Treetop Challenge
Our most popular high ropes course with epic zip lines. Adventurers need to be aged 10 and 1.4m tall.
- 1-3 hours
- From £33
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10 Adventurous Days Out in the Lake District
Last updated: 24/08/2023
From thrilling high ropes experiences to breathtaking scenic adventures, there are so many fun things to do in the Lake District.
Here at Go Ape we are suckers for a good view. We love nature and surrounding ourselves with stunning scenery. Cue: The Lake District!
The Lake District is England's largest National Park, and a holy grail of fun and adventure. Half the challenge is narrowing down your list of things to do and places to go! Read on to discover some of our top picks.
Things to Do
1. Go Ape
Go Ape has you covered if you're looking for a Lake District adventure packed with bucket-list-worthy outdoor adventures.
There are two fantastic Lake District outdoor activity centres to choose from, Go Ape Whinlatter in the North Lakes and Go Ape Grizedale in the South. The tricky question… which one will you choose?
Grizedale
If you're a zip fanatic, head to the Treetop Challenge or Zip Trekking Adventure for seriously high-level tree-top crossings and incredible zip wire flights.
Treetop Adventure Plus is the perfect option for older kids and Treetop Adventure for the younger explorers.
Or, hop on a Forest Segway if you want to see the very best of the Lake District, with breath-taking views of Coniston Water and mountains.
Still buzzing with energy? The highest point in Grizedale Forest offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Lake District fells – don’t forget your picnic.
Whinlatter
Whinlatter Forest is England's only true mountain forest and boasts dramatic views across the Lake District, best soaked up on our all-terrain Forest Segways.
There's our classic Treetop Adventure, designed for kids and younger families. And for the intrepid explorer, Treetop Adventure Plus, for those who are after something a little trickier.
If you’re a keen cyclist then you’ll love Whinlatter Forest, which is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. Whinlatter Forest also delivers big on the family fun too. Explore the WildPlay trail which has nine different play zones or for younger children.
2. Visit Beatrix Potter's Places
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Whether you’re a fan of Peter Rabbit or are more nostalgic for Mrs Tiggy-winkle there are loads of Beatrix Potter themed places in the Lake District.
The World of Beatrix Potter is a family-friendly interactive attraction where the enchanting tales are bought to life. There is a Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead which features a different exhibition every year. Tarn Hows Lake, near Hawkshead, was purchased by Potter to conserve and protect the land and is now a well-loved National Trust destination. You can of course also visit her former home and retreat, Hilltop Farm, where she wrote many of her books.
There are also countless Beatrix Potter themed cute cafes for those craving a tasty bite to eat.
3. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Travel back in time aboard the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Located in the picturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of Windermere, the narrow-gauge steam engines take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District.
The journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite is just 4 miles long, but it is a great way to see the lakes and mountains. The quaint surroundings at Haverthwaite Station entice guests to stay a while. At the Victorian Station you will find a tea room, gift shop, engine shed, playground and beautiful walks.
4. Alpacaly Ever After
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Alpacaly Ever After is not only a great day out but a fantastic social enterprise. Dedicated to rehoming alpacas and llamas from across England, they provide a good home for these creatures. Alpacaly Ever After gives people the chance to get in touch with nature and the Lake District landscape through accessible alpaca and llama experiences.
Who’s holiday couldn’t be made even better with a trip to visit these fuzzy giants?
5. Muncaster Castle
Photo Credit: David Pollard
Seeking some spooky adrenaline pumping thrills? Hidden away between picturesque Lake District fells, Muncaster Castle is one of the most haunted buildings in the UK.
Discover over 800 years of history between the roughhewn stones and explore acres of woodland gardens teeming with nature and wildlife.
There is also a Hawk and Owl Centre onsite, which hosts daily birds of prey shows, including falcons, owls, hawks and eagles.
Places to Visit
1. Keswick
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the history rich market town of Keswick is a major tourism centre. There are many shops, restaurants, and pubs and it's also known as the adventure capital of the UK because of its easy access to a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, scrambling, and cycling.
Read our blog about things to do in Keswick to find out more.
2. Lake Windermere
Fancy a dip? Swimming is permitted in most of The Lakes with some spots being busier than others. Lake Windermere is a picture perfect lake which allows wild swimming, but you should be mindful of the boating traffic.
Other wild swimming spots that have less boats are Coniston Water, Rydal Water and Buttermere.
3. Grasmere
“The most loveliest spot that man hath found." – William Wordsworth
Perhaps best known as the home of William Wordsworth, stroll along the charming streets of Grasmere and soak in the classic Lake District atmosphere. Explore tiny shops, in the shadow of the fells and give the famous Grasmere gingerbread a try.
Popular walks include following the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water.
4. Old Man of Coniston
The Old Man of Coniston is a favourite walk for hikers in the Lake District. Towering above the village of Coniston, this soaring fell is a challenging but well-worth the hike. The ascent takes between 3-4 hours and you’ll be treated to views across spectacular fells at the top.
5. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the earliest most dramatic and picturesque British stone circles, with panoramic views across Helvellyn and High Seat.
Raised in c.3000 BC, legend had it that it was used as a ritualistic site where locally forged axed were exchanged. A place filled with wonder and mystery, the stones are aligned to capture the rays of sunset and the movement of the stars and planets.
