The best group activities in the Lake District

Stag and hen dos, large family gatherings and groups of friends can all find some wonderful group activities in the Lake District. 

Spending some quality time together can mean challenging yourselves to a wild adventure, kicking back and relaxing for the day, or enjoying some belly laughs. 

However big or small your party, there are group activities to be enjoyed by all! Read on to discover some of our favourite activities for groups, or click the button below to browse our collection of large group cottages in the Lake District.

Ghyll scrambling

One of the Lake District’s most popular outdoor adventure activities, ghyll scrambling is a hoot for all ages. It requires no experience, is dead easy to get involved with, and offers a nice challenge without being too terrifying!

Pop on your waterproofs, prepare to get wet, and slip and slide down some Lake District mountain streams!

Escape rooms

If your group likes a bit of mystery thrown in with some mental challenges, then head to one of Cumbria’s escape rooms. Crack safes in a bank heist, aid a vegan vampire, or hunt down a serial killer. 

Your team will have to work together to crack the codes and escape before you’re trapped forever!

Hiking

What better way to spend some quality time together than a day out in the hills? If your group is active and experienced, try tackling England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, or explore the Langdales. 

If you all prefer something a little gentler, why not try out one of these fantastic easy mountain walks?

Boat trips

Exploring the Lake District lakes by boat is a truly spectacular experience. Ullswater, Windermere, Coniston and Derwentwater all have fleets of boats that sail the waters while you sit back and enjoy the view. 

You can hop on a regularly scheduled trip or, for extra large parties, take advantage of private hire.

Spa days

Are you all ready to indulge and escape life’s stresses? Then a day at a fancy spa is just the ticket! 

The perfect Lake District activity for adults, you can make use of saunas and steam rooms, swim in an infinity pool overlooking Derwentwater, and be pampered to the max with a range of incredible treatments.

Afternoon tea

Finger sandwiches, mini cakes, and teapots: we love an afternoon tea, and the Lake District has some of the best! Imagine being served on a lawn overlooking a rippling lake, relaxing in a bright orangery, or even nibbling treats in a castle! 

There are lots of options for group afternoon teas in the Lake District and it’s a great way for you to all catch up and make plans for the rest of your trip.

Laser tag

Kit yourself out with some camo gear and rally the troops - you’re going into battle!

Lakes Laser Tag, on the shores of Lake Windermere, is ideal for mixed-age groups when you really want to get everyone involved. Children and adults from age 6 and up can join in, running around the woods and ‘tagging’ the opposing team with special laser guns. For a healthy dose of rivalry, nothing beats laser tag!

Go karting

Zip around one of the country’s best go-karting tracks at Rowrah, or head indoors at Maryport on those rainy days. 

The rev of the engines, the screech of wheels on the tarmac, and the pervasive excitement is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

Activity centres

Fancy a day of adventure and activity? One of the Lake District’s activity centres will have all you need! Try out one activity at a time, or build a bespoke package to last the whole day. 

You’ll find traditional activities like archery and quad biking, as well as more quirky offerings like JCB driving and human bowling!

Comedy evenings

A great comedy night can have your whole group in stitches and we love that gentle ache after an evening of belly laughs and hilarity. 

In Cumbria, you’ll find side-splitting local comedians alongside big names. Check out Rosehill’s monthly comedy club in West Cumbria, the Old Fire Station in Carlisle, or The Comedy Mill in Ulverston.

Festivals

Get out your festival trolleys and don your wellies, it's time for a Lake District festival!

From big music events like Kendal Calling to celebrations of the great outdoors like the Keswick Mountain Festival, there are events of all flavours. Grab a group, check the date, and head to the Lake District for days and weekends of fun and frolicking.

Via Ferrata

For adventure-seeking groups, you’ve got an incredible challenge ahead on the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine. Following the old miners’ path up Fleetwith Pike, you’ll edge across sheer cliffs, scramble up vertigo-inducing slopes, and even cross a perilous rope bridge high above the valley floor.

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an adventure you’ll remember forever!

Go Ape

Swing along the forest canopy, zip wire from the branches, and explore the tops of the trees at Whinlatter Forest or Grizedale Forest. 

Go Ape is a high ropes course like no other and you’ll be excited to go all over again once you’ve completed the first round!

Live music

If you’re staying at any of the bigger Lake District towns like Keswick, Ambleside or Bowness, you’re bound to hear the strains of live music coming from any number of venues. 

Look out for advertised events at eateries such as Zeffirellis Jazz Bar, or pick out a live performance venue such as the Carnegie Theatre in Workington or Brewery Arts in Kendal.

Brewery and distillery tours

The Lake District is a hub for artisan brews, delicious gins, and quality whiskeys. You can find out all about the different processes that go into making these tasty beverages on a tour. 

Whisky lovers must head to the Lakes Distillery at Bassenthwaite, while those who prefer their beers can tour the iconic Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth or Hawkshead Brewery near Kendal.

Self-catering cottages in the Lake District

Your perfect group trip is made better by the places you stay. Take a look at our fabulous large group cottages in the Lake District.