Things To Do in the
Lake District & Cumbria

A spectacular, deeply cut U-shaped glaciated valley along the Pennine scarp near Appleby. Offers unforgettable panoramas, easily walked from Dufton village.

A gorgeous horseshoe waterfall complete with a historic running mill building, hidden just a couple of miles outside Appleby town centre in the Eden Valley.

A conical, geometric hill rising clean out of the valley floor. Punchy gradient but delivers magnificent overview vistas of the Eden Valley.

The crown of the entire Pennine range at 893m. Perfect for experienced hill walkers seeking a wild, isolated full-day trek in Cumbria.

Accessible walking paths running straight out of town, threading alongside the tranquil waters to spot local kingfishers and otters.

A dramatic 65-foot waterfall thundering through an ancient oak gorge above Ullswater, cared for by the National Trust. A short, spectacular walk from the car park with circular routes through native woodland.

A commanding 12th-century fortress and historical power base of Lady Anne Clifford. Open to educational tours and peaceful grounds walking.

A historic 1651 sanctuary courtyard tucked on Boroughgate, built explicitly for widows by Lady Anne and kept pristine since.

Houses beautiful historic tombs and England's oldest continually working pipe organ, tracking parts all the way back to 1542.

An atmospheric English Heritage fort built over old Roman foundations, guarding the vital high mountain pass route.

A breathtaking, secluded 12th-century monastic ruin settled by a quiet stream with zero commercial crowds near Penrith.

A commanding red sandstone Norman fortress near Penrith, built over a Roman river crossing and lovingly restored by Lady Anne Clifford — completing her remarkable trio of Eden Valley castles.

A National Trust walled garden near Temple Sowerby, just 15 minutes away — 275 herb varieties, traditional fruit orchards, a working watermill, and peaceful woodland walks.

The finest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall and Britain's best-preserved Roman fort gatehouse, ~50 minutes north. Walk the Wall Path and explore 2,000 years of frontier history.

A magnificent house that evolved over centuries around a medieval pele tower, surrounded by spectacular topiary gardens and ancient woodland walks. Gardens open daily (except Saturday); house open Wed, Thu, Sun and Bank Holidays. Home to Potfest in the Park.

Hop on right at Appleby station for England's premier scenic rail voyage, passing straight over the architectural Ribblehead Viaduct into the Dales.

The nearest deep-cut glacial Lake District lake. Ride the iconic heritage steamers — sailing Ullswater for over 160 years — from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, with a stop right at Aira Force waterfall.

A thriving market town right down the road known for narrow historic alley passageways and artisan craft shopping.

England's third largest ancient stone circle monument. A mysterious, deeply atmospheric prehistoric site wrapped in wizard folklore.

England's largest lake, ~60 minutes from the cottage. Cruise between Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside on historic vessels — or hire your own electric boat and explore independently.

Orton Farmers' Market (2nd Saturday) and Brough Market (3rd Saturday) are both under 20 minutes away — brilliant for artisan Cumbrian cheeses, local sausages, fresh honey, and seasonal produce.

An authentically restored 1861 Victorian station preserved by volunteers. Explore vintage steam locomotives, a 1930s Pullman buffet car, and rare heritage wagons. Free entry on Sundays Easter–December; steam rides run on special event days.

A hidden gem near Penrith housing over 15,000 rare plant varieties, a Red Barn art gallery, and La Casa Verde — a pescatarian restaurant sourcing directly from the on-site organic kitchen garden. Tranquil, upscale, and entirely off the tourist trail.

Located right in your neighbourhood of Bolton — a cosy, welcoming family-run gastro-pub serving brilliant hearty Cumbrian dishes by the open wood fires.

Upscale dining focused on locally sourced game, fresh venison, estate fowl, and a curated boutique wine cellar in the heart of Appleby.

Boasting 2 AA Rosettes, this fine-dining gem balances creative gastronomy with a welcoming modern bistro menu overlooking the Eden Valley.

Known as the 'Waitrose of the North' in nearby Penrith. The gold standard for stocking your cottage kitchen with artisan local Cumbrian cheeses and produce.

A legendary family-run chocolate factory in the village of Orton, crafting over 100 varieties since 1991. Watch chocolate being made through factory viewing windows, hand-pick luxury truffles in the shop, and linger in the cosy factory tea room.

An imposing 19th-century castle ruin set in master-planned estate gardens. 'The Lost Castle' is one of the largest eco-adventure wood playgrounds in the UK — plus bike hire to explore the sweeping grounds.

A working Jersey dairy farm in Clifton producing over 30 flavours of artisan ice cream. Includes an indoor soft-play barn, outdoor play areas, and the chance to meet the herd up close.

The ultimate rainy-day rescue plan near Penrith — indoor play, craft workshops, gallery exhibitions, and a 60-foot cinema screen.

Treetop zip lines and high ropes adventures in a woodland setting above Windermere — ages 3 and up. Multiple course options from beginner-friendly Mini Treetop Treks to full-length zip runs through the forest canopy.

Forest high ropes and zip lines for the whole family set among the treetops of Whinlatter Forest near Keswick — ages 4 and up. Cumbria's only mountain forest makes for one of Go Ape's most dramatic settings.

Outdoor crazy golf and FootGolf in Penrith — ages 3 and up. Multiple themed courses make it an easy, laid-back family afternoon. Also available for kids' birthday parties.

High ropes and zip lines deep inside Grizedale Forest near Hawkshead — ages 4 and up. One of Go Ape's most dramatic woodland settings, with multi-level platforms and long zip runs through ancient forest.

A BHS-approved riding centre near Ravenstonedale, just 22 minutes away, offering guided fell trail rides through the Eden Valley and Yorkshire Dales border country.

Guided horseback treks across the fells above Ullswater with stunning lake views — from short paddock rides to full hour-long fell excursions at Pooley Bridge.

Penrith's independent three-screen cinema on Middlegate, about 30 minutes from the cottage — showing the latest releases, live NT Theatre broadcasts, and opera screenings.

The Eden is one of England's finest wild trout and grayling rivers. Appleby Angling Association day permits unlock 20 miles of world-class, environmentally protected water right from the doorstep.

The crystal-clear River Eden flows right through Appleby, with popular swimming spots off the town's own banks and accessible riverside pools — one of the best wild swimming rivers in northern England.

Take the wheel of a specially prepared ex-military Land Rover on a guided 2 or 5-hour off-road expedition through hidden Lake District trails near Windermere. Available year-round and suitable for complete beginners.

A beautifully converted church in the heart of Appleby, now a thriving community enterprise. Wholefood café, local craft events, and a unique indoor climbing wall hidden inside the chapel architecture — with open sessions for all abilities. Your best rainy-day option right on the doorstep.

Private, hands-on falconry experiences near Kirkby Thore — hawk walks, owl encounters, and the chance to fly a Harris Hawk or rare Goshawk yourself. A premium one-on-one encounter with birds of prey in the heart of the Eden Valley. Pre-booking essential.

An award-winning social enterprise dedicated to rehoming alpacas and llamas from across the UK. Small-group guided walks through the Lingholm Estate or Whinlatter Forest near Keswick — calm, social, and utterly memorable. Pre-booking mandatory.

A 14-bay floodlit driving range, a 9-hole par-3 course with sweeping Pennines and Lakeland fell views, and a high-tech indoor putting studio with PGA coaching available year-round. Perfect for complete beginners or seasoned golfers looking for a relaxed round.