6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In The Lake District
Official figures suggest the Lake District in Cumbria is the second most-visited national park in the world, just behind the Grand Canyon. But that doesn’t mean visitors know everything about the place. The vast landscape remains more mysterious than you might think.
So, what things can you do in the Lake District that you might not expect? Let’s take a look:
Go Star Gazing
Top of the list of undiscovered joys of the Lake District is the star-gazing potential. The region is home to some of the darkest skies in England, thanks to the absence of major cities (with the sole exception of Carlisle some 30 miles to the northeast).
During the darkest nights and clearest nights, it is possible to see the outline of the Milky Way. Climbing to the top of a high peak, like Skiddaw, makes these views even more spectacular and crystal clear.
Go Caving
The Lake District is famous for its waterfalls (called forces) but did you know you can also use the region for caving?
One of the most exciting of these is the Easegill Cavern. The cave system is popular among potholers and people who want to explore tiny crevices underground (with thousands of tonnes of solid rock and soil above them).
Go Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is another thrill available in the Lake District thanks to the region’s numerous lakes. An inflatable paddle board package isn’t as expensive as you might think and can keep you going for multiple trips.
Before going paddleboarding, check if the particular lake allows it. Some lakes have restrictions on who can use them, and when.
Take A Ride On The Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass to Eskdale railway is another of the Lake District’s hidden gems and a unique way to get around. The line offers stunning views of the countryside, showing the scenery at its best.
The line runs through a part of the Lake District that only a few people ever hike. Therefore, it can also provide a new perspective on the scenery, making it an excellent way to enjoy the countryside and take everything in.
Go For A Coffee On A Stationary Steam Train
If you head to the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake, you’ll bump into a steam train now converted into a coffee shop. The location, close to the old Pheasant Inn, serves teas, coffees, ice creams, and full meals on a replica of the Orient Express.
Learn About Pencils
Finally, you could visit the Derwent Pencil Museum located in Keswick. It provides a history of what people living in the area did before the advent of mass tourism. It turns out they were sticklers for stationery.
Entry fees to the pencil museum are modest and tell the story of how manufacturers made the first pencils. There are plenty of things for kids to enjoy and craft stations for creating your own pencils.
So, there you have it – six things you didn’t know you could do in the Lake District. Why not explore the national park yourself and see what you can find off the beaten track?
