Best Lake District Activities For Adults & Couples

1. Romantic Lake District Activities for Couples

One of the best Lake District activities for adults and couples is definitely the luxurious spa that can be found at the Swan Hotel, a four star hotel that is located in the beautiful Lake Windermere area. The spa offers a range of treatments that you can pamper yourself with, relaxing after seeing some of the best Lake District attractions which are nearby. You can find all kinds of treatments from deep tissue massages to relaxing hot stones and luxury pedicures.

The spa facilities include a gym, sauna room, pool and Jacuzzi that allow you to take the time you need to get back to feeling yourself.  Treatments at the spa can last from 15 minutes to just over half an hour and are performed by qualified and experienced beauticians. And as the spa is located within one of the top hotels in the Lake District, you don’t have to go far to find good cuisine or a place to stay if you are thinking to extend your visit. If you’re planning to visit the spa hotel in the Lake District then be prepared for a fabulous pamper session. Check out our health club memberships for exclusive discounts on our spa Lake District activities for couples!

2. Alpaca Walking

If you enjoy Lake District walks, but are looking to do something a little different from the norm, why not consider Alpaca Walking with Alpacaly Ever After? You can take a woolly friend for a walk around the stunning area of Lingholm Estate through Whinlatter Forest. If you fancy climbing a mountain, then you can enjoy the Llama Trek taking you high above the scenic countryside to a local high point. The perfect picnic spot! As Alpaca walking in the Lake District is outside, you can really see the stunning views and sights that the beautiful area has to offer. An experience with your new woolly friends that will last a lifetime!

3. Hardknott Roman Fort

If you’re a lover of history and like to explore some of the cultural heritage of the UK, then the Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the best Lake District activities for adults that you should consider. This place was one of the guard posts for the road from Ambleside to Ravenglass. You can trace its past to the second century, during the reign of Hadrian, who is famous for the border wall near Scotland. The troops stationed at the fort were from the eastern Adriatic. They not only guarded the road, but policed the local area and defended the frontier from barbarian attacks. The ruins are preserved in excellent conditions and you can see the commandant’s house, barracks, parade ground and the typical bath-house. English Heritage and National Trust manage the site and the fort is free to visit.

4. Dove Cottage

Another one of the best Lake District activities for couples is William Wordsworth’s first house, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere. The property, now managed by the Wordsworth Trust, has lots of memorabilia from the poet. These items of historical interest include the gifted writer’s ice-skates, a passport, some reading glasses and a portrait of his favourite dog. The portrait was given to the historical figure by Sir Walter Scott. At the back of the beautiful home is what was described by Wordsworth as a ‘domestic slip of mountain’, also known as the half-wild garden. It is in this garden where he would sit and create some of the most famous works. If you’re a lover of literature or want to see one of the most spectacular sights of the Lake District, this should certainly be on your list of Lake District activities! After your visit, why not sample some of the local eateries, you can experience some of the best pub food in the Lake District

5. Ullswater

Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in England this is one of our most picturesque Lake District activities for couples, and one of the most awe-inspiring valleys in the whole Lake District National Park, Ullswater is one of the best Lake District activities for adults and couples who want to get away from it all. Lake District boat hire is super simple, hire your own at Ullswater or you can catch one of the traditional steamers. You can find more information and timetables on their website. The steamers call at many places across the lake including Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding, you could make a proper day of it.

Ullswater also offers some of the top opportunities for a good Lake District walk. With the two and a half hour walk from Howtown to Glenridding offering spectacular views as you walk along the lakeshore. The majority of this walk is on good footpaths and is part of the fantastic dog friendly Lake District attractions. Along this walk, you can see Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in England!

You can also make your way to Aira Force, a National Trust site, and see the waterfall and it’s surrounding fell walks in all its glory.

6. The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery uses lots of locally produced products when making their bespoke gin, whisky and vodka recipes. It is a relatively new attraction within the Lake District but it has fast become one of the top things to do in the lake district for couples. There are daily tasting sessions and tours of the facilities and you can stock up on the best vintages at the shop. If you are in need of a few date ideas this would make a great choice! You could wine and dine in the lovely distillery restaurant, then snuggle down at The Swan.

7. Honister Slate Mine

Another one of the best Lake District activities for adults & couples is the Honister Slate Mine. The Honister Slate Mine is the last English working mine in the country, and is the producer of the unique, green slate. The tourist attraction offers a huge range of activities that cater to all groups, including couples of all ages. There are gentle tours of the underground mine shafts or you could scale the inside of a beautiful mountain. Or you can cross the infinity bridge that scales the mountainous sides of Honister, some describe as simply  terrifying. With all that is on offer … you could actually be hours at this attraction! It is also a great way to explore some of the beautiful history of the area.

8. Sizergh Castle And Gardens

The great Sizergh Castle was owned by the Strickland family whom originally built this home in the mid fourteen century. It was  then extended in the Elizabethan times to become much grander. The Strickland family are still residing in the home and have kindly opened up the location for visitors and members of the National Trust. At the house, you can enjoy rare and fabulous oak furnishings amongst family murals and impressive architectural windows. A great option to wander and a nosey at times gone by.

9. Gosforth Cross

Linking the two belief systems of Christianity and Norse mythology, Gosforth Cross and St Mary’s Church is an excellent place to discover two different cultures combined. Inside the church you’ll find fragments of Viking culture alongside the two crosses, in addition to the 15 foot cross situated outside the church. You can also find two ancient tomb covers crafted out of the beautiful local stone.

If you’re looking to wind down and spend the afternoon relaxing by an open fire with a good book, here at The Swan we have an abundance of cosy corners. The hotel’s snug area is a warm and inviting space in the hotel great for a glass or wine and a catch up or snuggling down with a hot choc. Speaking of wine! The Swan Inn has a fabulous selection of fine wines, a mountain of craft gins and of course award winning local lagers. Dine in the low lit country pub or make date night extra special with a table in the hotels own restaurant the Cygneture Brasserie. Serving refined dishes using locally grown ingredients, fresh fish and powerful spices. If you’re staying with us and want to step out of the hotel for the evening there are loads of swanderful places eat out! We’ve listed a few below for you to try …

10. Thai Kitchen In Kendal

Although it hasn’t been open for long, since Summer 2020 the Thai Cafe in Kendal has earned one of the best reputations in the Lake District for their food. Offering an ambience that is both lively and relaxed the Thai Cafe team offer food that provides an authentic experience of grass-roots Thai food. You’ll impress the other half with a romantic date night at this local popular restaurant. If you’re not looking for a sit-in experience, and would prefer to take your meal, a bottle of wine and sit outside looking over the wondrous views of the Lake District, then they also operate a ‘drive-thru’ takeaway in Dockray!

11. ES Bar

Who doesn’t like to have a cocktail with their tapas? Well at both ES bar locations in the Lakes you can try both! The bar is highly rated and is considered one of the top things to do in the Lake District for couples. The rustic interiors, decorated with striking painted murals create a vibrant atmosphere that brings the restaurant and bar to life. Sample craft beers available both on draught and bottle and pick your poison from a long list of highly recommended cocktails. Food at the ES bar is an extensive range of some of the best Mexican inspired tapas dishes. Fruity cocktails may come in handy when needing to cool down your taste buds! All meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients also offering gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you are on the hunt for dog friendly dining, your pooch is more than welcome in the downstairs area.

12. Amigos

Another great Mexican restaurant is the well-known Amigos, with a lively atmosphere it is the perfect spot for any couple wanting to have a great night out. The restaurant is well known for the zesty tomato salsas, guacamole with jalapenos and the freshest steaks that have been bought from one of the best Cumbrian butchers. The restaurant is considered one of the top spots to eat for couples and those looking for a spicy night. And if you’re looking to experience the delights of this restaurant, then you had better book in advance, the place is often booked up by both locals and tourists.

13. Baha Bar, Bowness

Full of floral flare and incredible interiors, the Baha bar in Bowness is so much more than its looks making it the perfect for Lake District activities for couples and adults.

From its quirky cocktail bar to private karaoke rooms, Baha is the perfect place for an adults only night on the town.

Based in the beautiful town of Bowness-on-Windermere, don’t forget to take in the views of Windermere Lake before heading over to this beautiful bar for the night!

14. Chesters by the River

Looking for a nice, easy walk with a great place to eat afterwards? Chesters by the River is the place for you. As the name suggests, Chesters is situated beside the beautiful riverside, and with the option of outdoor and indoor dining, you can feel fully immersed in the elements (or warm up indoors!)

Chesters by the River is great for those looking for vegetarian and vegan options in the Lakes, plus they do a mean hot chocolate! In addition, they have a fabulous boutique shop selling homeware and lovely toiletries (warning: you’ll want to take the whole shop home with you…).

Make your way down the riverside and you’ll be able to follow a footpath all the way to Elterwater with a pub at the end – what more could you want!

15. Hardknott on Track

If you’re an ale aficionado, then you’ll love the cosy Hardknott on Track. The bar is situated next to the local station and has a drink for all kinds of tastes including seasonal ales, extra strong beers and more. The Hardknott on Track bar is visited by locals and visiting couples all year round and has a great ambience. If you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss out on this treat.

There are numerous Lake District attractions that you should be visiting this year. From the beautiful Lake District spa at the four star Swan Hotel that includes one of the best eateries in the Lake District, to museums and grand houses that will encompass you in some of the rich heritage of Britain and the Lake District.

So, if you’re looking for something to do now the little ones have gone back to school, there are many great Lake District activities for adults and couples!