Rain comes often to the Lake District, it’s the reason there are so many beautiful lakes!
But what can you get up to on a rainy day in Windermere?
What indoor activities can keep you and your loved ones occupied while you wait for the rain clouds to disappear?
In this post we have listed some fun and interesting things to do as you hide from the wet weather.
Related: Self-Catering Place to Stay in Windermere.
18 Indoor Things to Do in Windermere in the Rain
1. Visit the Famous Lakeland Store
Head to the Lakeland store in Windermere to browse a large selection of kitchen tools, home goods, and baking supplies.
This fun shop offers hands-on demos and helpful staff advice, making it a good way to spend time indoors on wet days.
Find unique items to take home or as gifts.
Related: Unusual Windermere Activities
2. Discover Windermere Jetty Museum
Visit the Windermere Jetty Museum to see a collection of boats, gadgets, and curiosities that tell the story of the lake’s 200-year boating history.
Enjoy interactive displays, oral histories, art exhibits, and family-friendly workshops inside.
The cafe offers a spot to relax with food and drinks, ideal for staying dry on rainy days.
Related: Shops in Windermere
3. Drive Out to Blackwell: The Arts & Craft House
Head to Blackwell, an Arts and Crafts house near Windermere, to explore its rooms filled with original furniture, wood carvings, and period features.
Walk through the displays that show the history and design of the building, with guides on hand to explain details.
Stay dry inside on rainy days and enjoy the views from the large windows over the grounds.
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4. Enjoy a Show at The Old Laundry Theatre
Catch a performance at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, with a mix of plays, music acts, and comedy shows in a cosy space.
Book tickets in advance for evening or matinee slots to suit your plans.
This venue keeps you entertained and out of the rain with its indoor seating and bar area for drinks during intervals.
5. Visit The World of Beatrix Potter
Step into The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness to see exhibits based on the author’s tales, including models of characters like Peter Rabbit and interactive zones for all ages.
Watch short films and learn about her life through displays and artefacts.
The site includes a tea room for snacks, making it a full indoor option for wet weather.
6. Take on the Bowness Escape Room
Test your skills at the Bowness Escape Room, where teams solve puzzles and clues to break out of themed rooms within an hour.
Choose from different storylines like mysteries or adventures, suitable for groups or families.
This activity keeps everyone engaged indoors, away from the rain outside.
7. Treat Yourself to a Delicious Afternoon Tea
Sit down for afternoon tea at one of Windermere’s cafes or hotels, with selections of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and hot drinks served on tiered stands.
Many places offer gluten-free or vegan options to match tastes.
Spend a relaxed time inside, chatting and eating, perfect for dodging showers.
8. Browse Thuline Studio Art Gallery
Go to Thuline Studio Art Gallery in Windermere to view paintings, prints, and sculptures by local artists, with a focus on Lake District scenes.
Chat with the owners about the works and perhaps buy a piece to take home.
The gallery provides a calm indoor space to spend time on dull days.
9. Potter Around Windermere Library
Spend time at Windermere Library, browsing books, magazines, and local history sections in a quiet setting.
Use the computers or join in any story sessions if available for children.
This free spot offers a warm, dry place to read or relax when the weather turns bad.
10. Visit a Spa for a Pampering Day
Book a session at a spa in Windermere, such as those in hotels, for treatments like massages, facials, or saunas to unwind.
Many include pools and relaxation areas for full-day packages.
Stay indoors and recharge, ignoring the rain with these soothing services.
11. Try Kankku Off Road Driving Adventures
Join Kankku Off Road Driving Adventures near Windermere for guided sessions in 4×4 vehicles, learning to handle rough terrain from inside the cab.
Instructors lead the way, and the activity runs in most weather since you stay protected in the car.
This option adds excitement on rainy days without getting wet.
12. Head Over to the Lakes Aquarium
Visit the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside to see fish, otters, and other creatures from around the world in large tanks and exhibits.
Walk through tunnels and watch feeding times or talks about the animals.
The indoor setup includes a cafe, making it easy to fill a few hours out of the rain.
13. Explore Wray Castle
Tour Wray Castle, a mock-Gothic building on the shores of Windermere, to see its grand rooms, towers, and displays on its history as a National Trust property.
Kids can play in dress-up areas or activity zones inside.
Keep dry while wandering the interiors and learning about past owners.
14. Drive to the Lakeland Motor Museum
Make the short drive to the Lakeland Motor Museum to view classic cars, motorcycles, and bikes from different eras, plus exhibits on local transport history.
See recreations of old garages and try simulators for fun.
The museum’s indoor halls and cafe provide cover from wet weather.
15. Visit Dove Cottage
Drive to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth, to tour the small rooms filled with his belongings and learn about his poetry through guides and audio.
The attached museum shows more artefacts and manuscripts.
This indoor visit suits rainy days with its focus on history inside.
16. Take a Mountain Goat Tour
Board a Mountain Goat minibus tour from Windermere for guided trips around the Lakes, staying inside the vehicle with commentary on sights and stops at key spots.
Tours cover areas like Kirkstone Pass or Beatrix Potter sites without much walking.
This way, you see the area while protected from rain.
17. Eat Out in One of Windermere’s Amazing Dining Venues
Choose a restaurant in Windermere for a meal, with options from pub grub to fine dining using local ingredients like lamb or fish.
Many places have cosy atmospheres with firesides for comfort.
Dine indoors and enjoy the food, making it a simple plan for bad weather.
18. Explore the Local Shops
Wander through Windermere’s shops, from book stores and gift outlets to clothing and outdoor gear places, all under cover.
Pick up souvenirs, sweets, or crafts made in the area.
Shopping keeps you busy and dry on rainy afternoons.
Where to Stay in Windermere
For a comfortable base in Windermere, stay in one of our holiday cottages at Laik.
Our properties suit couples, families, or groups, with options like cosy apartments or larger houses full of modern touches.
Each one sits in handy locations near the village, Bowness, or the lake, and some allow pets.
Some include multiple bedrooms, fresh updates, luxury features, or park views.
Some Final Notes on Indoor Activities in Windermere for Rainy Days
Windermere offers plenty of indoor options to keep your visit to the Lake District fun, even on rainy days.
From museums and theatres to spas and shops, these activities provide ways to stay dry and make memories.
Stay in one of our holiday cottages at Laik for a cosy base close to all the fun.
