Things to do in Windermere on a rainy day…

The Lake District is renowned for its wet weather, with rainy days often being the norm! Although we encourage you not to let the rain put you off, here are some indoor attractions in and around Windermere for the days when heavy rain is really spoiling your outdoor plans…

  • Lakes Aquarium

Situated at Lakeside on the southern end of lake Windermere, the Lakes Aquarium is an indoor centre ideal for exploring wildlife and water whilst staying dry!  The aquarium is home to hundreds of different wildlife both local and exotic including species of fish such as Pike, Arctic Charr, Clownfish and Piranhas, mammals including otters and mice, and reptiles such as frogs and axolotl. Colourful groups of fish can be observed swimming over your head by walking through the aquariums glass tunnel; other interesting displays include a high waterfall plunging into a stream of salmon.

  • Windermere Jetty Museum

An award-winning museum dedicated to the boats, people and rich history of Windermere, Windermere Jetty Museum is situated in Bowness Bay a short distance away from Windermere village. At the museum, all the family can explore Windermere’s 200 year-old boating history through interactive displays, boat trips and sightseeing historical boats and equipment. A collection of boats are displayed in the museums gallery built right over the water including a rowing boat once owned by Beatrix Potter; she frequently used the boat to fish on Moss Eccles Tarn beside her home in Near Sawrey.

  • Brockhole House

A rainy day exploring the inside of Brockhole House is an ideal family day out.  The 19th century house sits within stunning woodland nearby Windermere lake. The home once belonged to a wealthy silk merchant called William Gaddum and his wife Edith Potter, who was a cousin of famous author and artist Beatrix Potter. The house is now a beautiful arts and crafts villa; explore the stunning Gaddum Gallery and enjoy some tasty food at The Gaddum Resturant overlooking the rainy shores of Windermere. The house also has a gift shop selling local food and drink, gifts, maps and guide books.

  • Take a boat trip 

Take a trip over Windermere lake on one of the Windermere’s Lake Cruises. Most of the cruises and steamers have covered decks; the larger cruises offer a ‘sail and dine’ experience where you can enjoy the views of Windermere with a drink in hand! Listening to the rain hit the deck and lake from a cosy seat with a drink can be a strangely relaxing experience!