The Lake District welcomes millions of visitors every year, and tens of thousands of people live in the national park. Much of the draw of this beautiful area is to do with the outdoor adventures you can enjoy. We’ve put together a list of popular questions about outdoor activities in the Lake District, along with their answers. Read our FAQ below.

Ready for your own adventure? Browse our activities now.

• General questions about outdoor activities in the Lake District
• Questions about kayaking in the Lake District
• Questions about paddle boarding in the Lake District
• Questions about canoeing in the Lake District
• Questions about swimming in the Lake District

Outdoor Activities

Which experiences are best for outdoor activities in the Lake District?

Our most popular outdoor activity is ghyll scrambling. Walking, canyoning, kayaking and paddle boarding are also amongst some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in the Lake District.

What are the best places for outdoor activities in the Lake District?

Keswick is well-known as the adventure capital of the Lake District, so we’re going to say the town and its surrounds are the best places for all your outdoor activities. Spectacular mountains on all sides are available for walking and climbing, Derwentwater and its attached rivers are ideal for water activities, and you can even take to the air with paragliding and hangliding particularly popular in the area.

Ullswater is another excellent place for outdoor adventures thanks to its high mountains and even a ski club! Windermere has lots on offer, including motor boat hire, flyboarding, and water skiing.

Kayaking

Can you kayak in the Lake District?

Yes, you can kayak in the Lake District. Pick from many of the lakes or rivers, and even the sea.

Make sure to check any restrictions for the individual lakes, including protected areas, license requirements, and general access.

Where can you kayak in the Lake District?

You can kayak on most of the major Lake District lakes: Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water, Thirlmere Reservoir, Wastwater, Derwent Water, Ennerdale Water (permits required for large groups or commercial groups), Loweswater and Grasmere

You can kayak on some of the other lakes but will need a permit:

Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, Ennerdale Water (permits required for large groups or commercial groups only), and Buttermere.

There are also a number of river locations where you can kayak, though you will need to check for any restrictions before setting off.

Do you need a permit to kayak in the Lake District?

You will need a permit to kayak in some places in the Lake District. This includes Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, Buttermere and Ennerdale Water (for large groups or commercial groups only).

There are various restrictions for kayaking on certain Lake District rivers, so research locations carefully and, if in doubt, get in touch with the owner of the stretch(es) of river you want to paddle on.

Can I kayak on any river in the Lake District?

There is plenty of river kayaking available in the Lake District, but some stretches of certain rivers do have restrictions in order to protect wildlife, or because they are privately owned. If taking your kayak on a river, make sure you do your research on that particular stretch before you launch.

Where are the best places to kayak in the Lake District?

There are so many wonderful places to kayak in the Lake District that it’s difficult to choose just a few! We are forever in love with our local lake, Derwentwater, as well as its surrounding rivers, where we run guided kayaking trips. Other fantastic places include Windermere for its sheer length and possibilities, Ennerdale Water for its serenity, and Buttermere for its pretty surroundings.

Can you kayak on Lake Windermere?

Yes, you can kayak on Lake Windermere.

Paddle Boarding

Canoeing

Can I canoe in the Lake District?

Yes, there are lots of opportunities for canoeing in the Lake District, both on the lakes and in the rivers.

Which Lake District lakes can you canoe on?

You can canoe on many of the major Lake District lakes. The following don’t require a permit: Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water,  Thirlmere Reservoir, Wastwater, Derwent Water, Ennerdale Water (permits required for large groups or commercial groups), Loweswater and Grasmere

You can canoe on these  lakes but will need a permit: Bassenthwaite Lake,Crummock Water, Ennerdale Water (permits required for large groups or commercial groups), and Buttermere.

Make sure to check any restrictions for the individual lakes, including protected areas, license requirements, and general access.

Can you canoe on Derwentwater?

Yes, you can canoe on Derwentwater.

Swimming

Can you swim in the Lake District lakes?

Yes, you can swim in many of the Lake District lakes: Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston, Bassenthwaite Lake, Wastwater, Derwent Water, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Loweswater, Grasmere and Rydal.

Can dogs swim in the Lake District?

Dogs can swim in the Lake District, but you should be aware of hazards such as blue-green algae, which is present in some lakes and is toxic to dogs. There are also a number of protected habitats around Lake District waters where you should keep your dog on a lead at all times, so where swimming isn’t possible.

You should also take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of your dog as well as other people and animals nearby.

Can you swim in Derwentwater?

Yes, you can swim in Derwentwater.

Can you swim in Bassenthwaite Lake?

Yes, you can swim in Bassenthwaite Lake

Which Lake District lakes can you swim in?

You are allowed to swim in most of the 16 official Lake District lakes. You are allowed to swim in Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston, Bassenthwaite Lake, Wastwater, Derwent Water, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Loweswater, Grasmere and Rydal.

You should research the character of each of these lakes to ensure you have the suitable skills and experience, and take necessary precautions when swimming.

Can you swim in Haweswater?

No, you cannot swim in Haweswater Reservoir. This is partly to do with the possible additional dangers of swimming in a reservoir including underwater machinery and currents.

Do you have any more questions for us? Feel free to get in touch by email or on our Facebook page.

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You might also enjoy:

• 9 Exciting Outdoor Activities near Keswick
• What is Canyoning? Your Questions Answered
• The Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in the Lake District