5 Fun Indoor Activities in the Lake District

23 January 2020

A trip to the Lake District is a lot of fun no matter what time of year you visit. 

Most of the usual activities you would typically enjoy in the Lake District can still be enjoyed in the winter too, including stunning winter walks (with the right preparation of course) and days out across the region, but if you really do need to escape from the elements, there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities that can be enjoyed too.

The Armitt Museum, Gallery, and Library

Ambleside

One of the Lake District’s least famous museums, the Armitt is well worth a visit if you’re a lover of art and heritage. It opened it’s doors in 1912, and was supported by Beatrix Potter. She gifted a collection of botanical watercolour paintings of her own, as well as first editions of her books.

The museum also houses a collection of artwork by Kurt Schwitters, who was influential in developing twentieth-century art. So why not pop along the next time you’re in Ambleside?

Lakeland

Windermere

Are you a lover of kitchenware, homeware, cleaning, or anything to do with your home? Then you’ll love whiling away an afternoon at the flagship store of Lakeland, in Windermere.

Particularly following the rise in popularity of cleaning influencers such as Mrs Hinch, Lakeland is more popular than ever, and the original store offers a fantastic shopping experience.

They also have a cafe on the first floor, which is the perfect place to take a break from all that shopping.

Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House

Bowness-on-Windermere

This Grade I listed building is a must-visit if you’re a fan of the Arts and Crafts movement. It stays open in the wintertime, so you can visit all year round. It’s the perfect place to escape to on a rainy day for indoor activities.

Built in 1901, the home was designed to be a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt and his wife and five children. Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott was the architect. He had made a name for himself prior to this project by publishing his sketches and ideas in an art and design magazine called The Studio.

As well as being able to explore the home itself, it has a cafe that is a great shout for lunch, as they serve fabulous freshly prepared food.

The Puzzling Place

Keswick

Head to Keswick for a mindbending experience at the Puzzling Place. Home to optical illusions, puzzles, and holograms that will leave you unable to believe your eyes. It’s a whole lot of fun for people of all ages, so it’s the perfect place to bring the family, come rain or shine.

Experience the anti-gravity room, the Ames room, the Eyelusions Exhibition and more. And then take a look around the gift shop, which sells all manner of gadgets and puzzles for you to keep forever.

Wray Castle

Ambleside

Another great spot to visit with kids is Wray Castle, on the shores of Lake Windermere. This mock-Gothic castle is an impressive sight, with turrets and towers, and was actually built as a home. 

These days it is owned by the National Trust, and open to the public. It is the perfect place for a family day out. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied for hours at a time, especially when the weather isn’t the best.

The rooms throughout the house have been turned into a space to relax, play, or get creative. With the Peter Rabbit Adventure rooms upstairs, which will keep the kids entertained. While The Kitchen Court Café is the perfect place to enjoy cake and hot drinks. A percentage of the sales going towards maintaining the estate.

These are just a few of the fantastic rainy day indoor activities in the local area. So why not start planning your trip to the Lake District today? There’s plenty to do come rain or shine, and it’s the perfect place to come and get away from the hustle and bustle.

Get in touch with us here at Pure Leisure and book your next holiday today.