What to do in the Lake District while house and pet sitting

Are you considering the Lake District for your next pet sit? We can’t blame you! The Lakes is home to a natural wonderland of glacial ribbon lakes, rugged mountains - not to mention, it's a haven for history buffs, with lots of ancient remains, traditional inns and churches to explore. More of a culture fiend? The Lakes have you covered, too! As there’s plenty of local art galleries to peruse. Still wondering about things to do in the Lake District? Our handy ‘what to do in the Lake District’ guide will have you desperate to visit.

Lake District attractions

Cumbria’s adventure playground has an exhaustive list of things to do! Here’s our top three things to do in the Lake District in terms of attractions: 

1. Lake District National Park: The park itself is home to incredible mountain fells and lake trails to suit every ability. For beginners there’s Buttermere, one of the District’s most stunning lakes, with a two-hour four-mile walk around the circumference that showcases the area's rugged beauty. When it comes to Fells, a good one to start with is Orrest Head, just above Windermere.

2. Lake Windermere: Arguably the most famous spot, Windermere is the District’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long.  Here you can take a boat cruise along part of all of Windermere lake or visit Brockhole house and gardens for a picnic. Fancy going inland? A mile from Windermere lakeshore, is the bustling town of Ambleside. Not only is it the start and finish for many classic lake walks, it’s also home to gift shops, cafes and charming bookshops. 

3. Derwentwater: The Lake of Derwentwater is stunning in its own right, with eight miles of walking around the lake. The spot also gives you access to several villages including Keswick, with its boutique shops and restaurants, and Thirlmere, the reservoir that supplies water to Manchester. 

Free things to do in The Lake District

Who doesn’t love a free activity? And The Lake’s natural beauty lends itself well to plenty of free things to do in the Lake District. 

1. Helvellyn Horseshoe: A popular hike, Helvellyn Horseshoe is so well-loved it’s estimated that over a hundred thousand people climb it every year! Could you be one of them? The most used route is climbing up Striding Edge and coming down Swirral Edge. The loop involves only a bit of light scrambling and provides an element of (but not much) danger walking across Striding Edge. 

2. Ullswater: The second largest lake, Ullswater has three distinctive bends that lend it a dog’s leg appearance - quite fitting, no? Hit the water in a canoe or go windsurfing, or take a cruise aboard the Ullswater steamer. If you’re looking for a great climb, check out St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe. 

3. Catbells High Ridge Hike: From dog's legs to cat bells - don't tell us we don't like to keep our travel guides on brand! Catbells is a short, sharp, steep climb with stunning mountain views and lakes. The short walk can be a gentle amble or made a bit more challenging by going around anti-clockwise around where there’s a slightly steeper ascent. It’s also a great one for pups of all sizes, provided your furry friend is used to the activity.

Fun things to do in Lake District

Here’s a list of all the fun things to do in the Lake District that’ll take you through cultural estates and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unique selection of museums available too!

1. Hill Top: The home to the iconic Beatrix Potter, Hill Top has delighted visitors for years! The cosy converted 17th century Lakeland farmhouse is filled with the author’s personal belongings, many of which inspired her famous stories. Other local attractions include a traditional pub with hearty food and of course charming local woodland to wander around in.

2. Castlerigg Stone Circle: Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of Britain’s oldest circles, dating back an estimated 5,000 years. Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll get to see unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding mountains when you’re at the top. 

3. Take a canoe trip: With so many beautiful lakes and rivers, open canoeing is a great choice when it comes to fun things to do in the Lake District. Book in on a tour where a local, skilled instructor will show you the basics of canoeing and take you on an unforgettable adventure. Word has it, you'll even learn some cool tips and tricks like how to build a shelter and light a fire. Definitely not one to be missed!

What to do in Lake District with pets

Thanks to its wide variety of open spaces and stunning natural habitat, the Lake District is one of the best places in the UK you could ever wish to enjoy a pet sit! We’ve put together a list of some of the best pet-friendly things to do in the Lake District so that you can enjoy the sights of the national park together with your new furry pal...

1. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway: This miniature steam railway in the south-west Lake District is a fun alternative to travelling between many walks throughout the valley of Eskdale. Pups are welcome onboard for a small fee, which includes an adorable doggy welcome pack and water bowls.

2. Lowther Castle: Get your fill of local history with Lowther Castle. The dramatic ruin near Penrith stands in 130 acres of hidden gardens, rockpools, shrubberies and lawns. Dogs are welcome on lead all throughout the grounds (bar the adventure playground). 

3. Muncaster Castle Gardens: Muncaster Castle welcomes pups on leads free of charge throughout its 70 acres of beautiful grounds. There’s even a special viewing area where you and your new furry friend can safely watch the birds of prey display. Fancy a cuppa? Pups are allowed outside at the castle’s main cafe and indoors at the Bird Garden Tea Room. 

Best restaurants in Lake District: Food and drink 

After hiking the Lake’s scenic trails and exploring all the picturesque towns, you will have likely worked up a good appetite. See our list of best restaurants in the Lake District below:

1. The Cottage in the Wood: For a unique dining experience, look no further than the Cottage in the Wood. Hidden in Whinlatter mountain forest near Keswick, this 17th-century property is a secluded spot renowned for its great Michelin-star quality food. Think: white crab and spiced rice pudding. 

2. The Hazelmere Cafe & Bakery: Cumbria has its fair share of quaint tea rooms, but this award-winning tea specialist in Hazelmere serves a variety of rare leaves with their delectable afternoon tea and lunches with locally-sourced ingredients like Morecambe Bay shrimps and Cumberland sausage ‘n’ mash. 

3. Angel Lane Chippie: A good chippie is hard to find, so if you’re visiting Penrith head over to the Angel Lane Chippie off Market Square. There’s the old classic fish ‘n’ chips as well as signature tray-bake pies in traditional flavours minced beef and steak ‘n’ ale. 

House and pet sitting in the Lake District

We hope that this ‘what to do in the Lake District’ guide will inspire you when planning your trip, especially your dog-friendly days out in the Lake District! Now, all that's left is to head on over here and find your next pet sit.