.
Best for: Groups, families with older children and couples who have already exhausted the spa-break stage of the relationship.
14. Eat Somewhere Worth Planning the Day Around
We may be slightly biased here but food should never be treated as the gap between Lake District activities.
After a day on the water or several hours walking across the fells, you want a proper meal. Not a sad sandwich eaten in walking trousers.
The Yan Bistro serves seasonal food inspired by the history and landscape surrounding Broadrayne Farm. The changing menu brings together rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and modern dishes designed to be genuinely good for the soul.
The Bistro is open to non-residents as well as guests staying at The Yan. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on a lead, making it a great option for a dog-friendly meal near Grasmere.
Families are welcome too, with a dedicated children’s menu and earlier dinner times available.
Book your table, order something good and let the day slow down.
Best for: Walkers, couples, families, dog owners and people who take pudding seriously.
15. Stay Somewhere Surrounded by the Fells
The best way to experience summer in the Lake District is to give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
The Yan sits at Broadrayne Farm near Grasmere, with walks, lakes, tarns and rivers within easy reach. Several fell walks can be started directly from the doorstep, so you do not need to spend half your holiday in the car.
You can choose from boutique hotel-style bedrooms, self-catering cottages and contemporary glamping accommodation, all surrounded by the central Lake District landscape.
Dog-friendly rooms and cottage accommodation are also available, so muddy paws and wagging tails do not have to stay at home.
Head out for the day knowing that proper food, a hot shower and a comfortable bed are waiting when you return.
Best for: Couples, families, walkers, food lovers and anyone in need of a proper escape.
A Three-Day Lake District Summer Itinerary
Not sure how to fit everything in?
Start here.
Day One: Grasmere and Rydal
Begin with a walk from Grasmere towards Rydal Water and Loughrigg Terrace.
Stop for lunch beside the water or explore Grasmere village before returning to The Yan for dinner at the Bistro.
Day Two: Great Langdale
Spend the morning walking in Great Langdale.
Choose a lower-level route through Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge or head higher when the weather, equipment and experience of your group allow.
Pick up a packed lunch from The Yan before setting off and finish the day with a swim, paddle or drink beside the water.
Day Three: Windermere Boat Trip
Travel towards Bowness, Ambleside or Waterhead and explore Windermere from the water.
Hire your own dog-friendly self-drive boat from Windermere Hire Boats or Windermere Lake Cruises. Alternatively, board a scheduled cruise and let somebody else take the wheel.
Add a lakeside walk, lunch or visit to another attraction before returning to Grasmere.
Three days, several excellent meals and at least one photograph you will make everyone look at when you get home.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in the Lake District This Summer
Bringing your dog to the Lake District?
Some of the best dog-friendly summer activities near Grasmere include:
Walking around Grasmere and Rydal Water
Exploring Elterwater and Great Langdale
Hiring a dog-friendly boat from Windermere Hire Boats
Taking a dog-friendly Windermere Lake Cruise
Visiting quieter villages and valleys
Eating at The Yan Bistro
Staying in dog-friendly accommodation at The Yan
Keep dogs under close control around livestock and wildlife. Follow local signage, use a lead when required and always carry water for them during warm weather.
Things to Do in the Lake District When It Rains
Rain does not have to ruin a Lake District summer holiday.
You could:
Walk through woodland to a waterfall
Explore the shops and cafés in Grasmere
Take a covered Windermere cruise
Visit a museum, gallery or indoor attraction
Put on your waterproofs and enjoy a lower-level walk
Return to The Yan for a long lunch or early dinner
Settle into your room with a drink and watch the weather move across the fells
The landscape would not be this green without a little rain.
What to Pack for the Lake District in Summer
A summer day in the Lake District can involve sunshine, strong wind and sideways rain before lunchtime.
Pack:
A waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking boots or shoes
A warm layer
A refillable water bottle
Sun cream
A hat
A small backpack
An offline map or downloaded route
Swimwear and a towel
Midge repellent
A portable phone charger
A dog lead, bowl and towel when travelling with your dog
Always check the local forecast before heading onto the fells and choose a route suitable for your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Lake District in Summer
What are the best things to do in the Lake District in summer?
Some of the best summer activities in the Lake District include fell walking, wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiring a boat on Windermere, taking a lake cruise, cycling and exploring villages such as Grasmere, Ambleside and Hawkshead.
Summer is also a brilliant time for picnics, outdoor dining and longer evening walks.
What are the best things to do near Grasmere?
Popular things to do near Grasmere include walking around Rydal Water, climbing Helm Crag or Silver How, visiting Easedale Tarn, exploring Great Langdale, wild swimming and spending time in Grasmere village.
The Yan is also within reach of Ambleside, Windermere, Elterwater and the wider central Lake District.
Are there dog-friendly boat trips on Windermere?
Yes. Windermere Hire Boats welcomes well-behaved dogs on its self-drive hire boats.
Windermere Lake Cruises also welcomes dogs on its scheduled cruises and self-drive boats. Well-behaved dogs travel free on scheduled services but should be kept under control and on a lead.
Do you need a licence to hire a boat on Windermere?
You generally do not need a personal boating licence to hire one of the self-drive boats offered by established Windermere operators.
The hire company will provide instructions and a safety briefing before departure. You must follow the company’s rules and remain within any designated operating area.
What can couples do in the Lake District?
Couples can enjoy sunrise walks, lakeside picnics, private boat hire, wild swimming, scenic cruises and relaxed dinners.
Grasmere and Great Langdale are particularly well placed for romantic Lake District breaks.
What can families do in the Lake District during summer?
Family-friendly Lake District activities include boat cruises, self-drive boat hire, easy lakeside walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, forest trails and exploring villages.
The Lake District National Park also recommends water activities and exploring the Grasmere, Rydal and Langdale areas with children and young people.
What can you do in the Lake District when it rains?
Visit museums, galleries, shops and cafés or put on your waterproofs and explore a woodland trail or waterfall.
A covered lake cruise, long lunch or lower-level walk can also work well during mixed weather.
Is Grasmere a good place to stay in the Lake District?
Yes. Grasmere is well placed for exploring Ambleside, Windermere, Great Langdale, Rydal and Keswick.
It also has several excellent walks beginning directly from the village, making it an ideal base for visitors who want to spend less time driving.
How many days do you need in the Lake District?
Three days gives you time for a couple of walks, a lake-based activity and some relaxed exploring.
A stay of five to seven days allows you to visit several areas without rushing or relying on perfect weather every day.
Make This the Summer You Finally Do the Lakes Properly
You could race around trying to tick off every famous Lake District viewpoint.
Or you could choose a few brilliant things, leave room for long lunches and see where the day takes you.
Walk. Swim. Paddle. Hire a boat. Bring the dog. Eat well. Sleep deeply.
Repeat as required.
The fells are waiting and summer will not hang around forever.