The start of a new year is such a great time to plan new experiences and activities. The Lake District offers no end of things to do, it’s without question one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country. Mile upon mile of breathtaking natural beauty and a diverse range of outdoor activities make it ideal for adventure and challenges. If you’ve made a resolution in 2020 to try new things then you’ll find great inspiration in The Lakes. Make it a fun-filled day out from our Lake District Caravan Park at Hawthorns, with this selection of 10 of the best things to do to tick off the bucket list. How many can you cross off the list?
Trek with a fell pony
Explore the The Lake District with a native fell pony for company. This is sure to be a fulfilling way to discover hidden parts of Cumbria. Fell Pony Adventures offer tailer made treks for all age groups. Choose from a one day trek or a three night wild camping expedition.
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Take a Canoe or kayak trip
Ullswater is the perfect destination for watersport enthusiasts with stunning scenery and its own dedicated canoe trail. The full route takes up two days to complete with a backdrop that takes in the iconic attractions of Steamer Pier, Aira Force and Pooley Bridge along the way.
Ride a segway
The award-winning Lakeland Segway is the longest running company of its kind in the UK. A chance to go off-road and explore the beautiful medieval village of Cartmel and surrounding woodlands. The unique experience provides options for group bookings, tuition and gift vouchers – ideal for a special occasion. Online booking is required to make certain of availability for this popular Lake District bucket list choice.
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Walk with an alpaca
Alpacaly Ever After is a fantastic social enterprise with a mission to provide a wonderful new home for alpacas and llamas from far and wide. The delightful alpaca and llama experiences provide a way for people to get to know these adorable creatures while explore the breathtaking landscape. Activities include meeting alpacas at the Lakes Distillery, walking with alpacas at the Lingholm Estate, Whinlatter Forest or Llama trekking at Littletown Farm.
Cross a high wire
Not for the faint hearted, The Infinity Bridge is a high wire 2,000 feet above the valley floor at Honister Pass. If you’re feeling brave enough to take on the challenge, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic view of the industrial landscape, famous for its slate mining history. The longest of its type in Britain, the Infinity Bridge gets its name from the very fact that you can’t see where it finishes from one end to the other!
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Take a SUP lesson
Take to Derwenwater with a Stand Up Paddleboarding introduction lesson if you’re a beginner. When you’ve built up the confidence you can take a river safari tour into the heart of the Lakes. A perfect and tranquil way to explore The Lake District – lessons and tours are available at Derwent, Coniston and Windermere. Such is the growing interest in this activity, SUPFEST is a 3 day celebration of all-things Paddleboarding at Armathwaite in Cumbria.
Swim in a lake
Swimming is a great way to enjoy The Lake District with many amazing opportunities to go for a quick dip. Most of the lakes and rivers in the Lake District are fine for swimming can be. It’s worth noting that some areas of water are considerably quieter than others. Head to Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Grasmere, Loweswater, Rydal Water and Wast Water for more peaceful lakes.
Most of the lakes and rivers in the Lake District are fine for swimming, but it’s important to stay safe and be aware that it not permitted in Ennerdale Water, Haweswater, Thirlmere resevoir and Kentmere. Swimming in the Lake District guide.
Visit a waterfall
The Lake District is blessed with a wealth of stunning waterfalls. Aira Force, Rydal Falls and Ritson’s Force are some of the most commonly visited. You could have a bucket list just for visiting waterfalls, and if you fancy travelling a little further afield there’s more spectacular waterfalls in The Yorkshire Dales to explore.
Skydive
See the unparalleled beauty of The Lake District from above with a skydiving experience. If you’re feeling there are solo courses available as well tandem Tandem jumps are available for first timers as well solo jumps (gulp) for a brave way to achieve an unforgettable Lake District bucket list firmly ticked off. Visit Skydive North West for full details.
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Walk The Cumbria Way
A walk along the long distance footpath from Ulverston in South Lakes to Carlisle. Take in the stunning scenery through Coniston and Keswick along the 112km woodland journey. This well-signposted walk can be achieved in a week and delivers a great sense of satisfaction on completion. If you’re looking for a shorter distance walk see our guide to best walks in the Lake District.
Climb the Wainwrights
A ‘Wainwright’ is a term that refers to one of 214 fells in the Lake District. They are named after Alfred Wainwright, who penned a popular guide to all of the Lakeland Fells and surrounding area. The Wainwrights have varying heights and difficulties, with the tallest point at Scafell Pike a staggering 3,209 ft. Conquering all 214 Wainwrights is a considerable challenge, but if you’ve got the courage to do it you can consider you’re Lake District bucket list complete!
This is just a small handpicked selection of ‘must’ do’ activities to add your Lake District bucket list. If you’re not feeling quite so adventurous, there’s many other things to do in The Lakes, perfect for exploring from your Lake District static caravan at Hawthorns park.
Main header photo: Andrew Gray on Flickr
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