Things To Do in The Lake District | Skelwith Fold Caravan Park

Discover all the fantastic things to do in the Lake District.

If spending time enjoying the peace and quiet of your wonderful surroundings isn’t enough to keep you occupied you’ll always find plenty to do in the picturesque surrounding towns and villages. Whether that involves eating out, watching a film or taking in some live music, getting involved in more energetic outdoor activities or setting out on one of our suggested local walks, you’ll find plenty of choice and our staff are always on hand to help with ideas and directions.

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Skelwith Fold Advantage Club

Join the Skelwith Fold Advantage Club and enjoy a range of discounts around the Lake District - and special offers and cheaper stays with us at Skelwith Fold!

Windermere Lake Cruises

The most popular attraction in Cumbria, located in the heart of the Lake District. Cruises head out across Windermere – England’s largest lake – from three piers situated around the lakeside, in Ambleside, Waterhead Bay and Bowness Bay.

cruise boat on lake windermere lake cruises

Two one-hour walks around Skelwith

Two perfect evening walks for new arrivals with stunning views for relatively little effort! Fitness Level: Basic Distance: Approx. 3 miles & 1.5miles Time: 1.5 hours & 1 hour

scenic view with bushes and flowers

Hawkshead Relish

Once a cafe, their relish was so popular that it soon overtook everything else and they turned into a relish emporium!

family walking past hawkshead relish

Cotswold Outdoors

Cotswold Outdoor is an excellent spot to browse and shop for all your needs for your outdoor adventures here in the Lake District.

Lakes Aquarium

The Lakes Aquarium is an aquarium in the village of Lakeside and is one of the docking points for Windermere Lake Cruises.

Lakes Aquarium

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Jump aboard the steam train at Haverthwaite Station. Enjoy views from your carriage up to Lakeside and the southern tip of Lake Windermere.

Steam train under tunnel Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

The Boathouse

Drop into The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant for breakfast or simply enjoy a light lunch as you unwind with a drink overlooking the boats on Windermere Marina.

the boathouse exterior

Hare & Hounds Inn

A 17th Century coaching inn and restaurant nestled in the beautiful hamlet of Bowland Bridge in Winster Valley on the edge of the Lake District.

hare and hounds inn interior

Rothay Garden Restaurant

Unlike a traditional hotel restaurant, the two-rosette Garden Restaurant at Rothay Garden is an attraction in its own right, with its clean elegant lines and great views overlooking the hotel’s two acres of gardens.

rothay garden hotel grasmere

Eltermere Inn

A laid-back and friendly Lake District country house hotel restaurant & bar. It is open all year round and set in the heart of the stunning Langdale Valley. The Eltermere Inn takes pride in combining the highest standards of service, good food and informality.

eltermere inn

Theatre by the Lake

The Theatre By The Lake, hailed by The Independent as “the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain”, opened in 1999. It is set a short stroll from Derwent Water on the edge of Keswick, amid the magnificent western fells of the Lake District.

theatre by the lake

New Dungeon Ghyll

Set amidst the Lake District’s most dramatic fells in the picturesque Langdale Valley, the New Dungeon Ghyll nestles beneath the Langdale Pikes. Home to a charming restaurant and bar, well worth a visit whether as part of a walk or stopping on your way past.

new dungeon ghyll

Baha

Bustling, late-night outpost offering familiar cafe and pub eats alongside their own “pacific rim inspired” creations. Also home to some of the best cocktails in the Lake District and regular live music events.

Baha interior cafe

Coniston Launch

Coniston Launch offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water in the Lake District.

boat on lake

The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere. A choice of rooms to dine in and a focus on providing an excellent experience to their guests. The Lamplighter offers a great selection of locally sourced food and drinks.

the lamplighter sign

Mountain Journeys

Mountain adventures are the speciality of the Mountain Journeys team. Family adventure days, guided walking, navigation workshops, rock climbing, rock scrambling, abseiling – and any combination of these to make up an incredible, unforgettable adventure in the Lakes! Mountain Journeys want to ensure you experience the very best of the Lake District.

hikers on mountain journey

Salutation Hotel

Set in the heart of the Lake District, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel with its air-conditioned Brasserie and Lounge Bar is open for both lunch and evening meals.

Salutation hotel exterior

Kankku Off Road Driving

A unique experience - driving off road in the dales around Windermere with some spectacular views. See the Lake District from a whole new perspective on a thrilling guided drive. Ideal for all experience levels.

Kankku off road driving

Wray Castle, Blelham Tarn & Outgate Walk

An undulating walk with magnificent views and the opportunity to visit the National Trust Property of Wray Castle Fitness Level: Basic/moderate Distance: 6 miles Time: 4 hours

wray castle exterior

Great Langdale Valley Walk

Along the valley with great views of mountains and the option of returning by bus Fitness Level: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Time: 5 to 7 hours

man along Great langdale valley walk

Black Crag, Tarn Hows & Little Langdale

A full day walk with magnificent views and the occasional surprise! Fitness Level: Ability to enjoy and endure a full day’s walking! Distance: 12.5 miles Time: 7 hours

two people black crag,

Wansfell Walk

A challenging walk involving a steady uphill climb, with superb views of waterfalls, surrounding mountains, Ambleside, Lake Windermere and bebyond. Fitness Level: Basic Plus (if you enjoy an uphill challenge!) Distance: 6 miles Time: 4 to 6 hours

hiking up lake district

Waterhead & Ambleside Walk

A circular, level walk (mostly), through the woods, along the lanes and fields to Waterhead returning via Ambleside Fitness level: Basic-moderate Distance: 3-5 miles (one way, depending where you head to) Time: 1 hour (walking one way - a whole day can be spent exploring Waterhead and Ambleside!) For those who run out of time there is a regular bus service from Ambleside to Hawkshead stopping at SFCP Main Gate

waterhead and ambleside harbour

Latterbarrow, Bowness & Lake Windermere Walk

A day's walk including a climb up Latterbarrow, ferry to Bowness and a cruise back down Windermere to Waterhead. Fitness Level: A reasonable level to endure 12 miles of walking including one hill Distance: 12 miles Time: All day

boats in harbour

Loughrigg Fell & Elterwater Walk

An Exhilarating Walk with superb views. Fitness Level: Basic Plus (Some steep inclines and a few scrambles!) Distance: 6 miles Time: 4 to 6 hours

playpark at Loughrigg Fell & Elterwater Walk

Grasmere Walk

A full day’s circular walk around Loughrigg Fell with a variety of stunning views of wonderful hills, mountains, valleys and lakes. This route gives the walker the opportunity to visit the villages of Grasmere and Elterwater. Fitness Level: A good level required Distance: approx. 12 miles Time: 6 to 7 hours (Includes breaks!)

lake by Grasmere walk

Short Circular walk from Skelwith Fold

This short, low-level circular walk affords the opportunity to see some magnificent panoramic views with very little effort! An ideal evening stroll for new arrivals at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park. Fitness Level: Basic Distance: 2 miles (Over 4 miles if taking the option of visiting The Drunken Duck Inn) Time: 45 minutes

woman walking the circular walk along Skelwith ford

Blelham Tarn via the Drunken Duck & Outgate Walk

A low level circular walk to the picturesque Blelham Tarn along the lanes and tracks Fitness Level: Basic Distance: 5 miles Time: 2 - 3 hours

misty day with trees and scenic view

Skelwith to the Langdales Walk

A day's circular walk to Little Langdale, Blea Tarn, Great Langdale, Chapel Stile, Elterwater & Skelwith Bridge. This challenging walk provides a variety of breathtaking views of waterfalls, hills, mountains and tarns. No mountain peaks are climbed but the pass between Little and Great Langdale affords wonderful views. Fitness Level: A good level required Distance: 13 miles Time: 5-8 hours

moan walking along footpath

Loughrigg Tarn Walk

A gentle circular stroll for any time of day. Fitness Level: Basic Distance: 4 miles Time: one and a half hours to three hours.

scenic view over Loughrigg Tarn Walk

Watersports

The Lakes have been a centre for watersports since people began coming to the area for holidays in the 19th Century - and today there are more options than ever around Windermere and the other lakes to enjoy yourself on the water.

children windsurfing

Coniston Shopping

The small and charming village of Coniston is dominated by the Old Man of Coniston looming over the village and Coniston Water. In the village itself are a few shops worth visiting.

Coniston Shopping

Grizedale Walking Trails

There are a number of walks signposted around Grizedale Forest. It's a wonderful place for a walk, with amazing views and interesting diversions such as sculptures amongst the trees. For the adrenaline seeker, there is also the Go Ape high ropes course!

forest walking trail

Zeffirelli’s restaurant

With a restaurant, cafe, jazz bar and cinema - if you are looking for a way to spend a relaxed day with friends or family in Ambleside then Zeffirelli's could be the place you're looking for!

Dining at restaurants in lake district

Hawkshead Via the Drunken Duck & Outgate Walk

A low level circular walk with wonderful views of the fells and lakes Fitness Level: Basic Plus (Reasonable level of fitness) Distance: 8 miles Time: 4 to 6 hours

walkers crossing horse gate

Colwith, Little Langdale, Chapel Stile & Elterwater Walk

A low level route providing a variety of wonderful views, waterfalls and visits to Lakeland villages en route. Fitness Level: Basic Plus (Reasonable level of fitness) Distance: 7 miles Time: 4 to 6 hours

scenic view with bushes and flowers

Ullswater Steamers

While they no longer use the steam boats Ullswater ‘Steamers’ were named for when founded over 160 years ago, they still offer fantastic cruises around the breathtakingly beautiful Ullswater. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ are an award winning environmentally accredited Lake District attraction not to be missed!

boat in harbour ullswater steamers

Lakeland Motor Museum

The Lakeland Motor Museum is a fascinating collection of over 30,000 cars, motorbikes and other automobilia showing the development of road transport over the twentieth century.

lakeland motor museum

Lakeland Segway

Lakeland Segway is the longest running Segway Tour company in the UK. They are winners of the prestigious "Best Experience in Cumbria" award by Cumbria Tourism!

friends enjoying segways at Lakeland

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway journeys through the inspiring scenery from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot Station, with seven request stops along the way and other attractions en route.

ravenglass and eskdale steam railway

Windermere Golf Club

Windermere Golf Club is one of the most scenic golf clubs in the country. It is often referred to as a miniature Gleneagles. In recent years, the greens have all been replaced and rebuilt to US PGA specifications.

windermere golf club Skelwith

Go Ape

Go on an unforgettable treetops adventure in the high ropes courses and zip wires at the brilliant Go Ape at Grizedale Forest!

children in tree tops adventure in the forest

Ruskin Museum

The Ruskin Museum is a fantastic and fascinating visit, with a whole range of exhibits from the Stone Age to the Jet Era.

Ruskin museum

Self-Drive Motor Boat Hire

Explore beautiful Windermere by boat, with the self-drive motor boat hire available from Windermere Lake Cruises. See the lake and the stunning scenery at your own pace, hiring out these comfortable and well padded boats for 1 or 2 hour sessions.

boat on a lake - the lake district

Kendal Museum

One of Britain's oldest museums, Kendal Museum lends itself to a truly fascinating day out exploring their collection of archeological and natural history exhibits!

kendal museum

Lakes Laser Tag

A fun day out for family and friends to either work together or compete playing a range of laser tag games!

laser tag in the lake district

Brewery Arts

For outstanding day of culture why not visit Brewery Arts? Follow up a live performance or a cinema show with a meal or a drink at the on site bar and restaurant.

local cinema

Outgate Inn

Situated in the picturesque village of Outgate, the Outgate Inn is not too far from Ambleside and features on the route of one of our recommended walks from Skelwith Fold.

outgate inn robinsons pub

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Perfect for families, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is an all weather attraction combining lush tropical halls and outdoor animal enclosures with over 100 species of insects, fish, birds, reptiles and mammals There’s a café, gift shop, conservatory, and indoor and outdoor picnic areas.

lakeland wildlife oasis

Near and Far Sawrey

Near and Far Sawrey are neighbouring hamlets situated in between Windermere and Hawkshead. There are a couple of pubs and tearooms alongside a hotel, village shop and Victorian era church.

Moss Eccles Tarn

Newby Bridge

Newby Bridge is a small hamlet on the River Leven at the southern end of Windermere. The village gets its name from the 5 arch stone bridge that crosses the river. The historic bridge dates back to the mid 17th century and is popular among landscape photographers. Boaters and swimmers also enjoy the area.

newby bridge lake district

Eskdale

Eskdale is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Lake District National Park. It stretches from Gosforth to the West Coast of Cumbria, along the base of the renowned Hard Knott Pass.

eskdale valley lake district

Crummock Water

Crummock Water is situated in the North West of the National Park, around an hour’s drive from Skelwith Caravan Park. It is approximately 2.5 miles long by half a mile wide and flanked by beautiful scenery on all sides.

crummock water

Rydal

Rydal is a small village in between Ambleside and Grasmere. It consists of a couple of houses and a church, surrounded by wooded fells.

Rydal Water

Ravenglass

We highly recommend a trip to Ravenglass during your stay at our caravan and glamping Park. This small fishing village is situated on the estuary of 3 rivers - the Esk, Mite and Irt, and the only coastal hamlet within the bounds of the Lake District National Park.

couple walking on ravenglass beach

Troutbeck

Troutbeck is a historic village, located in a stunning valley setting between Windermere and Ambleside. It comprises of a collection of tiny hamlets, a village shop and 3 traditional country pubs. The surrounding scenery is breath taking, with miles of patchwork farmland and woodland spanning as far as the eye can see.

troutbeck

Keswick

Keswick is lovely Lakeland town set on the edge of Derwentwater which has been a draw to visitors ever since tourists started trickling into the area many years ago. The lake is only a short walk from the town centre.

keswick town centre

Derwent Water

As one of the most accessible and visited Lakes in the National Park, Derwent Water has been attracting visitors for centuries.

rowing boat derwentwater

Buttermere Lake

In the north western area of the Lake District National Park is Buttermere. Pay a visit to the lake here and you can enjoy a wonderful round-the-lake walk surrounded by ancient woodland, a wealth of wildlife and towering fells. The lake itself is one of the deepest in the area.

buttermere sunset

Hawkshead Village

Hawkshead Village is just a 10-minute drive from Skelwith Fold Caravan Park and a must visit during your holiday in The Lakes. The pretty market village has much to offer visitors, including cosy pubs, quaint tearooms and a selection of gift shops and independent boutiques.

hawkshead village lake district

Cartmel

Cartmel is one of the most picturesque villages in the Lake District – famed for quaint country cottages and old-worlde feel. It occupies a unique location on the Cartmel peninsula, just 7 miles from Windermere and a short distance from the coast.

cartmel village shop

Grasmere

Grasmere is one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District and it’s not difficult to see why. The village is set in an idyllic location, boasting spectacular mountain views and within walking distance of the lake from which it gets its name.

grasmere in the snow

Ambleside

Ambleside occupies a unique position as it is situated at the head of England's largest lake, Windermere. The town is just 1.5 miles from our Lake District holiday park and is a popular spot with many of our guest to visit and take a wander around.

Ambleside town lake district

Coniston

If you would like to explore an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Lake District, as well as discover the fascinating history of a picturesque village, you might want to consider exploring Coniston.

coniston fells

Things to Do in Windermere and Bowness

Your holiday at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park will not be complete without a visit to the magnificent Windermere, nestled within the picturesque Lake District. Take the opportunity to explore the stunning countryside, alongside the town of Bowness and the Lake itself. You will not be short of things to do and attractions to see. In fact, you may even need to make multiple trips to the area, just so you can fit in everything there is to see.

low wood jetty windermere

Grizedale Forest

When exploring the area, you might want to take a more shaded route into Grizedale Forest. Grizedale offers a wide range of fun-filled activities for everyone! Visitors are spoilt for choice with unique cycling and hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and the popular tree-top adventures at Go Ape Outdoor Centre.

Visit Grizedale Forest whilst staying at Skelwith Fold

Kendal

Thinking about all the things to do in the Lake District during your stay at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park? We strongly recommend that you include a visit to Kendal as one of your destinations.

Kendal Lake District

Jintana Thai

With authentic furniture, artwork and statues from Thailand, the Jintana Thai Restaurant provides an ideal setting to enjoy an impressive selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, all freshly prepared to order their experienced Thai chefs. They also stock a wide range Thai and international wines and beers as well a unique selection of tropical cocktails.

Jitana Thai Restaurant

La Trattoria

With terracotta tiles above the kitchen and bar and prints of Italy on the walls, La Trattoria is inviting you to come and dine with the taste of Italy!

La Trattoria Windermere

The Magic Roundabout

With a great range of food and drinks - from breakfast, to a smokehouse offering, to cakes and desserts - The Magic Roundabout in Bowness-on-Windermere is well worth a visit while you're visiting the Lakes!

The Magic Roundabout Windermere

Poppi Red

Poppi Red is a social hub in the centre the beautiful village of Hawkshead, perfect for a variety of occasions. From breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything else in between - Poppi Red have a dish for every occasion. They have everything from a cake and coffee for a meet up or an afternoon snack, all the way up to an a la carte menu for your evening meal or a celebration.

Poppi Red

Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits is an exceptional and unique shop where you can taste, explore and treat yourself to the very best of British Craft Spirits. Not only is there an outstanding variety on offer, but they also place a premium on sustainability - so you can have the best of the best, absolutely guilt free!

Kindred Spirits

Lanty Slee

Lanty Slee - the notorious 19th Century smuggler for whom this 'saloon bar' is named - once again has a home in The Langdale Valley at The Wayside Pulpit on Elterwater Common.

Lanty Slee Elterwater

The Apple Pie Café & Bakery

Located in Ambleside, in the heart of Lake District, we are an independent, family run, Café and Bakery. Since its opening in 1975 The Apple Pie has grown in size and popularity, but they still keep our traditional values at heart, serving fresh and quality products every day to regular visitors, passing tourists and loyal locals.

The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery Ambleside

Graythwaite Adventure

Graythwaite Adventure provides award-winning outdoor experiences on Graythwaite Estate; 5,000 acres of carefully managed estate land, woodland, parkland and lake frontage, on the shores of Windermere. 20 minutes drive from Skelwith Fold.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park

Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat are famous for their outstanding tours off the beaten track around the Lake District and beyond in the North of England.

Mountain Goat tours

Skelwith Bridge Hotel

Located just a short walk from the back gates of Skelwith Fold, the Skelwith Bridge Hotel is an excellent place to go to enjoy a drink or a meal.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park

Newlands Adventure Centre & Keswick Climbing Wall

Nestled in the breathtaking Newlands Valley, the Newslands Adventure Center offers an unforgettable adventure for every thrill-seeker.

Newlands Adventure Centre & Keswick Climbing Wall

E-Bike Safaris

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Lake District with E-Bike Safaris, offering electric bike rentals delivered directly to your accommodation from £29 per day.

e bike safaris in the lake district

Skelwith Fold [ADMIN – DO NOT USE OR DELETE]

Beautiful Lake District surroundings at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park

Lucy Pittaway Art Gallery

Lucy Pittaway is an award-winning artist based in Yorkshire. Known far and wide for her naïve and imaginative style. At the Bowness Gallery you have the opportunity to take a look at her work and chat with the team about Lucy's work.

lucy pittaway art gallery

The Old Courthouse Gallery

The Old Courthouse Gallery is an independent, family-owned gallery situated in the historic centre of Ambleside in the English Lake District.

the old courthouse gallery

Dove Cottage

The historic home of renowned Poet William Wordsworth. Explore the 18th century cottage, garden and museum before enjoying a bite to eat at the cafe.

dove cottage grasmere

Orrest Head

Enjoy a walk from Windermere to Orrest Head. This is accessible walking route promises magnificent views across Windermere and the surrounding fells from the top.

orrest head at sunset

Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther Castle is home to dramatic ruins, scenic gardens and one of the best adventure playgrounds in the Lake District! It's well worth a day trip during your visit to The Lakes.

lowther castle

Aira Force

Visit this impressive 65ft waterfall in 18th century pleasure grounds. Enjoy a network of walking trails with options for all abilities.

aira force waterfall

Muncaster Castle

13th century castle with impressive gardens and an Owl & Hawk Centre within the grounds. Children will love the outdoor adventure play areas and Weapons Hall.

muncaster castle

Hill Top

Hill Top once belonged to famed children's author, Beatrix Potter. The cottage was bought with the proceed of the Tale of Peter Rabbit and inspired many of her later works!

Hill top beatrix potter

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Historic stone circle dating back to the Neolithic period. It is thought to be one of the first in Britain.

castlerigg stone circle

Helvellyn

Helvellyn stands at 3,118 ft and is the third highest peak in England. It is located just north of Ambleside and famed for its steep ridges and glacial coves.

hikers standing on top of helvellyn summit

The Langdales

The Langdales are one of the Lake District's best loved mountain ranges. They are home to an exciting network of cycle and walking trails.

e bike safaris in the lake district

Catbells

Catbells is one of the best-loved fells in the Lake District. It's the perfect fell to tackle as a family and boasts wonderful views of Derwentwater from the top.

catbells