Free Things To Do In The Lake District

Located adjacent to Ullswater, the Aira Force Waterfall is the second-largest lake in the Lake District. One of the most popular attractions in the region and free to visit and explore, the waterfall is one of the most stunning natural sights in the area, reflecting the incredible environments the Lakes are known for. The trails leading to the waterfall are easily accessible and are a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the beauty and fascinating nature of the Lake District.

An imposing relic of Britain’s imperial history, Penrith Castle is steeped in legacy and innovation. The castle was first recognised in 1399 when the eventual Bishop of Carlisle and Archbishop of Canterbury added a stone wall to an earlier pele tower to defend against Scottish Raids. The Castle was improved and developed over the next 70 years, becoming a royal fortress for King Richard III whilst he still served as Duke of Gloucester. Nowadays, the towering sandstone ruins are all that remains of the ‘Castle of the Kings’, situated in Castle Park, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and is free for all visitors.

Standing tall in a gorgeous setting by the River Lowther, Shap Abbey was first built in 1199 and is the last Abbey to be founded in England. Founded by the Premonstratensian order, the Abbey was also the last abbey to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. Much of the building's origins trace back to the 13th Century, and much of the stone was taken at the end of the 17th century and can now be found in local landmarks Lowther Castle and Shap Market Hall. Visitors are welcome to explore the Abbey’s remains freely, making for a wonderful sight if you take a stroll along the River Lowther. A short path along the fields will also lead you to the small 16th Century Keld Chapel, now run and cared for by the National Trust.

Described by William Wordsworth as “next to Stonehenge, it is beyond dispute the most notable relic that this or probably any other country contains”, Long Meg & Her Daughters Stone Circle is a geological wonder. With a diameter of around 350 feet, the circle is the second biggest in the country behind Stonehenge. The tallest stone, Long Meg, stands about 12 feet high, and features three mysterious symbols, with its four corners facing the points of a compass. The stones date back to sometime around 1,500 BC and were likely used as a meeting place for religious rituals. The circle’s reputation has stood strong through its nearly 1,000-year history, as Wordsworth also wrote a poem based around Long Meg in 1822. Free to visit, the circle remains in much of its original form, with the Long Meg’s symbols still visible for curious detectives to examine and decipher.