Visiting the Lake District in the summer is a practical choice for those who want to make the most of the UK’s warmer months. With the fells at their greenest and the lakes in the Lake District at their most accessible, it is the busiest but most vibrant time to explore. Whether you are planning a family holiday or a quiet weekend away, summer in the Lake District provides the best conditions for outdoor activities and alfresco dining.
During summer breaks in the Lake District, you can expect long days with up to 17 hours of daylight, which leaves ample opportunity to enjoy a scenic hike followed by a meal at one of the best pub restaurants in the Lake District. This guide covers the essential lakeside adventures and the best places to eat outdoors, helping you plan a trip that is both enjoyable and well-organised.
Table of Contents
- Summer in the Lake District: A Brief Overview
- What Lakeside Adventures are there in the Lake District?
- What Outdoor Dining is there in the Lake District?
- Key Information for Your Summer Visit
- Ready to Make Every Summer Unforgettable?
- FAQs
- What is the warmest lake in the Lake District for swimming?
- Are all outdoor dining spots in the Lake District dog-friendly?
- Do I need to book Lake District boat hires in advance?
- What are the best things to do with kids in the Lake District if it rains?
- Is parking expensive near the popular lakes in the Lake District?
Summer in the Lake District: A Brief Overview
For those looking for a quick summary, here are the primary highlights of visiting the Lakes during the summer months:
- Water-Based Activities: Summer is the peak season for motorboat hires, paddleboarding (SUP), and heritage lake cruises across major hubs like Windermere and Ullswater.
- Alfresco Dining: With long daylight hours, it is the best time to visit restaurants in the Lake District that offer lakeside terraces and scenic beer gardens.
- Swimming Conditions: Water temperatures average between 16°C and 18°C, making it the most suitable window for wild swimming and watersports.
- Optimal Hiking: Fell trails are generally dry and clear, allowing for safe, high-level walks before heading back down for a pub lunch.
- Extended Daylight: You can expect up to 17 hours of light in mid-summer, providing plenty of time for both adventure and relaxation.
What Lakeside Adventures are there in the Lake District?
Lakeside adventures are the main draw for visitors during the summer. With the water at its warmest, you can engage in everything from motorized boating to wild swimming, alongside a huge range of other adventure activities in the Lake District that cater to all skill levels.
Exploring Ullswater from the Water
Often described as the most beautiful lake in England, Ullswater is a prime destination for summer activities. Many visitors choose to stay at nearby Ullswater Heights to be within easy reach of the northern shoreline and the charming village of Pooley Bridge.
Hire a Private Motorboat
You can rent small electric or petrol motorboats from Pooley Bridge or Glenridding. No previous experience is required, and they provide a straightforward way to see the shoreline at your own pace.
- Family Value: Most boats hold up to 6 people, making it an affordable group activity.
- Logistics: Hires usually run for 1 or 2 hours; buoyancy aids are provided as standard.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Paddleboarding is one of the best things to do in the Lake District for a low-impact workout with a great view of Helvellyn and the surrounding fells.
- Where to go: Ullswater Paddleboarding in Pooley Bridge, the Glenridding Sailing Centre, or Derwentwater Marina in Keswick all offer equipment hire and expert tuition.
- Pet-friendly: It is widely considered one of the best things to do in the Lake District with a dog, as many boards are stable enough to carry a pet. However, this is dependent on your pet’s temperament and comfort with water, so we recommend using your best judgment to ensure it is a suitable activity for them.
Heritage Steamers and Scenic Cruises
Cruising is a reliable way to see the lakes in the Lake District while avoiding the summer traffic on the narrow roads.
Ullswater Steamers
Ullswater is often quieter than Windermere. The steamers connect Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, and Howtown.
- Highlight: The “Howtown to Glenridding” cruise is often cited as the most beautiful boat trip in England, offering a unique perspective of the ‘Ullswater Way’.
- Practical Detail: Use the steamer to reach the start of the Hallin Fell walk for excellent views with moderate effort.
- Sustainability: Choosing the boat over the car helps reduce congestion in the National Park.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Cruises on Lake Windermere operate a regular schedule between the primary piers at Bowness, Lakeside, and Ambleside.
- Highlight: The “Red Cruise” from Bowness to Ambleside is the most popular route, offering a 70-minute return journey with live commentary on the lake’s history.
- Convenient Connections: Many families combine a boat cruise with a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway for a full day of activity. Arguably one of the best things to do with kids in the Lake District, especially if you are looking for easy day trips from the Lake District.
Wild Swimming and Sheltered Bays
Swimming in the lakes is a popular summer activity, provided you follow basic safety guidelines.
Glencoyne Bay (Ullswater)
Located on the western shore of Ullswater, Glencoyne Bay is one of the most accessible and popular spots for a summer dip near Pooley Bridge.
- Accessibility: The bay offers a pebble beach with a gradual entry into the water, making it ideal for those trying wild swimming for the first time or families with children.
- Scenery: It is famously the site where William Wordsworth saw the daffodils that inspired his most well-known poem, providing a stunning backdrop of the fells.
Logistics: There is a National Trust car park directly across the road, making it a convenient stop just a short drive from the northern end of the lake.
Buttermere (Western Lake District)
Buttermere is one of the most photographed lakes in the Lake District due to its still waters and dramatic mountain reflections.
- Accessible Trail: A flat 4.5-mile path circles the entire lake, which is ideal for a gentle summer stroll before or after a swim.
- Practical Detail: The lake is owned by the National Trust, ensuring its surrounding landscape remains protected and preserved in its natural state.
- Safety: Always stay within your depth and be aware of cold water shock, even on hot days.
Fell Foot Park (Windermere)
Managed by the National Trust, Fell Foot is situated at the southern tip of Windermere and is designed for easy water access.
- Facilities: It offers some of the best things to do in the Lake District for families, offering changing rooms and accessible slipways.
- Activities: You can hire rowing boats or kayaks here if you prefer a more traditional experience.
What Outdoor Dining is there in the Lake District?
Outdoor dining is a central part of the experience in the Lake District during summer. With longer evenings and milder weather, many establishments expand their seating to include terraces, jetties, and gardens that overlook the fells and water.
Dining On-Site: The Lake House (Ullswater Heights)
Our very own restaurant venue, The Lake House, situated within the Ullswater Heights resort, offers a modern dining experience with peaceful views overlooking our quarry lake.
- Highlight: Often hosts live music at the weekend and features a spacious outdoor terrace that is perfect for summer evenings.
- Atmosphere: A relaxed, family-friendly, and fully dog-friendly environment where you can unwind after a day on the fells.
- Price Range: ££
- Menu: Offers a varied range of dishes, including handmade stone-baked pizzas and classic grill options like gourmet burgers and steaks.
- Drinks: Features a selection of local cask ales, premium spirits, and a range of soft drinks for younger guests.
The Secret Garden (Pooley Bridge)
The Secret Garden restaurant boasts a beautiful riverside location, overlooking one of the estuaries to Lake Ullswater and the historic Pooley Bridge itself.
- Highlight: The riverside terrace provides a front-row seat to the tranquil movements of the lake and the local wildlife.
- Atmosphere: Charming and peaceful with a sophisticated yet welcoming feel; the outdoor area is also dog-friendly.
- Price Range: ££
- Menu: Focuses on contemporary British dining, featuring fresh local seafood, gourmet sandwiches, and seasonal mains.
- Drinks: A curated wine list, local craft beers, and a variety of barista-standard coffees.
The Crown at Pooley Bridge (Pooley Bridge)
A staple of the village, The Crown pub offers a fantastic rooftop terrace and plenty of outdoor seating right in the heart of the community.
- Highlight: Its elevated terrace offers stunning views towards the northern fells and the tip of Ullswater.
- Atmosphere: A warm, classic British pub feel that is very welcoming to families and dog owners (inside and out).
- Price Range: ££
- Menu: Quality home-cooked pub food including legendary fish and chips, savory pies, and local Cumberland sausage.
- Drinks: An extensive selection of regional real ales, classic spirits, and a family-friendly variety of juices and soft drinks.
The Yew Tree (Seatoller/Keswick)
Located in the breathtaking Borrowdale Valley, The Yew Tree, a 17th-century coaching inn, is steeped in history and rustic charm.
- Highlight: Features a lovely garden area and is perfectly situated for those coming off the fells near Honister Pass.
- Atmosphere: Historic and rustic with wood-beamed ceilings and a cosy fell-side pub vibe.
- Price Range: ££
- Menu: Famous for their traditional Sunday roasts, they also serve hearty pub lunches and dishes featuring local Lakeland lamb.
- Drinks: Well-kept regional cask ales, a selection of warming spirits, and locally produced farm juices.
The Terrace at Low Wood Bay (Windermere)
This spot provides panoramic views across Windermere towards the Langdale Pikes.
- Highlight: It features overhead heaters and retractable covers, making it a reliable choice if the weather in the Lake District turns breezy.
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated but relaxed resort vibe. It is a popular spot for both hotel guests and visitors looking for a premium lakeside experience.
- Price Range: ££ – £££
- Menu: Focuses on wood-fired pizzas, artisan small plates (like Langdale fried chicken), and seasonal salads.
- Drinks: Extensive selection including signature cocktails (like the Passion Fruit Martini and frozen daiquiris), and a comprehensive wine list.
The Waterhead Inn (Ambleside)
Situated right at the northern tip of Windermere, the outdoor seating area puts you just yards from the lakeshore and the Ambleside steamer pier.
- Highlight: Its proximity to the pier makes it an ideal stop-off for those arriving by boat or exploring the Waterhead area.
- Atmosphere: A bustling, traditional inn feel with modern comforts; it is an excellent spot for people-watching during the summer months.
- Price Range: ££
- Menu: Hearty British classics, lake-themed gourmet burgers, and fresh local trout.
- Drinks: A great range of cask ales, spirits from The Lakes Distillery, and refreshing classic spritzes.
Comparison of Top Lake District Dining Spots
To help you decide where to stop for a summer meal, here is a quick comparison of our recommended venues.
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Cuisine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lake House | Ullswater Heights | ££ | Pizzas & Grill | On-site convenience & live music |
| The Secret Garden | Pooley Bridge | ££ | Contemporary | Riverside views & dog-friendly dining |
| The Crown | Pooley Bridge | ££ | Pub Classics | Home-cooked food near the water |
| The Yew Tree | Keswick area | ££ | Traditional Pub | Sunday roasts & historic atmosphere |
| The Terrace | Windermere | ££ – £££ | Wood-fired/Small Plates | Premium lakeside luxury |
| The Waterhead Inn | Ambleside | ££ | British Classics | Convenience for boat travellers |
Key Information for Your Summer Visit
To ensure your trip is as smooth as possible, keep these practical logistics in mind:
Transport: The Lake District is busiest in July and August. Use the Lake District Summer Shuttle or the heritage boat cruises to move between popular spots like Bowness and Ambleside to avoid parking difficulties.
Bookings: Most restaurants in the Lake District with lakeside terraces do not take outdoor-specific bookings (they are usually first-come, first-served). It is best to arrive for an early lunch (11:30 AM) or a late afternoon meal (3:00 PM) to secure a prime spot.
Weather: Summer temperatures typically range from 15°C to 20°C, though they can reach the mid-20s during heatwaves. However, the weather in the Lake District is known for its high rainfall even in July and August, and microclimates mean conditions on the fells often differ significantly from the valleys. It is essential to check local mountain forecasts and always carry a waterproof layer, as clear mornings can quickly turn to heavy showers.
Safety: If you are wild swimming, always use a tow float for visibility, especially in lakes with boat traffic like Windermere.
Ready to Make Every Summer Unforgettable?
A visit to the Lake District in the summer offers the perfect balance of high-energy lakeside adventures and relaxed alfresco dining. By planning your morning activities on the water and retreating to a scenic pub for a late lunch, you can master the seasonal rush and truly enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
If you find yourself never wanting to leave, you can enjoy this lifestyle year-round by exploring luxury lodges for sale in the Lake District at Ullswater Heights, your permanent gateway to lakeside living.
FAQs
What is the warmest lake in the Lake District for swimming?
Windermere and Coniston Water tend to be the warmest due to their size and relative depth, often reaching 18°C in late July. However, shallower areas in Fell Foot Park are often the most comfortable for families.
Are all outdoor dining spots in the Lake District dog-friendly?
Most establishments with beer gardens or terraces are very welcoming to dogs. Places like The Flying Pig and The Pheasant Inn even provide specific amenities for pets. It is always polite to keep dogs on a lead in dining areas, and we recommend checking directly with the venue ahead of your visit to confirm their current pet policy.
Do I need to book Lake District boat hires in advance?
For private motorboats, it is highly recommended to book online at least 24 hours in advance during school holidays. For the large heritage cruises (Steamers), you can usually buy tickets at the pier on the day.
What are the best things to do with kids in the Lake District if it rains?
If the summer weather turns, some of the best weather-proof activities in the Lake District include visiting the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness or the Lakes Aquarium at Newby Bridge, which are both excellent indoor alternatives that keep children entertained.
Is parking expensive near the popular lakes in the Lake District?
Parking in popular hubs like Bowness and Ambleside can be costly and fills up by 10:00 AM. Using National Trust car parks (free for members) or Park and Sail schemes is a more cost-effective and less stressful way to visit.