Including crafts and activities in the Lake District
As one of the most dog friendly hotels in The Lake District, we know that the dog-friendly Lake District is a lovely place to visit and is immensely popular with day-trippers and holidaymakers alike, but as beautiful as the scenery is, the area does have more than its fair share of soggy weather. In this article, you will discover lots of Lake District visitor attractions and Lake District activities for families, as well as other things to do in the rain in Lake District.
The Lakeland Motor Museum
If cars and motorbikes are your thing, then a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum will be right up your street and is amongst the most popular places to visit in the Lake District. Based at Backbarrow close to Newby Bridge (which is at the southernmost tip of Lake Windermere) this museum boasts a collection of more than 30,000 motor vehicle exhibits, including motorbikes, cars and a lot more besides. There is also a dedicated exhibition that is dedicated to world-famous speed king Donald Campbell, who tragically died on Coniston Water whilst trying to break the world water speed record.
The museum is sited on the former site of Backbarrow Blue Mill, a mill that once produced a washing additive known as Dolly Blue but which closed during the 1980s, so there is plenty here for local history buffs too.
Lakeland Motor Instagram & Lakeland Motor Museum website
The Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery is a modern addition to the list of things to do in the Lake District on a rainy day and is on the site of a former Victorian cattle farm just north of Bassenthwaite Lake. For those of you who enjoy a little tipple now and again (we know you do!), you will be pleased to discover that this distillery produces its own whisky, vodka and gin and that is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face on a rainy day. You will have the option to take in one of the tours, as well as participate in one of the guided tasting sessions, and if you are feeling peckish afterwards there is a splendid Bistro too. There is also a shop that stocks all the varieties that the distillery produces, making this one of these things to do Lake District.
The World of Beatrix Potter
If you have children with you and the distillery is not an option, why not take the little ones to the World of Beatrix Potter? Beatrix Potter is famous for being the author who created the characters of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Tom Kitten. At this attraction, you will find many of her most celebrated characters brought magically to life in scenes from her many books, and you will experience the sights, sounds and smells that accompany the stories in the Peter Rabbit Theatre. A full tour of The World of Beatrix Potter will take about an hour, which includes a short film at the beginning that gives a brief overview of Beatrix and her works. At the end of the tour, there is a virtual walking experience, and there is also a character-themed café serving hot chocolate Lake District and a gift shop. Beatrix Potter is one of the best authors of modern times and deserves her place in history. That’s why we’ve put together our own itinerary for a Beatrix Potter Tour.
World of Beatrix Potter Instagram & Hop Skip Jump website
The Armitt Museum
Continuing the Beatrix Potter theme, for fans of hers and the local history of the Lake District, a visit to the Armitt Museum is a must. Situated at the Ambleside campus of the University of Cumbria, this museum opened way back in 1912 and is dedicated solely to the cultural heritage of the Lake District. Supported by Beatrix Potter in its early days, she gifted several of the museums most important exhibits including several botanical watercolours that she painted.
Instagram image credit @hebeatrixpottersociety
Climbing Walls
Being stuck indoors on a rainy day can leave you figuratively climbing the walls, but if you fancy physically climbing some walls then you need to head over to one of the many climbing activity centres in the area. There are plenty to choose from but the one you choose is likely to come down to where you are situated in the Lake District. There is the Keswick Climbing Wall and Activity Centre, The Ambleside Climbing Wall, the Kong Adventure in Keswick and the Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal. If you have children, then Kong Adventure is ideal as they have a climbing wall especially for children and those who have no previous climbing experience. Called Krazy Kong, there are several themed walls to choose from including a beanstalk, a space adventure and a speed wall and there are hours of fun to be had here.
Image: @kongadventurekeswick
The Lakes Aquarium
Just round the corner from The Swan, the Lakes Aquarium is a great place to shelter from the elements whilst learning more about aquatic life. There are tons of different exhibits to keep everyone of all ages entertained, which include The rainforest, The Discovery Zone and The seashore including an amazing over lake tank!
Instagram: @lakesaquarium
Or just stay in one of our cottages and learn a new craft..!
If you don’t fancy venturing out on a rainy day, then snuggle up at The Swan in one of our cosy rooms or one of our luxury lake district cottages and look into learning new crafts for a rainy day, like candle making or making your own soap?
Paper crafting is another hobby that has become popular and will not take up too much room and can be easily transported with you for when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Or just bring out the paint supplies. Children will love painting some of the things they have seen and experienced during their time in the Lake District. If you enjoy baking, then why not pop out to the shop get some supplies and host your very own version of the Great British Bake-off. You will have hours of fun inventing and creating your very own delicious treats, just try not to eat them all at once!
These are just a few ideas for things to do in the Lake District on a rainy day, and hopefully, this article will tickle your fancy and encourage you to try something new or visit one of the many places listed here.
There is no shortage of things to do when the weather is not so sunny, so why not enjoy a break at The Swan Hotel, and don’t let the rain stop you from having a great time!
If you’re looking for some pamper time then why not check out our fabulous spa at our hotel spa in the lake district.