10 (Unusual) Things To Do In The Lake District

Most peoples experience of the Lake District falls in to two categories: they are either the outdoor type and will spend their days walking the fells, exploring the flora and fauna of the mountain tops and valleys, or they are the indoor type that will spend many happy hours socialising in the many pubs and restaurants, or simply browsing the shops. However, the Lake District has much more to offer those who would like to venture a little way off the regularly beaten tourist trails. Here’s our guide to ten unusual things to do whilst enjoying a self catering holiday in Cumbria:

• Ghyll Scrambling – this one is definitely for the more adventurous. Immerse yourself in the cold water of a mountain stream whilst trying to climb up a rocky gorge. Hard hats and waterproofs are a must and are usually supplied – contact Keswick Mountain Adventures.
• Take to the water and leave the fells behind – sounds like the opening lines of a song. Get an usual perspective of the surrounding fells by windsurfing across Derwentwater. You can hire equipment from a reputable marina such as Derwent Water Marina near Keswick.
• Sea, Sand and Candyfloss – the tiny fishing hamlet of St. Bees on the west cost of Cumbria offers an exciting day out for those wanting to explore rock pools, build sandcastles or just sit on the promenade eating candy floss. St. Bees in also the start of the Coast to Coast walk.
• Enjoy A Roman Adventure – the Lake District landscape is dotted with evidence of Roman occupation such as the forts at Hardknott, Glannoventa at Ravenglass, and Galava at Ambleside. You can immerse yourself in a true Roman experience at the Vindolanda Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
• Enjoy some retail therapy at the Gretna Green Gateway just over the border in Scotland. Here you can browse across a wide range of well known shops such as Gap, Body Shop, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Antler and Austin Reed to name but a few.
• Horse Riding Across the Fells – before the arrival of quad bikes, farmers took to the fells on horseback. You can enjoy a similar experience, horse riding across the fells. Horses can be hired from a number of riding centres including Park Foot Pony Trekking Centre near Ullswater.
• Experience the underground delights of Cave exploration by visiting White Scar Cave near Ingleton just over the Cumbria border in the Yorkshire Dales. Venture 6 km beneath the ground and marvel at underground waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites.
• Gyrocopter Flight – a unique way to see the Lake District. Experience the thrill of flying through the valleys and over the fell tops – you can take a camera or take the controls. Book a flight with Roger Savage for your own flying experience.
• Visit the zoo – yes, Cumbria has a number of zoo’s and wildlife parks. Enjoy exotic animals at Trotter’s World at Bassenthwaite, where you can see over a 100 species of animals including many that are endangered such as Gibbons and Vultures.
• Pan for Gold – the fells are well known for their gems and precious stones, and there are still many signs of previous mining activity in the area. You can experience the thrill of panning for your own gold at the Mining Museum in Keswick.

Of course, to experience and take part in these varied activities you really need to stay a while in the area. A great place to base yourself is Keswick in the northern Lake District. Simply book a cottage for a long weekend break or full week. You are then free to come and go as your fancy takes you. And when you have completed your daily adventure you can rest and relax in one of the many welcoming pubs and restaurants. Lake District cottages are available for self catering holidays throughout the year.