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A hiker and their dog hiking in the mountains of the Lake District

There is a huge amount to do in the Lake District whilst you’re on holiday, from walking to cycling, sailing and rock climbing. For those looking to experience the outdoors in a different way and feel more connected with nature, there are several amazing attractions and locations worth visiting in one of Britain’s most beautiful and natural landscapes.

In this post we’ll be taking a look at the wild side of the Lake District including some brilliant animal attractions, fishing spots and riding locations, so you can make the most out of your visit to the Lakes and discover these amazing experiences.


Fishing in the Lakes

One thing that is guaranteed in the Lakes, is a lot of fishing! Across the famous lakes themselves and down the rivers and streams that cut through the green landscape, there is plenty of good fishing spots and locations to visit. If you’re looking to test your casting or even just have a go for the first time, we have picked out some of the best…

Hemmingways Fishing

Hemmingways Fishing

A brilliant place to start if you’re looking to fish in the Lake District, or try your hand at it, is Hemmingways Fishing. Based in Keswick, Hemmingways Fishing provides daylong guided fishing trips for beginners and experienced fishers alike, taking you across Derwentwater in search of the region’s renowned Perch and Pike which inhabit the local waters.

Each guided trip lasts from 9.00 a.m. till 4.30 p.m. and is run by the company’s expert anglers who will teach you all you need to know about fishing in the Lakes and guide you to the best spots for the biggest catches (and some of them are truly massive!). Hemmingways Fishing also provides Fly Casting tuition and youngsters are welcome to take part in any of their fishing trips.

To find out more and book your trip, visit the Hemmingways Fishing website.


Cumbria Fly Fishing

Cumbria Fly Fishing

For those wishing to specialise in fly fishing, Cumbria Fly Fishing is the perfect place to get yourself amidst the waters and experience some of the best fly fishing spots in the Lake District. If you’re an experienced fly fisher then Cumbria Fly Fishing can point you in the right direction across the rivers of the area including the Eden, the Tay and even the Tyne, where you can catch some spectacular varieties of salmon, trout and grayling.

The company also provides brilliant tuition courses for beginners, teaching you everything about fly fishing including safety tips, the best equipment to have, handling the fish and the best spots to cast amongst Cumbria’s spectacular scenery.

Equipment is also provided at no extra cost, however, you will need to purchase a rod license before visiting. To book your own bespoke tuition, follow the link to the Cumbria Fly Fishing website, where you can find out more about their amazing experiences.


Horse Riding in the Lakes

The Lake District is a wonderful location for keen horse riders and novices wanting to get into the sport. Whether simply trekking across the hills and valleys or galloping along the Cumbrian coastline, there are some brilliant riding schools and experiences to check out whilst you’re visiting the Lakes.

Hands on Heavy Horses

Hands on Heavy Horses

Hands on Heavy Horses provides visitors to the Lakes with an opportunity to ride some of the country’s largest and strongest horses across the area. Set near the calm waters of Lake Windermere, the company runs treks across the fells on their signature Clydesdale breeds and even carriage ride experiences out along the quaint lanes and roads that weave through the east of the Lake District.

Whether you’re looking to spend a whole day trekking across the hills or just want to give heavy horse riding a go, the guides and instructors will be more than happy to help you out and literally show you the reigns. You can find out more about the experience and the Clydesdales on the Hands on Heavy Horses website.

The company also hosts a number of activities and experiences at their dedicated site Full Circle Retreats. From photography, drawing, creative writing and animal caring, there are a huge variety of courses on offer, which can help you connect with the natural landscape of the Lakes in a personal way and bring you closer to the animals that live there.


Murthwaite Green Beach Riding

Murthwaite Green Beach Riding

A friendly, family-run business based in the West of the Lake District, Murthwaite Green Beach Riding offers an exhilarating experience riding horses across the beautiful beaches of Cumbria’s stunning coastline. Taking out small groups of riders on the beaches nearby, the company specialises in unique trips that provide you with an experience you will never forget.

Whether you want a shorter two-hour beach ride, a day long experience, or a combination of beach riding and exploring the local fells, there are plenty of options to choose from including bespoke private excursions across the dunes.

To book your experience, follow the link below to the Murthwaite Green Beach Riding website.


Something a bit different…

South Lakes Safari Zoo

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Next up is South Lakes Safari Zoo, a definite ‘must-see’ for all animal lovers and families visiting the Lake District. Set in the southernmost region of the Lake District, the zoo is home to over 1,000 of the world’s rarest species of animal including rhinos, tigers, monkeys and even the beautiful snow leopard! With so many of the zoo’s inhabitants making up a part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme, the attraction gives you a unique opportunity to get close to some of the world’s most spectacular and rare creatures, providing an experience like no other in the Lakes.

Alongside visits to the zoo’s famous big cats, giraffes, kangaroos and zebras, you’ll also be able to see exotic birds like parrots, penguins, flamingos and more, as well as taking a look at the various reptiles living on the site. For those wanting an even more in-depth safari experience, the zoo also offers guests the opportunity to book animal experiences, which range from animal feeding sessions to whole days dedicated to trying out the role of a zookeeper at South Lakes Safari Zoo.

With over a dozen experiences to choose from, including feeding the penguins, touring the big cats and junior zookeeper days, you can really make your wildlife visit your own special day in the Lakes.

To find out more about zoo and their amazing experiences, visit the South Lakes Safari Zoo website.


The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Finally, we have The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis. Located just five minutes off J35 of the M6, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is the little zoo with lots to do!

With a combination of lush indoor tropical halls, walkthrough enclosures, outdoor spaces and over 100 species to see, the zoo is great fun for the whole family! Open 10:00AM-17:00PM every day, (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) – free parking and disabled access throughout. Plus the Wild Cafe, equipped with conservatory and outdoor picnic area, serves delicious wholesome food throughout the day!

Check out the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis website for opening hours and more information.


Make your trip a memorable one with a stay in one of these amazing Lake District cottages.