The National Trust is synonymous with the Lake District. This might be in part due to it’s connection to Mrs Hellis (Beatrix Potter), who used her mass of wealth to purchase, preserve and then donate vast numbers of farms and acres of land to the National Trust. But there’s far more than just land and farms to be enjoyed in the Lakes.
This really is a short list of National trust properties int he Lake District. You can find more here.
Aira Force
There are plenty of waterfalls in the Lake District, we can see some from Low Nest. But none are like Aira Force. The National Trust have done a great job of creating a lovely little walk from the bottom car park, winding up one side of the beck through ancient woodlands and over traditional lakeland stone bridges to give a spectacular view of the falls from multiple locations.
While it can be bashed out in less than an hour; we’d recommend you to take your time and enjoy the woods and surrounding areas. There is a cafe, but also a picnic area by the main car park so you can enjoy an al alfresco lunch. This could be a great stop off if you are visiting Ullswater for the day.
Hill Top Farm
Explore Mr Macgregor’s garden and get a glimpse into Beatrix Potters life at the house that she called home for much of her life in the Lake District. You can see what made this place so special and how it inspired her to preserve other farms like it (such as nearby Yew Tree Farm, the set of the movie Mrs Potter). Outside you can explore her famous gardens and take a walk to Moss Eccles Tarn.
Wordsworth House and Gardens
“The loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.
Discover the place that bred and inspired one of Englands greatest poets and laureates. Far more than just a house you can explore the gardens that captivated a young William and gave him a life long passion for gardening. Whats more; situated in Cockermouth on the edge of the Lake District, this is the perfect place to escape the busier in the central lakes at peak season.
Tarn Hows
If you’re ever exploring between Ambleside and Coniston then we thoroughly recommend stopping off and having a lovely stroll round Tarn Hows. This man made tarn offers a gentle yet very picturesque 2 mile walk, which can take an hour or 2 depending on how often you stop to admire the stunning scenery.
Fell Foot
Situated at the bottom of Windermere the ground of this old country residence boasts a lovely manicured old country garden with quaint boathouses, rowing boat hire and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic. As a kid Alasdair’s family would take their canoe and boat down here.
I don’t think we’re breaking any news that it rains in the Lake District. The lush green fells need a regular soaking to keep themselves looking so good. But what to do when the heavens have opened? First of all; don’t worry, there’s loads of great things you can do when it’s raining in the Lake District, and in the surrounding area.
Things to do around Keswick
There’s lots of things you can do around Keswick when it’s raining. From the bustling markets and quaint cafes of the town itself, to the sophisticated distillery tours and historic mining museums. But for those who like to keep active the old slate mines at Honister are an ideal dryish activity, while the Keswick climbing wall also boasts a cafe! Here’s a few of our ideas for you
The Lakes Distillery
Fine food and extra fine booze. What’s not to love. Not just a maker of exquisite gin, The Lakes Distillery is the crafter of the finest English Whisky. As well as tours of the distillery there are numerous tasting experiences and a delicious bistro.
www.lakesdistillery.com/
Keswick Brewery
You can never tour too many breweries! Keswicks brewery not only offers tours, but also has its own bar.
www.keswickbrewery.co.uk/
Honister Slate Mines
Learn about the fascinating history of slate mining in the Lake District while exploring the old mine shafts.
www.honister.com/product/mine-tours/
Threlkeld Railway and Quarry Museum
Pan for (fake) gold while you wait for the narrow guage train to take you up the steep track to the top of the mine where you can explore old exavators.
www.threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk
The Puzzling Place
Enjoy optical illusions and puzzling puzzles. A great quick town escape.
www.puzzlingplace.mobi/
Keswick Launch
Huddle inside one of the Keswick Launches and enjoy the spectacular scenery around Derwent Water.
www.keswick-launch.co.uk/
Kong Adventures
Whether a total novice or experienced climber Kong Adventure, in the centre of Keswick is a great active wet weather option.
www.kongadventure.com/
Keswick Climbing Wall
Just a 20 minute walk from Low Nest, next to the Castlerigg stone circles is Keswick Climbing Wall. Great for experienced and newbie climbers, with the added bonus of a cafe!
www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk
Lakeland Culture
Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum – www.wordsworth.org.uk
Heaton Cooper Studio – www.heatoncooper.co.uk
World of Peter Rabbit – www.hop-skip-jump.com
Windermere Jetty Museum – www.lakelandarts.org.uk/windermere-jetty-museum
Hill Top Farm – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top
Wordsworth School – www.hawksheadgrammar.org.uk
Wordsworth House and Gardens – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house-and-garden
Brantwood, Coniston – www.brantwood.org.uk
Muncaster Castle – www.muncaster.co.uk
Trains, Boats and Wildlife
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway – www.lakesiderailway.co.uk
Windermere Jetty Museum – www.lakelandarts.org.uk/windermere-jetty-museum
Lakes Aquarium – www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
Coast Aquarium, Maryport – www.coastaquarium.co.uk
Lake District Wildlife Park – www.lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk
Get On The Water
Ullswater Steamer – www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Keswick Launch – www.keswick-launch.co.uk
Windermere Cruises – www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Coniston Gondala – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/steam-yacht-gondol
Self Drive Motor Boat – All the main lakes have self drive motor boats available to hire. Most have an en closed cabin so you can enjoy the beauty of the lakes, but in the comfort of the sheltered cabin.
Get Active
Kong Adventure – www.kongadventure.com
Keswick Climbing Wall – www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk
Ambleside Climbing Wall – www.amblesideadventure.co.uk/ambleside-wall
Kendal Climbing Wall – www.kendalwall.co.uk
Finally
One last option; grab a coat and get out for a lovely walk in the rain. If the weather forecast is bad then we wouldn’t recommend doing anything to high or out of your comfort zone. But the rain gives a whole new dimension to the views you’d normally get. Particularly round tarns and lakes. As Billy Connolly says: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. So grab ya wellies and enjoy the Lake District at one of its finest moments.
