10 things to do when it rains in the Lake District
Weather in the Lakes is never dull! Rain can blow through quickly leaving clear skies and shimmering rainbows. If you want to escape the weather, there are lots of activities, a short drive from Kentmere Farm pods
If you haven't managed to spot Otters on the river Kent, head over to the Aquarium of the Lakes to catch them close-up at feeding time. You will find lots of aquatic life on display.
Jump into sets beautifully crafted from the books, with Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Jemima Puddleduck at The World Of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. The cafe is worth a visit to see Hunker Munker in glass cases amongst the tea sets.
Windermere and Ullswater Lake Cruises tend to run in most weathers. Jump aboard from Bowness or Glenridding Piers.
Cinemas at the Royalty in Windermere, the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. and Zeffirellis in Ambleside.
Take the steam gondola from Coniston village to Brantwood, home to John Ruskin. Visit the beautiful Arts and Crafts house with great views over the lake and a rocky garden to explore. The Spinning Jenny cafe is a great place to have tea.
Visit Hilltop, Sawrey and see the house where Beatrix Potter lived and worked. It's small but packed with artifacts and drawings of the animals in her books. There is even a small 'Mr. McGregor' style vegetable garden outside to explore.
The Quaker Tapestry in Kendal is well worth a visit and has some good interactive displays suitable for young children.
Catch a short ride on a steam train on the Haverthwaite railway to Windermere. Sit back and enjoy the adventure.
Further afield you'll find the Dock museum in Barrow, with models of ships and displays on Barrow's shipbuilding heritage. Entrance free. Nearby, Walney and Piel Island are worth exploring.
Honister slate mines offers guided tours of the mine with some impressive underground features and history tour. Rheged in Penrith is an award-winning indoor family activity day out. There is an Imax 3D cinema, art gallery, an outdoor play area and lots of shops and places to eat.
Alternatively, celebrate the rain! Walks to see the waterfalls at Aira Force with great views of Ullswater. Park at the National Trust car park beyond Glenridding. Or follow the Ambleside Waterfall walk to Stock Ghyll Falls from the town centre.
