Lake District· 1 min read
Rainy Day in the Lake District — 12 Indoor Days Out When the Fells Disappear
The Lake District gets a lot of rain — here are 12 genuinely good indoor days out, from pencil museums to Beatrix Potter, for when the tops are in cloud.
The Lake District is stunning — and reliably wet. When the fells vanish into cloud, you need a plan B that isn't just a soggy pub. Here are 12 indoor days out that make a rainy Lakeland day genuinely good.
For families
- The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness — every tale brought to life indoors; a reliable toddler win.
- The Lakeland Motor Museum — hundreds of vehicles under cover near Newby Bridge.
Small museums that punch above their weight
- Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick — home of the world's longest colouring pencil and a genuinely charming story (Keswick invented the pencil).
- The Armitt, Ambleside — Ruskin, Beatrix Potter's scientific drawings, and local history in one calm room.
On (and by) the water
A Windermere lake cruise or an Ullswater 'steamer' is covered, warm, and honestly more atmospheric in low cloud. Pair it with the Lakes Distillery tour near Bassenthwaite for a grown-up afternoon.
Practical notes
Rain shuts the tops, not the valleys — a low-level lakeshore walk in good waterproofs is still lovely. Book Hill Top in advance (timed entry, and it's tiny), and keep Keswick or Ambleside as your wet-weather base since both pack indoor options within walking distance.
Enjoyed this guide?
Get one email a week with our best day-out ideas and a discount code.
Related guides
Lake District2 min read
Things to Do in the Lake District with Kids — A Local's Guide
Steam boats, sky-high mountains, Peter Rabbit and proper adventure — how to do the Lake District with children of any age, rain or shine.
Yorkshire1 min read
Things to Do in York with Kids — A Local's Honest Guide
Vikings, chocolate, and the best railway museum on the planet — how to do York with children without losing your mind or your budget.
South West3 min read
Things to Do in Bristol with Kids — The Harbour City Done Right
SS Great Britain, a world-class science museum, and one of the most walkable harbours in England — here's how to do Bristol with children without blowing the budget.