Your Grown-Up Rainy Day Guide
Rain doesn’t need to spoil your plans in the Lake District – in fact, there are so many more adventures you can have. Drizzly days can be the perfect excuse to slow down. From historic houses and saunas to long lunches and creative workshops. There’s plenty for adults to enjoy on rainy days in the Lake District, without stepping out into a downpour.
Here are some of my favourite grown-up rainy-day ideas across the Lakes District.
Step into History at Cartmel Priory
If you’re staying with us at The Pheasant Lodge, Cartmel Priory is one of the most peaceful places to spend a rainy hour. It has over 800 years of stories within its walls. The building itself is a rare surviving example of Norman architecture in Cumbria, and if you wander through, you’ll spot medieval carvings, ancient graves and beautifully preserved stained glass.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Blackwell is one of the finest Arts & Crafts houses in the UK. Think fireplaces carved like sculptures, wow-factor window views across Lake Windermere, original panelling, The White Room – with it’s curved window seat and a room full of original woodwork. The tearoom is a great place for lunch and coffee too, especially on a wet day.
Take a look at our other Arts and Heritage choices in this blog.
Indulge in Michelin-Starred Food
The Lake District has the most Michelin stars outside of London – that’s 15 across 13 restaurants. That means a rainy day is the perfect excuse for a long, lazy lunch. Whether you book Cartmel’s famous duo of Simon Rogan restaurants, head to Heft or one of the many brilliant tasting menus across the Lakes, you’ll be in foodie heaven. This is the kind of rainy-day activity you’ll talk about for years.
Relax and Treat yourself to a Spa Day
To me – rainy days are basically a sign to book a spa day. When the weather’s dull and grey, there’s something perfect about the warmth of a swimming pool or jacuzzi, sitting in a steam room or enjoying an expert massage, to really lean into relaxation.
I have a few favourites including The Swan at Newby Bridge, which is only 10 minutes drive from The Pheasant Lodge. It’s cosy and friendly, so whether you book a treatment or just drift between the pool and a lounger with a book, it’s an easy way to spend a wet afternoon.
Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa is a showstopper with some big views. Their outdoor hot tubs look straight over Windermere, and on a rainy day there’s even more atmosphere.
A bit further north, but absolutely gorgeous is Lodore Falls Spa. There’s a huge heated outdoor pool with mountain views but plenty to enjoy inside too and a seriously good treatment menu.
Explore the Windermere Jetty Museum
If the rain is really coming down, the Jetty Museum is an easy choice. Wander the huge rooms with lake views, watch heritage boats being restored, enjoy the hands-on exhibits and then settle in with a coffee overlooking Windermere.
Wander the Indie Shops
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to explore some of the Lake District’s best independent shops. Start in Cartmel, where you can browse vintage finds at Cartmel Vintage, pick up beautiful gifts at Perfect English and even find some cooking souvenirs from Rogan’s Shop in the Square.
If you’re heading towards Ambleside, stop at Chester’s – their beautiful shop is full of gorgeous homeware, ceramics, stationery and, well, more things you didn’t know you needed. Over in Bowness and Ambleside, you’ll find plenty of small boutiques, bookshops and outdoorsy stores worth popping into between showers.
Get Creative at the Farmers Arms
The restored Farmers Arms at Lowick has become a favourite for us. Not only can you grab the most delicious, wholesome food – think egg and chips, sausage rolls, cakes and more – it’s also a hub for creativity. Book a pottery workshop, attend a poetry reading or learn how to silk paint. With everyting under one roof – it’s the perfect rainy day in the Lake District.
Warm Up in a Lakeside Sauna
If you’ve never tried a lakeside sauna in the rain, you’re in for a treat. There’s something incredibly calming about sitting in the heat, watching the water, and then stepping out into the cool, fresh air afterwards.
La’al Sauna, on the East shore of Coniston water, is a favourite. This wood fired, Nordic inspired sauna looks straight towards Coniston Old Man – I just love this dramatic view. Book a session, enjoy the heat, then cool off in the Lake after.
My next recommendation is Fellside Sauna. Fellside have two Scandi hand built saunas, at two equally peaceful locations. One at Lingholm Estate and one at Another Place.
Drizzle + steam + lake views = perfection.
Visit Levens Hall
One of the most beautiful historic houses in the Lake District, and although known for their topiary, the house is ideal on a rainy day. Wander through the rooms, admire the collections, then settle into the award-winning café for cake and coffee. Even if the gardens are wet, the house itself is full of character. The perfect rainy day activity for adults in the Lake District.
Find a Cosy Pub With a Fire
‘Name a good pub with a fire.’ That may just be my specialist subject on Mastermind.
There’s nothing better than the contentment of sitting inside a pub, after grabbing that fireside spot and it pouring down outside. We just love roaring fireplaces, good drinks, hearty lunches and that warm, timeless Lake District atmosphere. Some favourites near Cartmel and the South Lakes include the Cavendish Arms, the Drunken Duck, The Watermill Inn, The Badger Bar and The Brown Horse.
Stay Cosy at The Pheasant Lodge
And of course, you don’t have to go anywhere. Rainy days at The Pheasant Lodge are a dream. Light the log burner, pour a glass of wine, look out on the garden views and Hampsfell and enjoy the peace. With high ceilings, deep sofas, huge windows and plenty of space to relax, it’s the kind of place where slowing down is an activity in itself – especially when the rain is pouring.
Rain or shine, there’s always something special to enjoy in the Lake District. What will you do on your rainy days in the Lake District?
Rainy days in the Lakes don’t have to be written off – sometimes they’re the perfect excuse to slow down, explore somewhere new and enjoy a different side of the Lake District. What will you choose to do on your next visit?
If you have kids in tow, don’t forget to check out our kids guide too.
To stay at the Pheasant Lodge, get in touch or check availability here.
Hannah – Host at The Pheasant Lodge x