Unusual Lake District Attractions
We love to scout out unusual activities and experiences in our area. We've found a few that should pique your interest. For the adventurous, the brave, the inquisitive and the lovers of nature...
Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Real riding, on really big horses is how this experience is described. Cumbrian Heavy Horses is an award-winning business, run by Annie Rose who has a life-long passion for these magnificent animals. There are rides for all levels and abilities, the horses are well trained and the qualified instructors all friendly and very knowledgeable. Ride out in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District National Park.
Predator Experience – Walking with Wolves
Not a casual pop-in experience, this is one for over 16s, with a reasonable level of fitness. Enjoy an informative walk, side by side with a wolf hybrid pack, partly off leash. You will discover everything you always wanted to know about these fascinating creatures. Practice your own howl as you experience theirs. Walking with Wolves is an interactive experience and was voted top magic moment of BBC Countryfile’s 30th Anniversary programme. You can also choose bird of prey and eagle experience, or falconry tuition.
Star Gazing
If you’ve ever longed to see a Meteor Shower, a Super New Moon, Wolf Moon, Snow Moon or Worm Moon, Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is the first accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site in the north west of England. Bring your own telescope, or use one provided, and get ready for a dazzling night time display. There also a demonstration of the stars from Starlab, an inflatable planetarium using high tech projection technology.
Ghyll Scrambling
This is a high-octane activity where you clamber up rocky mountain streams and waterfalls and swim in deep mountain pools. There are several companies that run this activity, but one such is Ambleside Adventures. They take children as young as 6 years old up to adults, with a maximum number of eight people to each ghyll scrambling group. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets are provided, and the promise is that once you’ve tried it you will be hooked and want to book another session immediately.
Wakesurfing
Wakesurfing at Low Wood Bay is an exhilarating sport where the surfer is on a short surfboard with a tow rope. When the surfer is up and standing comfortably, they discard the tow rope and follow the wake made by the specialist wakesurfing boat that creates waves mimicking ocean waves. Wake on the Bay operates out of Low Wood Bay and offering tuition that will get you on your feet and surfing the waves. Eventually, an experienced surfer can learn different moves, jumps and tricks.
Lake District Sheepdog Experience
Exciting outdoor activity for family groups, the Lake District Sheepdog Experience http://www.lakedistrictsheepdogexperience.co.uk/ allows you to get close to some beautiful, well-trained, and friendly sheepdogs. You will learn how to handle the border collie and round up a herd of sheep, or to watch a demonstration of sheep herding. For an hilarious alternative, try rounding up the sheep with some Runner Ducks! The Wild Boar Inn is happy to arrange a Sheepdog or Runner Duck experience as part of your wedding preparations or on the big day itself.
Open Water Swimming
The Lake District is an obvious venue for dipping your feet in the water, so to speak. Open Water Swimming is enjoying huge popularity and our recommendation, if you’d like to get into this sport, is to take a short course to learn the basics and ensure you stay safe. SleekerSwim offer courses and sessions to get you started. They also host open water swim events, including their popular Summer Solstice Starlight Swim in June. Courses start in May.
Via Ferrata
Three hours of high adrenaline adventure on the award-winning Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister Slate mine. This award-winning activity includes vertical ladder climbs, an overhang descent, Burma bridge and a cargo net scramble – not to mention mountain edge exposure. Not for the faint-hearted but exhilarating none the less. Some of the English Lakes marketing team had a go a few years ago and loved it!
Creative Art & Craft Courses
Cowshed Creative has an expansive programme of art and craft courses – jewellery making, needle felt, pottery, portraiture, lino printing, mozaics, basket making, flower arranging, dry stone walling – to name just a few. Set in the picturesque Kentmere Valley, you will enjoy expert tuition where you can start to learn a new skill or join with others to perfect an existing hobby.
More Things to Do in the Lake District
There's lots more Lake District activities and experiences to consider. We've loads of Family-friendly Days Out, Lake District Attractions for Adults and Couples, and Lake District Houses, Castles and Museums.
Great Choice of Places to Stay in the Lake District this Spring and Summer
Whilst discovering these interesting and unusual Lake District attractions, and building a holiday or short stay around your activities, you will need a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Check out Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa with a huge number of amenities including a choice of restaurants and bars, water sports activities, gym, swimming pool and luxurious indoor and outdoor Spa. Alternatively, take a look at The Wild Boar Inn Grill & Smokehouse. Great food, individually-designed rooms, old world charm, surrounded by 72 acres of beautiful woodland.
