10 Things to Do in the Lake District When it Rains

Kids of all ages will enjoy The World of Beatrix Potter. The beloved children's author lived and worked in the Lake District, and this place honors her achievements.

The attraction has three-dimensional animatronics of all her characters in a walk-through exhibit that is mostly indoors (except, of course, for the Peter Rabbit Garden). There's also an interactive display of the Lake District as Beatrix Potter would have seen it, a gift shop and a cafe. Check out the calendar for storytelling, workshops and more! While many of the events are aimed at children, some are definitely of interest to adults and the entire family.

Wray Castle is worth visiting on a non-rainy day, too. Here, you'll enjoy the sprawling acres of lakeshore and grounds. But if the sky is dripping, step inside the Gothic Revival castle to see the exhibits.

The interior is mostly free of furnishings, letting you appreciate the architecture of the building. The lack of furnishings also makes this a particularly child-friendly attraction, as there is nothing for them to knock over or damage. And, of course, it has a cafe. If you don't feel like hiking or driving, you can get there by boat from Bowness-on-Windermere. When the rain stops, enjoy the grounds and the beautiful views of the lake.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railroad runs from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, where you can hop on a boat to continue your journey up the length of the lake. Or, of course, the other way around.

The railroad runs a variety of steam trains and historic carriages, including a royal sedan. In early winter, they run a Tinsel Train, where adults can get an appropriate beverage and kids a personalized gift straight from Santa's Elves. Other than that, the railroad runs only in the summer season. Dogs ride free. There are also interesting attractions at both ends, including the Lakeside Motor Museum and, of course, a variety of shops and restaurants.

If you want to do something cultural in a different way, go to the Rheged Center. Everything you want to do, all under one roof.

It has an independent gallery hosting curated and touring exhibitions, a movie theater with a 60-foot screen that shows art movies, a program of creative classes and boutique shops. The entire facility is fully wheelchair accessible, and if you need to get some work done, you can settle down with your laptop in a public meeting space. This is a great place to get some higher-class souvenirs, too, or new clothes more suited to the often cool and wet climate of the Lakes.

The L'aal Ratty, as it's affectionately known, is a seven-mile narrow-gauge railroad with a heritage fleet of steam and diesel engines.

Some of their carriages are open, which makes for great views, but may not be the best on a rainy day. They do not guarantee upgrades for people in an open carriage but suggest you dress appropriately. You can book at several levels, including their Pullman Observation Carriage. And if you want an experience, you can book a return journey that includes a cream tea (with or without Prosecco) at one of the terminal stations...or onboard in the Directors Sedan or Pullman Observation Carriage.

Lowther Castle was built at the turn of the 19th century and partially demolished in 1957. At its height, the castle had a room for every day of the year and jealousy inducing gardens.

It's still worth seeing for the gardens. The part of the castle still standing makes great shelter from the rain, with an exhibition showing the castle's history and images of the previous houses on a site that has been occupied since at least 1150. If it's finally stopped raining, hire bikes and explore the park. If it hasn't, then appreciate the ruins from indoors and enjoy the atmosphere.

Another wonderful stately home is Sizergh Castle, the ancestral home of the Stricklands. Not actually a castle, but rather a medieval mansion (still occupied), the house contains treasured family portraits and art.

There's also an Elizabethan inlaid chamber, and Jacobite relics. In the family dining room hangs the Catholic Royal Stuart portrait collection. It's a pretty impressive collection of art. If the weather allows, the gardens are truly spectacular, including a wetland and historic deer parks. There is a cafe and shop. The house is partly accessible, on the first floor only. It's well worth a visit on any wet day or even on a dry one.

The Lakes Aquarium is home to a variety of creatures from Lake Windermere and around the world.

Go there to see what the fish in Windermere actually look like, as well as diving ducks. Every day you can go into the Lake Tunnel (under a simulated Windermere) and watch them feed these wonderful birds. They have a variety of unusual residents, too, ranging from otters and harvest mice to freshwater blind cave fish from Central America. They also have a virtual dive bell with realistic CG graphics.

Go to Muncaster Castle to see a historic building that is supposedly haunted by a jester named Tom Skelton. It was built in 1885 in the style of a Medieval castle.

The old Great Hall is still standing, as is the original fortified Pele tower. See beautiful furniture and artwork that span centuries of continuous occupation. Audio tours are available in English and Japanese and vary in length depending on how many stories you want to hear. But there's something else too...the Hawk & Owl Center, home to a diverse variety of birds. Flying displays of both owls and raptors take place twice daily so you can learn about the ancient art of falconry.

The Theater by the Lake in Keswick is a ten-minute walk from downtown and on the lake Derwentwater.

It has two stages as well as gallery spaces that contain regular (free) exhibitions that range from professional artists to the work of local schoolchildren. There is a restaurant where you can make reservations, as well as an outdoor terrace and a bar that is open before and after all evening performances. The restaurant menu changes periodically but typically includes burgers, soup and salad. Performances at the theater vary and include assorted plays as well as musicals. There's always something interesting going on, and you will definitely forget about that English rain.