The ultimate girls weekend away in the Lake District

Women laughing while talking over stepping stones

You’ve pinned down a date that your girlfriend group can all do. You’ve cleared it with childcare/work schedule/other half. Now you just need to find the right place to stay for your girls weekend away.

The Lake District is the perfect place for your girls weekend away, UK. Think beautiful scenery, clean air, and chocolate box towns. With plenty of options for activities – shopping, outdoor fun, and food and drinks – a Lake District weekend away means your girl group doesn’t need to compromise on anything. It’s the ideal mini holiday to relax and have fun.

However, the differing needs and expectations of your group can make planning a weekend away with friends seem like a military operation. Particularly if there are a few of you. We’re here to make the process fun – we shed light on all the girls weekend ideas to make it one to remember.

Here’s a snapshot of the Lake District girls weekend ideas we share below:

Outdoor activities for girl groups
Spa days and wellness experiences
Great spots for eating and drinking
Fun nights in
Finding the right accommodation for your weekend away

Women wild swimming in the lake district

Outdoors Lake District activities for a girls weekend

The activities you enjoy as a group in the Lake District are dependent on your idea of fun. One thing is certain, and that is you won’t be short of options. Here is a well-rounded selection of suggestions for daytime activities you can enjoy on your girls weekend away.

Wild swimming and a hike

The Lake District serves up some of the most beautiful spots for both these activities. Why not combine them with a hike up a fell followed by an exhilarating dip to cool off? The perfect way to catch up with friends, then squeal with delight as you hit the water. We’re obsessed with these wild swim/walk combos.

Boat trip and Brockhole

Jump on a Windermere lake cruise and glide through the stunning landscape with your girl pals. The Red Cruise stops at Brockhole, where you and your friends can have a laugh trying out all manner of adventure activities. From archery and crazy golf, to zip lining and bouncing around on treetop nets, there’s something for everyone.

Side note: Some activities and cruises have seasonal opening hours, so check those before finalising plans.

Paddleboarding and kayaking

Try your hand at watersports that have been trending for good reason in recent years. Whether you’re a novice or have done it before, kayaking and paddleboarding feel delightfully liberating and are a perfect group activity. Throw your head back and laugh at yourself and friends trying to balance. For kit hire, head to LakeSUP in Windermere or Coniston Boating Centre in Coniston.

Wellness and spas in the Lake District for a girls weekend away

Enjoy all the luxury of a girls spa weekend without the price tag. Twilight spas and half-day spas are relaxing ways to unwind with friends.

If a few of your group are burnt out, a half-day yoga retreat, wellness workshop, or sound bath could be the perfect way to come back to your centre. Finding connection with each other is easier if you’ve had time to connect with yourselves first.

Here’s our pick of the best:

Spas

Lodore Falls Spa has stunning views of Derwent Water and the surrounding fells from its sparkling outdoor pool. Discover their half-day, sunrise and sunset spa experiences.
Low Wood Bay’s outdoor pool has an elevation that gives unrivalled views of Windermere, Hawkshead, and into the peaks of the Langdales. Their spa days range from full days with treatments to combined activity days that incorporate boat trips and lakeside activities.
The Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge is tucked away at the southernmost tip of Windermere. This cosy spa has a warm and welcoming feel, perfect for girl groups.

Wellness workshops

Lake District Retreats’ bookable yoga workshops and days help your group breathe, stretch, and unwind. You can also contact them to customise an activity to suit your group.
Langdale Chase has started offering these ever more popular sound baths. Be quick to book though – they regularly sell out!
Lakeland Wellbeing’s wellbeing workshops range from forest bathing and fire ceremonies to women’s circles and group coaching.

Where to eat and drink on your Lake District girls weekend away

A girls weekend away is all about quality time with your besties, so anywhere you eat and drink needs to hold space perfectly for this. Our list contains the best places to kick back and chat with friends in the Lake District’s most popular towns.

Windermere

Easy Breeze – cool but friendly, this buzzing little restaurant and bar serves street food, Sunday lunch, and cocktails to keep your group happy, whatever time of day you visit.

Marina View – dine with your friends while enjoying panoramic views of Windermere and its marina. Perfect for large groups and in a top spot for exploring the rest of the bars in Bowness after dinner.

Coniston

Steam Bistro – a unique space to drink, dine, and celebrate with friends. Expect casual small plate menus, themed nights, and creative food with a relaxed vibe and great staff.

The Coniston Inn – large enough to book a big group of friends, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With a spacious outdoor terrace and cosy interior, it’s the perfect pub whatever the weather.

Ambleside

Misto – friendly, relaxed Italian bistro in the heart of Ambleside, plating up all your favourites. Book in advance to avoid queues.

Lanty Slee’s – stylish and food-forward, serving amazingly cooked, locally sourced produce. With top reviews and infamous cocktails, it’s a popular spot, so book early.

Hawkshead

Billy’s – refined comfort food at its best. Billy’s is spacious and airy – great for your girls weekend away. Enjoy outdoor seating in good weather, too.

The Drunken Duck – around 2 miles out of Hawkshead village, this trendy gastro pub has a thoughtful menu and gorgeous interior. If you want a drink, get a cab – it’s worth it!

two friends arriving at a cottage together

Why a cottage is the perfect accommodation for a girls weekend

Having the space to be yourselves and come and go as you please is key to a relaxing weekend away with your friends. Large holiday cottages can be the perfect solution for group bookings so that you can make the most of your time together. Here’s why:

Creating memorable nights in

Not every girls weekend needs a big night out. Some of the best moments happen when you’ve got the whole place to yourselves, and you can let your hair down. These are some of our most fun girls weekend ideas for staying in:

Cook-together dinner night. Pasta, picky bits, or a full-on themed feast.
A cocktail-making session where everyone brings one ingredient.
Board games or card games that encourage laughter and shared history.
A nostalgic film night with blankets, pyjamas, and cinema snacks.
A DIY spa evening with face masks, robes, and a bottle or two of your favourite tipple.
Sharing playlists and associated memories with unfiltered catch-up around the table.

Spacious accommodation that works for a group

While the above ideas are brilliant, you need the space to bring them to life. This is where cottages for large groups can really shape your girls weekend away. The right setup means everyone can relax properly – no squeezing onto armrests or perching on the floor. Here’s what to look for:

Open-plan kitchens and dining areas, big enough for your whole group.
Large dining tables for shared meals and games.
Comfortable living rooms with seating for everyone.
Multiple bathrooms to avoid morning queues.
Outdoor space for morning coffees or sunset drinks.
Bedrooms that offer a mix of doubles and twins for flexibility.

Cottages with added wow factor

If you want to add a little extra to the weekend, cottages with hot tubs are hard to beat, especially in the Lake District. Here’s why they work so well for a girls’ getaway:

You can all enjoy a soothing soak after a day out.
There’s nothing quite like a glass of bubbly as the sun sets.
It’s the perfect cosy spot for late-night chats under the stars.
The extra luxury makes the stay feel special.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to the night in ideas above.

View of the Coppermines 'the old post cottage' (Bridge Cottages) with Coniston fells in the background

The Coppermines Cottages – magical girls weekends away

Whether you’re planning something relaxed, adventurous, or a little bit indulgent, the Lake District sets the perfect scene for a girls weekend to remember. All that’s left to do is find the right place to call home for a few days.

Our collection of Lake District accommodation has everything from cosy hot tub cottages to spacious mansions. Get in touch with us about your perfect weekend and start planning your escape today!