The Lake District Rainy Day Guide (2025 Edition)

Rain doesn’t stop play in the Lakes, it simply changes the soundtrack. The clouds drift low, waterfalls roar, and cafés fill with the smell of coffee and wet walking boots. Whether you’re hiding from a downpour or embracing a drizzle, this guide will help you discover the very best things to do when the weather turns.

Cosy Cafés and Tearooms

When the heavens open, nothing beats a steaming mug and a window view. Cumbria is packed with tearooms that make grey days feel golden.

• Chesters by the River – Skelwith Bridge’s famous vegetarian café, with big windows overlooking the rushing Brathay.
• The Chalet, Portinscale – An Alpine-style hideaway with hearty breakfasts and roaring fires.
• Java Coffee Shop, Keswick – Local artwork on the walls, homemade cakes, and shelter from the marketplace rain.
• Fitz Park Café – Great for families, with riverside views and hot chocolate worth walking through puddles for.

Find more Lake District cafés in our Places directory.

Museums and Heritage Spots

Rainy days are made for stories. The region’s museums and galleries bring Cumbria’s creativity, history, and innovation to life.

• Rheged Centre, Penrith – A modern mix of cinema, shops, and exhibitions inside a grassy hill.
• Windermere Jetty Museum – Lakeside views, historic boats, and hands-on displays for all ages.
• The Pencil Museum, Keswick – The home of the world’s first pencil, delightfully quirky and educational.

Each of these attractions offers warmth, stories, and shelter. Many also have cafés and gift shops, a bonus when the rain keeps falling.

Indoor Adventures for Families

If you’re visiting with kids, Cumbria’s indoor play centres and climbing walls guarantee smiles.

• Kong Adventure, Keswick – Indoor climbing, cave tunnels, and adventure play zones.
• Clip ‘n Climb Maryport – Colourful climbing challenges for all abilities.
• The Puzzling Place, Keswick – Optical illusions and brain-bending exhibits.
• Laser Quest Barrow – Great for older kids and energetic families.

Tip: book in advance during school holidays, everyone heads indoors when the clouds gather.

Creative Workshops & Local Experiences

Rain is an excuse to slow down and make something beautiful. Across the Lakes you’ll find hands-on workshops and tours.

• The Chocolate Factory, Hawkshead – Make your own chocolate bars and truffles.
• Old Courthouse Gallery, Ambleside – Browse or join an art workshop among local painters and sculptors.
• Lakeland Artisan, Staveley – Sample local gins and preserves while learning how they’re made.
• Pennine Pottery, Ulverston – Clay shaping sessions for beginners and families.

Many studios welcome walk-ins, but it’s worth calling ahead during busy weekends.

Rainy Walks & Sheltered Views

Some landscapes look their best beneath the clouds. If you’re properly dressed, the Lake District’s damp days can be magical.

• Rydal Cave – A shallow cavern that glows with reflections from its still pool.
• Aira Force – Waterfall walks are even more dramatic after rainfall.
• Cathedral Quarry, Little Langdale – Echoing tunnels and shafts of light create cinematic shelter.
• Friar’s Crag, Keswick – An easy, paved viewpoint with benches and Derwentwater mist views.

Pack waterproofs and keep an eye on trail conditions, but don’t let drizzle stop your adventure.

Cosy Pubs & Relaxing Spas

When the rain keeps pouring, lean into luxury.

• The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside – Fireside ales and hearty dishes with mountain views.
• The Mortal Man, Troutbeck – Famous for log fires, laughter, and Lakeland beer.
• Lodore Falls Hotel Spa, Borrowdale – Steam rooms and outdoor hot tubs beside the falls.
• Armathwaite Hall Spa, Bassenthwaite – Lakeside relaxation surrounded by red squirrels and rain.

Perfect for couples’ getaways or a post-hike treat.

What to Pack for Rainy Days

A little preparation turns drizzle into an adventure.

• Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
• Walking boots with grip
• Dry bag for phone and camera
• Reusable flask for tea or coffee
• Map or offline GPS app
• Light towel and spare socks

If you’ve forgotten something, many outdoor shops in Keswick and Windermere stock reliable waterproof gear.

Final Thoughts

The Lake District in the rain has its own quiet rhythm, the drip of water through trees, the glow of lights reflected in puddles, and the comfort of finding warmth indoors. Rain reveals the soul of Cumbria: resilient, welcoming, and endlessly beautiful.

Whether you’re sipping coffee by a misty lake, exploring a museum, or watching waterfalls swell to thunderous life, you’ll find that a rainy day here isn’t wasted, it’s simply another way to see the Lakes.