What to do with the kids when it rains in the Lakes

When it comes to taking a holiday in the Lake District, it is quite likely you will experience all four seasons in one day!

However, as it is such a beautiful part of the UK, it is well worth the visit (whatever the weather) -  and the great news is there are plenty of things to do when it is raining too.

So why not beat the drizzle and try out some of these activities when you need to escape the wet weather in the Lakes?

Burn off some energy at Kendal Wall - the indoor rock climbing centre

Boasting the tallest indoor climbing wall in England at 25m high, Kendal Wall caters for climbers of all abilities — from beginners to experts and everything in between.

In the main hall, there is a large roof section, overhanging jamming crack and a cave for multi-pitching.

Other walls range from 7m to 20m, including gentle to very steep slabs that offer more of a challenge. It’s the perfect place to escape the rain and keep all the family entertained for a few hours. 

Discover the sea-life of Cumbria at the Lake District Coast Aquarium

Located in the harbour of Maryport, the Lake District Coast Aquarium is home to an amazing underwater world of sea-life, including the freshwater trout cascade, lobster hatchery, and the Crashing Wave display, which offers an ideal home for seabass and other species who love to be amongst the choppy waves.

There’s a shark and ray pool too, where the stingrays often come up to say hello!

Relax over coffee and cake in the café or have a round of crazy golf with the kids whilst you’re there.

Explore the haunted Muncaster Castle

The majestic (and widely rumoured haunted) Muncaster Castle has been home to the Pennington family for over 800 years since 1208.

Set in the middle of stunning hilltop scenery, the art critic John Ruskin once described the stunning views of England’s highest mountains as “Heaven’s Gate”.

Explore the impressive state rooms and interesting antiques that have been collected since the castle was first built.

Don’t forget to take a visit to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where you can meet falcons, owls, hawks, eagles, herons & vultures, while finding out more about these magnificent birds of prey. 

And if the weather clears up, kids will love to explore the play area, as well as The Meadowvole Maze and The Enchanted Trail!

Hop aboard the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway

On an overcast day, why not take a trip on this unique steam railway and travel from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake District National Park, to Dalegarth Station near Boot.

This  is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La’al Ratty meaning “little railway“ in olde Cumbrian dialect.

Experience 7 miles of rolling hills and beautiful countryside before stopping off for a delicious lunch at one of the station tea rooms.

Dogs are also welcome for a small fee, so they don’t have to be left behind while you wait for the rain to stop. 

Find a weather-proof holiday cottage with a hot tub or games room

If you simply want to stay in, relax and enjoy all that your holiday cottage in the Lake District has to offer, have you considered a cottage with a hot tub?

Come rain or shine, a hot tub is the perfect way to add some all weather fun to your getaway: hot tubs are great all year round and especially when it’s freezing cold or raining outside!

Or if you are looking for a drier alternative, why not look for a holiday rental with a games room — ideal for keeping the kids (big and small) entertained while it’s pouring down outside? 

How to find the best holiday cottage rental in the Lake District

Whatever you are looking for, we have the perfect Lake District holiday cottage accommodation for you.

Whether you are a couple travelling with one child or three generations of one family looking for a large house suitable for a multi generational break away, we have thousands of holiday cottages for you to choose from.

Use our simple website search. Or get in touch via our free holiday cottage concierge service and ask us to do the hard work for you!

Image credit: Lake District Coast Aquarium