What to do in Elterwater

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Nick Cummings
Photo by Nick Cummings
Photo by Sharon Sunshine
Photo by Sharon Sunshine
Photo by Tony Hicks
Photo by Tony Hicks
Photo by Kathy Appleby
Photo by Kathy Appleby
Photo "Elterwater" by Nigel Davies (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Nigel Davies (CC BY-SA)
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What to do in Elterwater

Popular places to visit

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water

You can learn about the history of Grasmere with a stop at Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water
Rydal Mount showing a house and interior views

Rydal Mount

Wander through the picturesque grounds of Wordsworth’s family home and imagine how the views of lakes inspired him to write.

Rydal Mount
Ambleside which includes a lake or waterhole and boating

Ambleside Pier

Explore the waterfront in Waterhead with a trip to Ambleside Pier. Visit the spas and lively bars in this walkable area.

Ambleside Pier
Dove Cottage which includes a house, heritage elements and a garden

Dove Cottage

Visit the 17th-century house where William Wordsworth lived for almost a decade and wrote some of his most celebrated works.

Dove Cottage
Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows

Explore the great outdoors at Tarn Hows, a lovely green space in Ambleside. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Tarn Hows
Wray Castle

Wray Castle

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Wray Castle during your trip to Claife. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Wray Castle
Rydal Water

Rydal Water

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rydal Water during your travels in Lakes.

Rydal Water

Hill Top Farm

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Hill Top Farm during your travels in Near Sawrey. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this culturally rich area.

Hill Top Farm

Grizedale Forest

Explore the great outdoors at Grizedale Forest, a lovely green space in Hawkshead. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside and enjoy its lively bars.

Grizedale Forest

Frequently asked questions

Is Elterwater worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Elterwater. Don't forget to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Elterwater?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ambleside Climbing Wall and Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore. Then, explore other parts of Elterwater for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Elterwater?
Beatrix Potter Gallery is one of the top tourist attractions in Elterwater and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Elterwater?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Beatrix Potter Gallery, Rothay Park and Skelwith Force with a three-day stay in Elterwater. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Windermere.
What are some activities to do in Elterwater with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Elterwater with kids.

What to do in Elterwater for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Elterwater, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Grasmere Garden Village or Wordsworth Museum.
Are there free things to do in Elterwater?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Elterwater is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Rothay Park is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.