Things to Do in Cumbria

Whether you’re a nature-lover, cultural adventurer, or food fanatic, there are plenty of things to do in Cumbria that will help you to fully appreciate this breathtaking county.

Cumbria is home to every peak in England that is over 3,000ft, and the area also contains 16 lakes alongside many more tarns (smaller bodies of water) including Windermere, Coniston, and Grasmere.

No matter where you choose to stay during your time in Cumbria, we’ve got you covered with fun things to see and do across the rolling hills of the Lake District.

Things to do in:

Carlisle

No matter your budget or interests, there are plenty of things to do in Carlisle during your stay in Cumbria.

If you’re looking to keep costs low, exploring the remains of Hadrian’s Wall is a must. This World Heritage Site was originally built by a force of 15,000 men in under six years, and walking alongside the wall is an exciting trip into history for lovers of architecture or those looking to learn more about the area.

Interested in aviation instead of architecture? Carlisle is also home to the Solway Aviation Museum, which has been awarded Museum of the Year and Best Small Tourist Attraction. Visitors can view the museum’s collection of aircraft, aviation artefacts, and displays that tell the story of Britain’s position as a world leader in aircraft design and innovation.

Keswick

Just under an hour south of Carlisle, you’ll find Keswick; a market town surrounded by mountains and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

There are plenty of things to do in Keswick that will make your trip to Cumbria a memorable one. If you’re travelling with kids in tow (or even without!), a trip to The Lake District Wildlife Park is the perfect opportunity to get up close with zebras, otters, gibbons, and more. The park is spread out across 24 acres, and houses over 100 species of wild and domestic animals being cared for by trained keepers.

Looking for something a little more kooky? The Puzzling Place, situated in the town of Keswick, is home to many illusions and exhibitions that are sure to delight and confuse in equal measure. An anti-gravity room and holograms will keep you on your toes, and are likely to put you in the mood for a nice pint and rest at one of Cumbria’s pubs with rooms afterwards.

Ambleside

Travel 30 minutes down the A591 from Keswick and you’ll discover the Cumbrian town of Ambleside.

This area of the Lake District is the perfect place to visit for outdoorsy types, as there are lots of things to do in Ambleside that will get you out and about in the fresh air amongst nature. One such location is Stagshaw Gardens; a stunning National Trust hotspot brimming with leafy walkways, rushing streams, and picturesque views of the lake.

Continuing the rural adventures, visitors to Ambleside should also take a trip to Grizedale Forest. These rich forests are the perfect way to get away from the bustle of city life, and for thrillseekers, the forest is also home to the adrenaline-pumping Go Ape treetop adventure course.

Ullswater

Just to the east of Keswick and north of Ambleside is Ullswater. This glacial lake is the second-largest lake in the region, and is surrounded by lots of fun things to see and do during your stay.

If you’re keen to see all of what the lake has to offer, one of the best things to do in Ullswater is to visit Aira Force waterfall. This 65-foot waterfall is situated alongside woodland trails and stunning wildlife such as red squirrels, making it the perfect pitstop on your tour of the area.

Situated just on the shores of Ullswater, you’ll find Verey Books. This idyllic little bookshop hosts regular events with authors and musicians, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better selection of literary classics and chart-toppers.

Nearby Ullswater, in the civil parish of Lowther, you can take a trip to Lowther castle and gardens. This 19th-century castle is home to dramatic ruins and sprawling gardens, making it an essential thing to do in Ullswater if you’re keen on history and architecture.

Stay in a pub during your Cumbria getaway

No matter where your travels take you during your visit to Cumbria, make sure to stay in one of the county’s best pubs with rooms to really take your trip to the next level.

We’ve put together a curated list of our favourites, but you can also take a look at our handy pub finder to browse all of what the region has to offer.