Back to Blog

6th September 2023

Things to do in the Lake District when it Rains

A holiday when the weather is wet doesn’t mean a washout, as there are still plenty of things to see and do in the Lake District when it rains.

Here are some of the brilliant attractions you can visit close to our Lake District cottages come rain or (fingers crossed) sunshine.

Honister Slate Mine

Honister Slate Mine is located on the main road from Borrowdale to Buttermere, at the top of Honister Pass and is a still working mine which offers underground tours throughout the day.

It gives you the chance to see exactly how the mine works and how the renowned Westmorland green slate is extracted. The tours also include a historical element and there is even the chance to follow the original miner’s track, using a series of metal cables, rungs, ladders and bridges, if you’re feeling brave.

Muncaster Castle and Gardens

Muncaster Castle has been in the Pennington Family since 1208 and is today known as one of the most haunted castles in the UK.

With its stunning gardens (perhaps not on the rainiest of days), an owlery and ornately decorated rooms to explore, many ‘unusual happenings’ have been reported at Muncaster over the decades, and it’s an interesting afternoon even in wet weather, especially if you take a stroll under the cover of the canopy in Bluebell Wood.

The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery practises holistic spirit production, with a whisky-maker at the helm throughout the journey through the distillery and beyond.

There’s the chance to sample a mix of tipples along the way and the on-site bistro serves up lunch, afternoon tea and dinner once you’ve had your fill of the drinks. You are also not far from the River Derwent if in need of some fresh air to walk it all off.

Ruskin’s Residence

Brantwood in Coniston was the former home of the area’s most renowned resident, artist and critic John Ruskin.

It is a ‘hidden gem’, providing both artistic and natural feats of beauty and the chance to explore the former home of a highly-acclaimed visionary. You can explore the Ruskin Museum and learn about his time living in the Lakes, while examining fine furnishings, beautiful paintings and many of Ruskin’s most treasured possessions. Brantwood also boasts 250 acres of gardens, which are beautiful whatever the weather.

Aira Force Waterfall

Aira Force in Ullswater is even more stunning when it’s wet. Simply walk under the shelter of the leafy canopy and view the waterfalls with added drama, as it drops a staggering 65 foot!! The rain further amplifies the crash, cascading to the ground below and the atmosphere can be something quite unique, thanks to the absence of crowds.

Threlkeld Quarry

Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum offers the opportunity to discover even more about the history of the Lake District and venture on an underground tour, where you can view a varied collection of machinery. The quarry even has its own narrow gauge railway, via which you can take in some stunning views of Blencathra and shelter from the wet weather.

A holiday during the colder months does not mean you have to hide away indoors, should you not wish to, of course! It can even make some attractions more unique and there are plenty of things to do in the Lake District when it rains, even if you’re forced to swap the fells for stately homes and museums.

Feeling inspired to book an autumnal or winter break? Browse our collection of Cumbrian cottages. 

Related Articles