Rainy Days in the Lake District: Our Favourite Things to Do
WE'VE had more than a few rainy days in the Lake District recently. And while the rain keeps our lakes topped up, it can be a challenge finding something to do that doesn’t involve wet hiking boots and a serious test of your waterproof jacket. But happily there are many attractions to keep you occupied on rainy days in the Lake District. We’ve tested all these ourselves, and want to send you off to some of our very favourite places.
The Return of Bluebird
One of the biggest attractions has only just been returned to the Lake District in spectacular style. The magnificent and restored Bluebird K7, in which Donald Campbell attempted to break the world water speed record, is now back “home” and on display in Coniston’s Ruskin Museum. This delightful museum has been open for more than 100 years telling the story of the village, the lake, and the characters connected with the area. Including the Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome, and the Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin himself.
Now Bluebird is undoubtedly the main attraction, more than 50 years after the fatal crash on the lake. It’s a tale to match any adventure story. Born in 1921, the “speed ace” Donald Campbell was Britain’s star of world water speed record-breaking in the 1950s. In his Bluebird K7 he broke the outright water speed record on six separate occasions, four of them on Coniston Water. After less successful attempts on land speed records, once dominated by his father, Sir Malcolm Campbell, in 1964, in Australia, he raised the water speed record to 276.33 mph on Lake Dumbleyung.
He then brought Bluebird K7 back to Coniston to try and get past 300 mph. The craft was already eleven years old, but this was a re-engined K7, more powerful and, theoretically, capable of that speed. But after one successful run down the lake, he crashed on the return leg. On 4 January 1967, Donald Campbell and Bluebird K7 were catapulted into legend. And for many years his body and his boat lay on the lake bed until 2001 when a team led by Bill Smith raised Bluebird, and found Campbell who was then subsequently laid to rest in Coniston Cemetery.
After many years of both restoration work and arguments over ownership, Donald’s daughter Gina Campbell finally was able to welcome Bluebird back to Coniston this year for display in the Ruskin museum.
Lakeland Motor Museum
There’s also a Donald Campbell connection at the fabulous Lakeland Motor Museum, a perfect place for rainy days in the Lake District. Or any day. They have more than 30,000 exhibits covering the entire history of transport, from the Isle of Man TT races to details of Campbell’s speedboats on Coniston. There’s also some fantastical miniature pedal cars, and even some vintage caravans. You can also take a trip down memory lane with some period shop displays, and fashion from the last century. A great cafe on site, too.
Cruise Under Cover
Rainy days in the Lake District are perfect for exploring by boat. You can sail on England’s largest lake in comfort as Windermere Lake Cruises have steamers that carry passengers under cover every day. Some head to the north of the lake and the stunning mountain landscapes. Others cruise around the islands of Windermere. And you can take a cruise to the southern end of the lake and take a break on land. At Lakeside you can visit the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway or the Lakes Aquarium. Dogs are welcome on board and travel free. You can book your ticket at the office by the jetty at Bowness. That's only a short walk from us here at the Cedar Manor. And you’ll realise why this is the most popular tourist attraction in the whole of the Lake District.
Pictures at an Exhibition
There are many wonderful art galleries for rainy days in the Lake District. We love the Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere where there are regular exhibitions in the archive gallery. At the moment you can see a fascinating show of work by one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists, Rebecca Scott. Her exhibition is called Machinations and the paintings are really startling.
Coming here to Grasmere shortly is a very contrasting exhibition by a young painter called Adam Fenton. He grew up in the North West, headed to London, and ended up living in a remote thatched cottage on a Danish island. Now he’s having his own show, Amidst the Sea of Fog. He’s a remarkable artist with an equally remarkable story to tell. The studio is open daily from 9-5 and alongside is the delightful cafe Mathildes.
Sunshine Tomorrow?
And finally, check with the experts if you want to know if it will be a wet day in Windermere. This is the local, most detailed weather forecast: lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk