The Lake District, with its dramatic fells, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys, offers the perfect backdrop for adventure seekers. Whether you’re staying with us at Low Nest Farm Holidays or planning your Lake District itinerary, here’s our comprehensive guide to the best adventure and activity companies that will help you experience the natural playground that surrounds us.
Water Adventures
Lakeland Adventure Centre
Based in Windermere, Lakeland Adventure Centre offers a wide range of water-based activities including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Their experienced instructors cater to all skill levels, making it perfect for families, beginners, and experienced adventurers alike. www.lakelandadventurecentre.co.uk
Coniston Boating Centre
For those looking to explore Coniston Water, this centre provides kayak, canoe, and motorboat rentals. Their rowing boats are perfect for a gentle afternoon on the water, while their sailing experiences offer more excitement for those seeking an adrenaline rush. www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk
Derwentwater Marina
Located on the shores of Derwentwater near Keswick, this marina offers equipment hire and lessons for various water sports. Their guided kayak tours are particularly popular, giving you unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains from the water. www.derwentwatermarina.co.uk
Mountain Activities
Honister Slate Mine
As England’s last working slate mine, Honister offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and adventure. Their Via Ferrata allows you to scale the mine’s exterior using a system of cables and ladders, following the original miners’ route. The more extreme “Via Ferrata Xtreme” provides an even more challenging experience with cargo nets and cliff-edge ladder crossings. Their underground mine tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining history. www.honister.com
Keswick Adventure Centre
Offering guided scrambling, rock climbing, and abseiling experiences, Keswick Adventure Centre is perfect for those looking to tackle the Lake District’s famous crags. Their qualified mountain leaders ensure safety while delivering unforgettable experiences. www.keswickadventurecentre.co.uk
Mountain Goat Tours
For those who prefer guided exploration, Mountain Goat Tours provides minibus tours to hard-to-reach areas of the Lake District. Their knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the landscape, wildlife, and local history. www.mountain-goat.com
Eden Outdoor Adventures
Specializing in ghyll scrambling (a thrilling combination of climbing, jumping, and swimming through mountain streams), Eden Outdoor Adventures offers unique experiences that showcase the Lake District’s wilder side. www.edenoutdooradventures.co.uk
Family-Friendly Options
Grizedale Forest
Home to Go Ape tree-top adventure courses, mountain biking trails for all abilities, and sculpture trails, Grizedale Forest is perfect for families. The Go Ape courses include ziplines, Tarzan swings, and rope ladders among the treetops. www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale
Brockhole Visitor Centre
With its adventure playground, treetop nets, boat rentals, and archery sessions, Brockhole offers something for every family member. Their “Brave the Cave” experience is particularly popular with younger adventurers. www.brockhole.co.uk
Lake District Calvert Trust
Specializing in accessible outdoor adventures, the Calvert Trust ensures that activities like sailing, climbing, and horse riding are available to people of all abilities, making adventure truly inclusive. www.calvertlakes.org.uk
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Whinlatter Forest
Home to purpose-built mountain bike trails ranging from green (easy) to red (difficult), Whinlatter Forest is a mountain biker’s paradise. Bike rentals are available at Cyclewise Whinlatter. www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter
Country Lanes Cycle Centre
For those preferring gentler cycling experiences, Country Lanes offers electric bike rentals and guided tours around the lake shores and valleys, perfect for taking in the scenery without the strenuous uphill climbs. www.countrylanes.co.uk
Winter Adventures
Lake District Winter Skills
When snow blankets the fells, Lake District Winter Skills offers courses in winter walking, navigation, and safety. Their experienced mountain guides make winter exploration both safe and exhilarating. www.lakedistrictwinterskills.co.uk
Booking Your Adventure
Most of these companies offer online booking, but we at Low Nest Farm Holidays are happy to help arrange activities for our guests. Many companies offer discounts for group bookings, and it’s advisable to book well in advance during peak season (June-August).
Remember that Lake District weather can be unpredictable, so having a flexible itinerary is wise. Many activity providers can suggest alternative adventures if conditions aren’t suitable for your planned activity.
Safety First
While adventure awaits in the Lake District, safety should always be prioritized:
- Always use reputable companies with qualified instructors
- Check weather forecasts before heading out
- Ensure you have appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your plans if heading into remote areas