Indoor Activities in the Lake District

Whether you’re seeking shelter from the elements or a change of pace, there is a wealth of indoor activities available in the Lake District. This Inn Collection guide will introduce you to a wide range of activities to pursue at the lake district too – all within ideal distance of our inn collection accommodations. Let’s start with some beautiful galleries!

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

If you’re visiting the Lake District with your family, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is a must-visit destination. Step into the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters, from Peter Rabbit to Jemima Puddle-Duck.

The attraction brings the classic tales to life through delightful displays and interactive exhibits, making it a magical experience for children and a nostalgic journey for adults. You can explore the author’s life and her contribution to children’s literature while enjoying the charming ambience of the attraction.

If you’re hoping to set up a base near The World of Beatrix Potter, The Wateredge Inn, and The Waterhead Inn, are gorgeous Inn Collection accommodations that are ideally positioned next to Windermere.

Book now by calling us on 0344 211 4224 (9am–8pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm Saturday to Sunday) or by emailing us about your stay at reservations@inncollectiongroup.com 

Explore the Wordsworth Museum

Journey through the life and works of one of England’s most revered poets, William Wordsworth. In the historic Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy resided, the museum is a celebration of Wordsworth’s legacy, introducing visitors to the man behind the words, providing a glimpse into his early years, education, and the events that influenced his poetry. 

Luxurious Inn Collection accommodations like The Swan, Grasmere, and the nearby Wordsworth Hotel are both perfectly positioned for excursions to The Wordsworth Museum during your short break.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle, located near Ambleside, is a unique historic house with a rich history. This neo-gothic castle offers a fascinating look into the Victorian era and boasts splendid architecture and scenic surroundings.

Visitors keen on Lake District indoor activities can explore the castle’s grand rooms without worrying about the weather – each room offering a glimpse into the past. 

While Wray Castle is known for being family-friendly, it also offers interesting insights into the lives of the Victorian elite. The castle’s location on the shores of Lake Windermere provides beautiful views that are especially stunning in any weather.

If you’re looking to round out your experience with a stay in a beautiful Inn Collection accommodation, The Ambleside Inn and The Temperance Inn are both in close proximity to Wray Castle. Feel free to book now by calling us on 0344 211 4224.

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle in the charming village of Ravenglass, is another historical gem in the Lake District. This haunted castle, with its stunning gardens, has been in the Pennington family for over eight centuries.

Visitors can embark on guided tours of the castle, exploring its rich history and the legends that surround it. For a unique experience, the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster offers thrilling bird-of-prey displays that captivate audiences of all ages. The castle’s beautiful gardens, featuring an extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, are a treat to explore during the blooming season.

The Lake Distillery Tour

The Lake Distillery on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake is a stunning spot to visit and allows visitors to enjoy interactive tours of the state-of-the-art distillery out of the rain and cold. 

You can follow the journey of how the distillery’s spirits are made, with each tour ending with a fun tasting of their award-winning spirits. Make sure you bring your ID.

You can also enjoy food and beverages at their on-site restaurant, Bistro at the Distillery, which showcases locally sourced ingredients and honest, hearty flavours. Make sure you pop by The distillery store, which is fully stocked with their entire product range as well as giftware from other local makers.

The Puzzling Place

The Puzzling Place is ideal for both families seeking rainy-day entertainment and adventurers looking for a change of pace. This attraction is an array of mind-bending puzzles interactive exhibits. Suitable for visitors of all ages, you’ll find yourself bewildered and amused in equal measure. 

Be sure to venture into the anti-gravity room, where you can test the boundaries of physics and challenge your sense of equilibrium. It’s an experience that promises both amusement and wonderment and definitely deserves to be on your radar if you’re looking for indoor lake district activities.

Lakes Aquarium

The Lakes Aquarium on Windermere is an award-winning attraction and offers the UK’s largest collection of freshwater fish and is in an excellent location if you’re hoping to avoid inclement weather and have set up your base at either The Angel Inn, or our other nearby accommodation The Coniston Inn. 

Explore the aquarium and its range of interactive displays, including a touch pool for the little ones to get up close to the aquatic life. Educational talks and feeding demonstrations are available too to break up the day and help you learn more about the conservation efforts that the aquarium is involved in.

After your visit, you can take home a souvenir from the gift shop, or enjoy a bite to eat in the café. With so much to see and do, a visit to the aquarium is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.

Brantwood House

A historical house, museum and centre for art, perched on the shores of Coniston, Brantwood House serves as the esteemed residence of John Ruskin, a notable poet, artist and social activist during the Victorian era.

Today, Brantwood continues to be a captivating destination, offering plenty of experiences suitable for the entire family and none of them need to involve weathering the elements. A visit to this historic estate provides an illuminating journey into the life and times of John Ruskin, especially his final 28 years spent in the Lake District. With displays and activities in the house, gardens and estate, Brantwood remains a place of inspiration today.

Experience the great Indoors at the Lake District! Book your room today

It’s okay to stay in and with the Inn Collection you can be certain your indoor getaway will be a memorable one with this list of the indoor activities lake district enthusiasts are sure to love.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the lake district from behind a roaring fire, watch the rain pour outdoors while you swap stories with friends and family in the welcoming pub, and soak up culture, history and art for a wholesome short trip.

 Book your stay with The Inn Collection, give us a call or contact us online if you have any queries.