7 Activities to Enjoy in the Lakes This Spring

3 May 2018

Spring has finally sprung, so if you’re staying at one of our parks here in the Lake District, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy everything that the area has to offer.

Here are seven of our favourite things to do in the Lakes this spring, whether it be a gentle stroll in the fells or an encounter with some remarkable creatures.

Off-Road Tour

For a slightly different way of getting out and seeing the Lakes, how about heading out on your own off-road adventure?

Whether it’s taking a quad bike up to the stunning grounds of the Lingholm Estate (the childhood holiday home of Beatrix Potter) with Lingholm Sporting Quad Bike Treks or taking the wheel of your own 4×4 with Kankku, it’s a chance to get your hands dirty (literally!) and see the Lakes from a whole new angle.

If you’re worried about lack of experience, all the off-road tour operators here in the Lakes have great teams of experienced instructors and guides who are on hand to make sure they’re accessible for all visitors.

Ghyll Scrambling/Abseiling

Sticking with adventure on the more adrenaline-fuelled end of the spectrum, the rugged landscape of the Lakes is tailor-made for adventure, with opportunities for ghyll scrambling, gorge walking, canyoning, abseiling and more.

It’s a fun and exhilarating activity that will create long lasting memories, especially if you’re visiting with younger family members who are likely to turn their noses up at the thought of another walk on the fells! It’s also a popular one with hen and stag dos!

Boat Tour

If those last two suggestions sound a little bit too much, how about a relaxing cruise on one of the beautiful lakes?

Whether you want to hire out a boat for yourself to explore on your own, or take a guided tour is totally up to you, with numerous firms offering tours on the Lakes, including romantic ‘sail and dine’ tours where you’ll be treated to a slap up meal and bottle of wine while you take in your surroundings.

Or you could try the historic Ullswater Steamers or Windermere Lake Cruises, which have been ferrying tourists across the lakes for hundreds of years.

Alpaca Walk

Yes, you read that correctly: you can take an alpaca for a walk here in the Lakes this spring! Alpacaly Ever After, on the grounds of the Lingholm Estate, is one of the Lake District’s quirkiest activities and allows you to take a group of adorable alpacas out for a walk along the shores of Derwent Water!

It’s a true one-off chance to get up close with these wonderful creatures and get to learn a bit more about them as you feed them and take them for a dip in the lake.

Kayaking/Canoeing

Another way to enjoy the many lakes and tarns of the region is on a kayak or canoe, but just be ready for a bit of hard work!

If you’ve never tried it before, there are instructors on hand to make sure you don’t capsize on your first go, but it’s definitely worth a try as it’s a much calmer way to enjoy the water.

Predator Experience

Another unique wildlife experience the Lakes has to offer (albeit a bit less cuddly than the alpacas) is the Predator Experience in Ayside.

They offer a range of experiences with animals such as wolves, foxes and eagles, all motivated by the need to protect biodiversity within the natural world.

Walking

Of course, we couldn’t make a list of things to do in the Lake District without mentioning walking, and there are loads of walks which are particularly beautiful in the springtime.

Check out this list from the Lake District National Park for five of their favourites, including the Secret Valley of the Bluebells, which bloom into life around this time of year.

As always, there are walks for all abilities here in the Lakes, and it’s probably the activity that draws the most people here, due to the stunning scenery.

Be sure to check out our Lake District parks if you’re planning to visit the Lakes this Spring!