10 things to do on a rainy day in the Lake District

They say every cloud has a silver lining and this couldn’t be more true than in the Lake District. Of course, we wouldn’t have the beautiful lakes without getting a little rain every now and again. And it’s because we have our fair share of rain that the region is well-prepared even for wet weather days. While outdoor activities may be dampened by the weather, there’s still no shortage of memorable activities to enjoy when the rain falls. Read on for some ideas and inspiration next time you’re faced with a rainy day in Cumbria and the Lake District!

Soap-making masterclass with Pure Lakes in Far Sawrey

Indulge your senses and unleash your creativity with a soap-making masterclass at Pure Lakes in Far Sawrey. Under the expert guidance of artisan soap-makers, learn the art of crafting luxurious, all-natural soaps from a choice of essential oils. Select your own fragrances and experience the therapeutic joy of handcrafting your own bespoke soap to take home as a souvenir of your time in the Lake District.

Family group chocolate workshop at The Chocolate Factory in Hawkshead

Delight your taste buds with a hands-on family chocolate-making workshop at The Chocolate Factory in Hawkshead. Dive into a world of sweetness as you learn the secrets of crafting delectable chocolates from scratch. From tempering chocolate to creating intricate designs, unleash your inner chocolatier and craft mouthwatering treats to enjoy or share with loved ones.

Glass blowing experience at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston

Experience first-hand and close up, the extreme temperatures required to transform sand into glass and learn some of the 2,000 year old skills first developed by the ancient Romans. During the Cumbria Crystal ‘blow your own bauble’ experience, you will work one-to-one with a glassblower who will tutor and support you through every step of the creation of your own multicoloured crystal bauble. This is a truly unique and educational experience during where you will work with glass at 1200 degrees Centigrade.

Escape room challenge at Cliffhanger Rooms in Backbarrow

Test your wits and teamwork skills with an escape room challenge from Cliffhanger Rooms. Choose from a variety of themed rooms, each filled with puzzles, clues, and hidden secrets waiting to be unlocked. Race against the clock as you work together to unravel mysteries and plot your escape from captivity – an immersive challenge requiring your team to work with lots of objects, codes and hidden hints to help you to complete your mission in time.

The cinema at Rheged near Penrith

What sets the cinema at Rheged apart is not just its picturesque location, but also its unique movie-watching experience. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-definition screens and immersive sound systems, Rheged’s cinema transports viewers into the heart of the story. Also, its programme includes a diverse range of films, from mainstream blockbusters to thought-provoking documentaries. And if that’s not enough, Rheged also hosts special events, film festivals and community screenings.

Arts and crafts at Cowshed Creative near Staveley

At Cowshed Creative near Staveley, artistic exploration allows you to try your hand at an array of arts and crafts activities. Weave with willow to fashion intricate garden structures, or discover the magic of silver clay in a captivating jewellery workshop. Create your own bespoke earrings and pendants, or explore the graceful art of modern calligraphy to add a personal touch to your correspondence Whatever activity takes your fancy, there’s a wealth of workshops to choose from.

Make your own distilled spirit at Shed One Distillery in Ulverston

Learn about the intricate process of distillation at this past winner of the Cumbria Tourism Experience of the Year, from selecting botanicals to balancing flavours, as you craft your own bespoke distilled spirit. With access to a variety of premium ingredients and state-of-the-art Shed One Distillery equipment, unleash your creativity and experiment with unique flavour combinations to create a personalised spirit that reflects your tastes and preferences.

Watch cows being milked from the café at Low Sizergh Barn near Kendal

For something a little bit different, head to the café at Low Sizergh Barn, just outside Kendal. Check on when the milking times are and, if you time it right, you could be savouring delicious treats whilst watching the cows being milked from a viewing gallery high above. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon tea, this is a fun experience, especially if you have young ones in tow!

Various workshops at The Maker’s Mill in Keswick

Unleash your creativity at The Maker’s Mill in Keswick with an eclectic array of workshops to ignite the artist within. Discover the ancient art of stained glass, fashion your own unique forager bag, dive into the intricate world of linocut printmaking or bring nature indoors with a plant pot and macramé plant hanger workshop. These are just some of the things you can do, alongside unleashing your inner potter with a hands-on session throwing clay on the wheel, or mastering the art of painting mountains in stunning detail.

Get outside regardless!

Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t still enjoy the outdoors! Don your waterproof gear, embrace the rain and experience the Lake District in a whole new light. Rain can add a mystical charm to the landscape, enhancing the lush greenery and creating cascading waterfalls that are a sight to behold. Embracing the rain allows you to see the Lake District in its raw, unfiltered beauty – just remember to prioritise safety and be mindful of changing weather conditions.