Best things to do in the Lake District for free
With rising rates of inflation and the increase in the cost of living, many of us are feeling the pinch when it comes to what we can afford to spend on our leisure time.
The good news is that here in the Lakes there is so much to do without breaking the bank – in fact there’s heaps of entirely free things to do to keep the whole family entertained.
We put together a list of some our favourite free days out, things to do and activities here in the Lake District and Cumbria.
Take a hike!
One of the most readily available and varied things you can do here in the Lakes is to go for a walk. There are almost infinite high & low level walks to suit most abilities. From gentle strolls, such as the accessible path around the scenic Tarn Hows, to more challenging “must-do” hikes, such as Coniston Old Man or Scafell Pike – you could easily spend an entire week or weekend walking in the Lakes and not get bored. There’s also interesting places to visit along particular walking routes such as the atmospheric Cathedral Cavern in Langdale – it’s fascinating and best of all it’s free!
And if you’re staying in one of our Coniston Village cottages it’s perfectly possible to park up the car and enjoy some spectacular walking direct from your cottage’s front door, without need to drive and spend on petrol throughout your entire stay. Plus, the great pubs and variety of local shops, cafés and restaurants available in the village mean that everything you could possibly need is right here on your doorstep.
Have a lake day
What better way to while away the day than spending it one the Lake District’s glistening lakes. Coniston Water boasts fantastic access to the lake shore with the Water’s pebbled beaches being accessible on both the eastern and western shores. Get there early and there’s free parking along the lake’s length at various laybys plus paid parking options too. With glorious views across the water, the lake shore is the perfect place to relax and listen to the gently lapping waves. For more adventurous types there’s plenty of free fun to be had such as swimming, or, if you have your own equipment to bring along, paddleboarding or kayaking. Pack a picnic and enjoy the best of what the Lakes has to offer – for free!
Take in some culture
The Dock Museum is a situated on a scenic channelside site within Barrow-in-Furness and offers free admission all year round. Built in a historic 19th century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area which been the cutting edge of technology for over a century with submarines, airships, warships and beautiful liners being built here. Find out more about the fascinating local heritage through cave finds, Viking treasure, Victorian life, Anderson shelters and the Second World War. Facilities include channel-side walks linking to the Cumbria Coastal Way, playground, cafe and is fully wheelchair accessible.
While in Barrow why not also pay a visit to the incredible Furness Abbey. Build in the area’s distinctive red sandstone you can pay a small admission fee to visit these fascinating ruins or alternatively you can enjoy some of the lovely walks and natures trails for free in the grounds and woodlands surrounding the Abbey.
Piel Castle
While in the Furness area another under-explored gem with no admission fee is Piel Castle. There’s free parking available on Roa Island or on the causeway. From here catch the small ferry which runs throughout from Easter to October (weather dependent) across to Piel Island (small ferry charges do apply). There’s plenty to explore on this tiny island including the impressive 14th Century castle built to to guard Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scots raiders. You can even meet the King of Piel – who is also the landlord of the island’s only inn.
Kendal Castle
Another free to visit attraction is Kendal Castle. These ruins stand proud over the market town of Kendal in South Cumbria. While here buy some Kendal Mint Cake and take it on the pleasant walk up to the castle where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic. From the castle ruins you can enjoy marvellous views across Kendal and the south Lakes. There’s also lots to explore in Kendal itself, with an abundance of shops, cafes and pubs plus a level riverside walk is a lovely (free) way to spend an hour or two.
A wander around Ambleside
Ambleside has been a popular Lake District destination since Victorian times. And there’s lots to do here without spending a penny. You visit and take a selfie at the iconic Bridge House in the village centre. You can take a short walk up to the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force waterfalls which are free to visit. Looks like rain? There’s a plethora of interesting, independent shops to visit – plus you could pop into Hayes Garden World (free parking available for customers) and enjoy browsing amongst its large and varied selection of plants, homeware, toys and clothing. – it’s particularly worth a visit from October onwards for its legendary Christmas displays.
Cartmel Priory and Pudding
With its 800-year-old history, stunning architecture and fascinating heritage, Cartmel Priory is well worth a visit. Steeped in culture and rich with history, the Priory is found at the very heart of Cartmel village, worthy of an afternoon’s visit in its own right, and gives a warm welcome to everyone who comes to experience it. Exploring the Priory is different for everyone. Some visitors marvel at the ancient architecture, some discover hidden mysteries within its motifs and carvings, others just sit and absorb the Priory’s peaceful atmosphere.
After visiting the Priory then a short walk up to the birthplace of Cartmel Sticky Toffee at the Cartmel Village shop pudding is an absolute must. The pudding isn’t free – but it’s certainly worth every penny!
Hit the Beach
Haverigg beach on the stunning Cumbrian coast has ample free parking spaces and makes for a lovely day out at the seaside. Plus you certainly won’t be fighting for your space on the sands – as the vast beach rarely seems anything other that mostly empty. In cooler months it’s a lovely place for an invigorating walk with sand dunes to explore, while during the summer offers a wonderful place for picnics and paddles.
Other note-worthy beaches to explore include Roan Head and Walney Island’s two coastal nature reserves, both of which are completely free to visit. North Walney Nature Reserve is an important bird nesting area and is a site of special scientific interest, being home to the rare natterjack toad. It also features vast, deserted beaches and sand dunes. South Walney Nature Reserve boasts its own seal colony.
Staying in is the new going out!
Save money on eating out by utilising your own fully-equipped kitchen in your Coppermines Cottage to cook a delicious meal. Enjoy an evening dining, drinking and relaxing within the comforts of your holiday home. During the warmer months many of our cottages include their own outside space for alfresco dining while during the cooler months you can enjoy the warming comfort of a real log fire in one of our many cottages with open fires or wood-burning stoves. Light the fire, open a bottle of wine and relax – absolute perfection!
