From spotting osprey to leaping in the lake – here are our tips for adventures within easy striking distance of Ullswater and the hotel. Book to stay and head out further a field.
Things to do in the Lake District
Feel the spray at Aira Force
Wander up to Wordsworth’s “wild stream of Aira” to see the stunning waterfall. Aira Force is a protected haven for endangered red squirrels, so look for bushy red tails and pointed ears twitching in the trees. The paths are open, but there’s restricted parking and a one-way system to keep everyone safe and socially distanced. Aira Force is also along the route of the Ullswater Way.
Cross the lake in a steamer
Take a classic Ullswater Steamer trip and let one of these beautiful vintage boats take you to the start of some of the most breathtaking walks around the lake shore – connecting Glenridding to Howtown, Pooley Bridge, and Aira Force. Be sure to check the new timetable and book ahead online.
Embrace the outdoors at Askham
Take a closer look at nature’s possibilities, with Askham Hall’s Bushcraft Experience. Discover the secrets of the local area, and learn the medicinal, practical and culinary uses of the flora and fauna there. Be initiated into the timeless arts of fire-making, hunting, gathering and fishing; and get right back to basics.
Go wild swimming
Let go and jump in. Spend some time exploring the water with our expert outdoor swimming instructor, Colin Hill. From April to October you’ll get to clamber and leap around the beautiful craggy bay of Kailpot, a short boat trip from the hotel. From November to February try our cold water swimming sessions. Learn tips and techniques to get in the water safely when temperatures dip.
Get up close to a badger
Quieter than many of the better known Lake District spots, the Haweswater valley is a beautifully wild and secluded corner of the National Park that offers plentiful opportunities for wildlife encounters. While this season’s programme of guided walks and talks has been postponed due to Covid, the Badger Hide at Naddle Farm is now available for exclusive hire. Watch these secretive creatures at close range, as they forage and socialise before your eyes.
Discover ancient secrets at Castlerigg
Set against the looming mountains, Castlerigg stone circle makes for magical sight. At around 5,000 years old, it’s a good place to ponder life’s mysteries – or play an excellent game of hide-and-seek. Allow for a 30-minute walk up to the stones.
Try a full moon swim
Whether gliding through the lake by the light of a full moon, or perfecting your form in our endless pool; this is the summer for swimming like you’ve never swum before. Let our outdoor swimming specialist guide you, stroke by stroke, into the open water.
Book a full moon swim, or a session in the endless pool at Another Place, The Lake
Get some peace in Carlisle Cathedral
Walk into Carlisle’s medieval Cathedral and look up, to get lost in its starry ceiling, designed by Owen Jones, the influential 19th century architect and designer. The cathedral also hides Anglo-Saxon painted panels from the 1400s, and rare Scandinavian runes in the walls.
Head into Honister Slate Mine
Tread boldly in the footsteps of the Lake District’s slate miners. Climb the miners’ track sky-high to the top of Fleetwith Pike, or descend into the green slate mines below. If you’re feeling brave, take on the UK’s longest high wire bridge, dangling 2,000ft above the floor of the gorge.
Walk the valley with a llama
For a touch of the surreal, explore the Eden Valley with a llama by your side – getting to know everything about the animal. Walks range from an hour to half a day, and have been adapted to keep everyone safe and socially distanced
Storm the castle
Let your romantic imagination run wild amongst the turrets and towers of Lowther Castle, where the ruins, gardens and estate trails are all open. Smell the flowers in the new, Sleeping-Beauty-inspired Rose Garden, then sample a homemade cake from the vintage coffee van.
Try your hand at archery
The whole family can pick up a bow and learn to hit the target in our hotel grounds. Our instructors will teach you everything you need to know, and you might just walk away with a bullseye…
Book archery and view other activities at Another Place, The Lake
Go story-hunting
Meander your way through the Eden Valley with a head full of stories. If you follow the paths, or follow your nose, you’ll find buried giants, drowned villages and mysterious ‘witchstones’. You can even head to Kirkby Stephen’s parish church to find a rare carving of the Norse God Loki.
Get out on the water
Just you, the lake, and the sound of a paddle breaking the calm surface – Ullswater’s silky waters are just the place to try paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking. Let our qualified instructors show you the ropes, then start exploring.
Book your stay at Another Place, The Lake
