Accessible Guide to the Lake District

Your guide to accessible attractions, walks, and facilities in the Lake District

Lake District

Picture Perfect! There is something for everyone in the Lake District.
The Lake District, located in Cumbria in North-West England, is a nationally significant landscape and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. It is also the largest national park in the United Kingdom, has England’s largest lake, Windermere, and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. The area is known for its dramatic natural features, including glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains, 214 of which are Wainwright’s, recognised walks by the famous Alfred Wainwright. With extensive valleys, as well as its historic market towns and villages such as Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this much-loved destination has a ‘Timeless Beauty’.
The Lake District attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience its landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural heritage. Activities such as walking, hiking, boating, and sightseeing are central to the visitor experience, alongside opportunities to explore picturesque settlements, local heritage sites, and traditional rural environments. The area is also recognised for its literary and artistic associations, which have contributed to its cultural significance.
As a major destination for domestic and international tourism, ensuring accessibility and inclusive visitor experiences within the Lake District is an important consideration for the continued enjoyment and sustainability of the National Park.
Beatrix Potter was a great lover of the Lake District having herself spent many holidays there before making it home and leaving behind a legacy that everyone benefits from today. Having written over 60 books and publishing the highly successful children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit she was able to purchase the wonderful land, which protected it for years to come, having left almost all her property to the National Trust. Visitors today can enjoy this special landscape and also the continued presence of Peter rabbit throughout Cumbria. To this day, there are so many National Trust properties for everyone to enjoy and accessibility is very important to this special organisation.
The Lake District National Park authority have some great opportunities for disabled people visiting the Lake District including the Miles Without Stiles initiative which was founded in the Lake District and now has been rolled out across the UK to various areas.

Buttermere Lake

Local Traditions, Events and Cultural Highlights

  • Strong literary heritage; Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth 
  • The famous Herdwick Sheep 
  • Cumberland and West Moorland Wrestling and Fell-Running 
  • Gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake along with Rum Butter
  • Dalemain Marmalade Festival
  • Kendal and Keswick Mountain Festival
  • Grasmere Sports
  • Lakeland Country Fair

Accessible Scenery and Sensory Highlights

Scenic drives, breathtaking views on every corner which literally do take your breath away!
The Lake District has become renowned for several Michelin Star / Fine-Dining Cuisine. It is worth checking out these establishments as they are a sensory delight and offer experiences that visitors will not forget. We recommend disabled people contact the individual establishments to check their accessibility before booking.

 

Accessible Food and Drink Outlets

  • Watchtree Nature Reserve – A 205-Acre site on the Solway plain 6 miles Southwest of Carlisle. The café and Three Hills Gelato Shack are surrounded by nature, making it a haven for wildlife and a community asset for all. Events and activities supporting well-being and education are also regularly hosted here.
  • The Bluebird Café – Known for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional café menu, spacious dining and a view of the peaceful Coniston Waters. Step-free access all inside.
  • The Gateway Inn – Just outside Kendal, offering comforting, delicious meals served by helpful staff. Has an accessible toilet. Offers a varied menu including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
  • The Highwayman – Near Kirkby Lonsdale, a perfect spot for a traditional, rustic Sunday roast. Spacious inside, with level access and wide doors.
  • The Watermill Inn at Ings – Has its own microbrewery onsite, delicious, hearty-portioned food and a lively, laid-back atmosphere for real ale lovers alike.
  • Chesters By The River at Skelwith Bridge – A bright, modern café with riverside deck, alongside fantastic local gifts and products in the retail space.
  • Force Café & Terrace – Found in Ambleside, where panoramic views, seasonal food and warm hospitality come together.
  • Lake View Garden Bar – Found at Bowness-on-Windermere, with rooftop seating and fabulous views overlooking the water.
  • Peter Rabbit Café – Found in picturesque Windermere, offers a magical experience with the Afternoon Tea speciality.
  • Cranston’s Cumbria Food Hall in Penrith – A fabulous place to buy local food, fresh fish, meats and the deli counter includes the famous Cumberland Sausage.
  • Mathilde’s Café, at the Heaton Cooper Gallery, Grasmere – A beautiful café with a Scandinavian twist, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wonderful food and “a love of both landscape and the heart”.
  • Windermere Jetty Museum (Lakeshore Café) –Visitors can use the café without entering the museum. This amazing lakeside setting with great access is a must visit experience.

Accessible Attractions and Experiences

  • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – Has accessible parking leading to the booking office which has ramped access. All doors on site are wide enough for wheelchairs and there are both open and closed train carriages where wheelchair users can access via a ramp remaining in their own wheelchair.  There are accessible toilets on site. Accessible baby changing facilities are also available. All information guides are available in a large print format and audio description is available to describe visual information, alongside hearing loops. Carers can go free and there is free public Wi-Fi onsite.  
  • Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s Farmhouse) – This popular attraction is a ‘Chocolate Box Cottage’ with its pretty, idyllic, quaint and sentimental feel. There is uneven surfaces here into the garden areas and the upstairs is not wheelchair accessible but there are all-terrain wheelchairs available to hire and a video on a tablet showing the upstairs area is available. There are ramps available for the shop entrance and there are hearing loops at till points. Braille and large print guides are available. Touch Tours of the site are offered. Ear defenders and fidget toys are available to borrow. There is an accessible toilet in the nearby car park. Checkout the Hill Top Access Statement before visiting.
  • Ullswater Steamers – There are accessible parking bays onsite and accessible toilets. Some of the boats have restricted access and it is advisable to contact the booking office prior to your visit to discuss individual needs.
  • Brockhole – This wonderful attraction is a great day out for people of all abilities. With accessible parking, accessible toilets, and home to one of the Miles Without Stiles routes, this pretty estate offers a fantastic lakeside walk amongst the mountain scenery. Brockhole is also home to a children’s adventure playground and Treetop Trek; an exciting zipwire course. 
  • Grizedale Forest – The Forest’s visitor centre and café are equipped with facilities for disabled people such as accessible toilets, parking and all-terrain mobility vehicles to hire for visitors to enjoy this woodland scenery and the Miles Without Stiles route.
  • Winlatter Forest – Stunning views, fantastic walks and adventure play. This Forestry England site is a great day out with a stop-off at Café Ambio with views from the terrace, Miles Without Stiles and all-terrain mobility scooters available to hire.
  • Lowther Castle & Gardens – Guests of all abilities and levels of mobility are welcome at Lowther Castle and Gardens to enjoy this stunning visitor attraction. There are also mobility scooters to hire.
  • Holker Hall – This family home nestled between the hills of the Lake District and the sea marshes has it all, the garden, dining and exquisite architecture. The first floor is not wheelchair accessible, but externally the grounds are accessible to all. Visitors can borrow wheelchairs and Tramper mobility scooters.
  • Rheged Centre – A grand accessible day out for a rainy day, with a cinema, café, shop, indoor play area and gallery, it is a great flexible place to visit. There is always something going on at the Centre, such as several creative workshops, talks and the ‘Forty Farms Fair’, with a Kendal Farmer’s Market and ‘Lovingly Artisan’ stalls.
  • Lakes Distillery – A great Lake District success story. “Experience a distillery unlike any other”. “Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this working distillery. Find delightful products available in the shop or book a table in the bistro with seasonal dining in a stunning setting. Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the careful crafting process of this high-class product.
  • The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden – A beautiful place celebrating the natural tastes of the seasons. A great location for their Afternoon Tea on the terrace and to explore the Walled Garden. There are gravel pathways throughout the garden and therefore may be challenging for some. There is an accessible toilet and accessible parking bays, with ramped access leading down into the Garden.
  • Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere – “Your perfect Lake District Day Out”. Famously “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, as described by William Wordsworth, the famous poet. This wonderful attraction is level access throughout the main visitor buildings and café, along with the ground floor of Dove Cottage where tours take place. There is a beautiful Sensory Garden and a Daffodil Trail, but the surfaces are uneven here and not wheelchair accessible, but these make a great retreat for those looking for some peace and tranquillity.
  • Windermere Jetty Museum – A must-see, accessible Lake District attraction, exploring Windermere’s 200-year-old boating history in this spectacular museum. The Lakeshore Café has full, large-glazed windows making visitors feel they are out on the lake, with extraordinary views across the water. Have fun with the interactive galleries or take a Heritage Boat Trip, which are not wheelchair accessible but offer some great nostalgia for visitors with Dementia.
  • Windermere Lake Cruises – Take a cruise on their new Accessible Boat; ‘Swift!’. This new vessel offers a stress-free and inclusive experience on the lake. Other vessels are available, but their access varies so please speak to the booking office or visit the website.
  • The Ruskin Museum in Coniston – Home of the iconic Bluebird and tells the story of Donald Campbell and his amazing effort to break the speed record on water at Coniston Water.
  • ‘The World of Beatrix Potter’ – A Lake District icon celebrated in this interactive museum for families and children, with a highly-rated theatre show.
  • ‘Blackwell’, Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere – Immerse yourself in all things arts inside this beautiful building and take part in creative workshops. Natural lighting floods the Tea Room providing a nice dining atmosphere. There is wheelchair access via a lift to the first floor. However, some of the upstairs rooms are not wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible toilet and accessible parking bays.
  • Abbot Hall, Kendal – This is one of the UK’s leading art galleries and is now a vibrant culture and community hub. There is access to all floors via lifts operated by a member of staff’s help. Wheelchairs are also available to hire as well as portable stools for use if required. There is a coffee bar, creative space and gift shop to add onto the day’s activities.
  • Derwent Pencil Museum – “Home of the world’s first pencil!”. This museum offers an accessible experience with a gift shop and café. With a proud heritage dating back to 1832, this is the place that has been manufacturing pencils in the Lake District ever since. 

National Trust Properties

The National Trust is for everyone, excellent work and improvements to accessibility from a PAN disability perspective is a high priority at the National Trust. The trust offers The Essential Companion pass making it simple to bring one or two carers free of charge. Many of their sites have accessibility guides produced by AccessAble. Changing Places Toilets are installed at many of their locations, helping provide full days out for all to enjoy.    


 

  • Fell Foot, Newby Bridge – A family friendly park with walks next to lake Windermere, there are lawns and benches for people who need to take a seat. It has accessible parking and a designated drop off point. There are also accessible toilets in main car park and at the Active Base. This is alongside a Changing Places toilet and a Space to Change facility. The pathways are wheelchair accessible and there are wheelchairs, two all-terrain wheelchairs and a mountain trike available to hire free of charge. The cafe and outdoor viewing platform has level access, and the grounds are partly accessible. There is an induction loop in the visitor reception hut and café.  A sensory story is available on the website.
  • Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park (near Watermillock) – Has a 65-foot dramatic waterfall which is stunning alongside the woodland trails and has a chance to see rare red squirrels. There is a tearoom for refreshments and lakeshore access to Ullswater.  Gowbarrow Park has great walking trails. It has accessible parking and a designated drop off point.  They offer a map of the accessible routes and there is a virtual reality tour that follows the footpaths to the Aira Force waterfall and Gowbarrow Fell. There is an accessible toilet on site and one wheelchair to hire.  They offer large print literature and there is an induction hearing loop available.
  • Allan Bank and Grasmere – Allan Bank House was once home to William Wordsworth and it has a romantic 19th century wooded garden.  There is a chapel like building built in the 1830 which has been restored.  For rainy days there is an indoor picnic area. It has accessible parking and a designated drop off point, which leads to the rear door to allow level entry to the house. There is an accessible toilet on site and an induction hearing loop available.  
  • Sizergh Castle – A beautiful medieval house with rich gardens.  The manor has been the home of 26 generations of the Strickland family.  The estate has wetlands, woodland, farmland and orchards.  There is designated accessible parking and a drop off point available.  There is a 1.5km accessible walking route and ramps to access the ground floor of the house.  Virtual tours of the house, garden and estate are available on the website.  The food outlet and shop have level access.  An accessible toilet is available on site and there are both wheelchairs and powered mobility vehicles available to hire.   
  • Wray Parkland and Castle – A Victorian Lakeland home to England’s largest lake; Lake Windermere. A grand outdoor space with a harbour to explore nature, varieties of trees and learn about the rich Gothic history of the area. There is an accessible route mapped around the Estate with level access to key areas and the café. There is an accessible toilet and parking bays. All-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire.
  • Acorn Bank – This delightful garden is renowned for its herbs, fruit orchard and flowers blooming throughout the season amongst the tranquillity of nature, with the beautiful Mansion House as its backdrop. The attraction offers a Changing Places Toilet facility and a second-hand book store. Accessible parking bays gain access to the site. Selected areas of the site can be challenging to navigate for wheelchair users but Trampers are available to hire. A map is available of the accessible route. There is a hearing loop on site.

English Heritage

  • Carlisle Castle – Built in the 12th Century, it was a one-time prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. It now hosts the Museum of Military Life.
  • Castlerigg Stone Circle – Probably one of the most beautifully situated stone circles in the country, with panoramic views of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Built around 2,000 years ago. This is an amazing place to visit with nearby roadside parking, but visitors have to navigate a grassed surface up a gentle slope to reach the stones, which may be challenging for some.

Accessible Villages/Towns

  • Hawkshead
  • Ambleside
  • Coniston
  • Keswick
  • Grasmere
  • Ambleside
  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • Windermere
  • Kendal
  • Penrith
  • Elterwater
  • Pooley Bridge

Accessible Sporting Activities

  • Bendrigg Trust – Bendrigg welcomes individuals of all abilities, including those with autism, physical disabilities, and learning or behavioural challenges. The team is committed to facilitating participation in adventure activities for everyone. Onsite activities include zip wire, climbing wall, indoor caving, archery, cycling, tube slide, sensory swing and sensory room, sports hall games, orienteering, and bushcraft. Offsite excursions are also organised for canoeing, caving, and additional pursuits.
  • Anyone Can – An inclusive adventure company welcoming people of all abilities. Offering accessible activities like canoeing, sailing, and rock climbing, with adaptive equipment and facilities such as a wheelchair-accessible support boat, mobile hoist, and specialist seating. The whole-day sessions allow flexibility for comfort and adjustments throughout the day. They have BSL instructors, basic Makaton skills, and provide tailored support for individuals with learning disabilities or autism, including quiet sessions and visual timetables.
  • Calvert Lakes & Stables – Offering a variety of adventurous outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy, supervised and supported by experienced and friendly staff. Accessible activities include abseiling, climbing, canoeing, swimming, horse riding, sailing, cycling and a high-speed, adaptable zip-wire. They also have a hydrotherapy pool and sensory spaces.
  • Coniston Boating Centre – Offers an accessible motorboat adapted for up to 3 wheelchairs with easy access on and off via a ramp.
Windermere Lake

Accessible Walking Routes

The ‘Miles Without Stiles’ Initiative originated in the Lake District, before growing in other areas of the country. Miles Without Stiles are walking routes for everyone. They take you along the most stunning landscapes surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of nature and the fresh, outdoor air.

The Miles Without Stiles routes below are designed to be suitable ‘For All’; wheelchair users, pushchairs, visually impaired, and walkers of all levels of strength and agility, as there are no physical challenges such as scrambling rocks or climbing steep gradients. The routes consist of smooth surfaces of 1m minimum width, with passing places.

As with all outdoor activities it is recommended to check the weather forecast beforehand and wear suitable clothing and durable footwear. Take some snacks and drinks as refreshments along the way as there are plenty of picturesque viewpoints to stop off at.

For further information check out the Miles Without Stiles website.

  • Bowness to Cockshott Point – A circular 2km route with gentle slopes around the waterfront of Bowness and quieter shoreline around Cockshott Point.
  • White Moss Common – A woodland and meadow walk of 1.25km round trip (and an additional 1km if desired) with access to the beautiful River Rothay.
  • Grasmere Riverside – Walk around the River Rothay and discover the popular village of Grasmere (1.75km away) or choose a longer 2.25km walk starting from the A591 lay-by. 
  • Broughton Railway – Begin in Broughton on Furness town and follow the old railway line which has a history of the mining industry. Approximately 4.5km distance.
  • Walls Drive, Ravenglass – A 2.2km walk around the Western village of Ravenglass, via one of the tallest Roman buildings in England.
  • Ennerdale Views – Features a 2km route ‘For All’ and a longer 4.2km level walk ‘For Many’ along the shore of Ennerdale Water with fantastic views of the wild Ennerdale fells.
  • Buttermere Lakeshore – Depending on levels of ability and endurance, this area offers routes ranging from 1.5km down to the river or an extended route of 7.5km which requires a Class 2/3 mobility scooter. Sights of the beautiful Buttermere can be found throughout all.
  • Loweswater – A level, 4km walk in one of the quieter corners of the Lake District for a more tranquil, undisturbed walking experience.
  • Dubwath Silver Meadows – A haven for wildlife lovers in Northern Bassenthwaite, circling the scenic wetlands nature reserve, approximately 2.5km distance total.
  • The Howk, Caldbeck – 500m away from the village centre, this route goes via the old bobbin mill and the Howk limestone gorge.
  • Friar’s Crag – A 1.25km walk to a stunning natural viewpoint, or alternatively, along, circular route back to the car park, through Cockshott Wood.
  • Keswick to Threlkeld – A stunning 10km walk through the River Greta gorge.
  • Station Coppice – Two short walks of 250m each with excellent views of Thirlmere Reservoir.
  • Staveley Riverside – A circular, 1.25km level walk alongside the River Kent and minor tarmac road, returning back to Staveley Mill Yard.

The following walks require a mobility scooter (class 2 or 3). These routes have no stiles, but the terrain can be challenging, but with a well-charged, all-terrain wheelchair, the stunning scenery is some of the best in the world.

  • New Dungeon Ghyll to Elterwater
  • Tilberthwaite to Slater’s Bridge
  • Orrest Head
  • Wray Castle – There are a few Miles Without Stiles routes to choose from around this National Trust property
  • Brockhole
  • Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
  • Bleatarn
  • Tarn Howes
  • Coniston – There are 2 Miles Without Stiles routes listed for this area. 
  • Loughrigg Tarn Circuit

Scenic Drives and Viewpoints

Most places have scenic drives and viewpoints. The Lake District is absolutely bursting with breathtaking scenery throughout its entirety. There are too many to list, but the following views are extremely beautiful.

 

  • Langdale Chase Hotel – The location of the terrace to watch the sunset is picture perfect. 
  • Linthwaite Hotel – The terrace and gardens surrounding this contemporary, luxury hotel has stunning views over Lake Windermere.
  • Buttermere – Famous for its calm waters reflecting the surrounding fells, with views of Haystacks, which was the favourite fell of Alfred Wainwright.
  • Friar’s Crag at Keswick – Offering a panoramic view of Derwent Water.
  • Orrest Head in Windermere – The famous place where Alfred Wainwright was introduced to the Lake District, saying, “here, the promised land is seen in all its glory”.

Retail

The Lake District is full of passionate, independent retailers who provide wonderful, local products and gifts. Local art, sheepskin rugs, local delicacies and handmade crafts and textiles. Places like Grasmere Gingerbread, invented in 1854 is a must-visit delicacy. Check out their new Gingerbread and Bullion Chocolate bar; it’s delightful! 

 

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is a famous Cumbrian pudding and is available in many restaurants, but also in retail outlets, and tastes just as good at home with your favourite custard.

 

Places such as Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal offer bigger brands for those who wish to have a more mainstream shopping experience.


 

Entertainment

  • ‘Theatre by The Lake’ in Keswick – Known to be one of the UK’s most scenic theatre spots, offering spacious wheelchair areas, accessible performances and easy to navigate access throughout. A great way to spend a relaxed evening.
  • Brewery Arts – This creative hub has it all; cinema, live music, theatre and great food. Level access throughout, accessible toilets and designated parking bays right outside.
  • Rheged Centre Cinema 
  • Zeffirellis Cinema, Ambleside 
  • Keswick Alhambra Cinema
  • Royalty Cinema, Windermere
  • The Victoria Wood Theatre, Windermere

Transport

  • Buses – Wheelchair accessible Stagecoach buses with fares capped at £3. 
  • Trains – Wheelchair accessible train carriages available on services from; Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway if travelling from further away in the country and around the District. Oxenholme is a step-free station served by many of these operators. There is assistance for wheelchair users available at Windermere station which is served by Northern Trains.
  • Boats – Check out a variety of vessels that operate up and down the Lakes and you can combine this with a walking route.
  • Private Tours – ‘Mountain Goat’, established in 1972 is a travelling tour company offering several bespoke trips to those hidden away, but must-see places in the Lake District. The vehicles are not wheelchair accessible with 3 steps to enter but for those wanting a more personal experience within a small group, this can be a great option. Guests can fold-down a manual wheelchair which can be stored within the vehicle.

Mobility Hire

  • Lake District Mobility offer Tramper Wheelchairs to hire at the following locations: Holker Hall, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Lowthe Castle, Wray Castle and Talkin Tarn
  • Free Tramper hire courtesy of National Trust at their Tarn Howes site near Coniston, along with Sizergh Castle, Fell Foot, Acorn Bank and ‘Theatre by the Lake’ in Keswick.

Changing Places Toilets

Changing Places Toilets is a campaign which is gathering great momentum across the region, and this opens the area to those with severe disabilities. Places such as:

  • Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere
  • National Trust, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge
  • Outside-In Cumbria, Kendal
  • Killington Lake Services, M6 Southbound, near Kendal
  • Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal
  • Kendal Leisure Centre
  • Barrow Park Leisure Centre, Barrow In Furniss
  • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Station
  • Barrow Library
  • Carlisle Railway Station
  • Copeland Pool & Fitness, Whitehaven
  • Cumbria CVS Shaddongate, Carlisle
  • Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness
  • Rheged Visitor Centre
  • Silloth Green
  • Southwaite Moto Service Station (Northbound and Southbound)
  • Sunset Café, Silecroft Beach
  • Tebay Services (Northbound M6)
  • Tesco, Workington
  • The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle
  • Todhills Moto Services (Southbound)
  • Westmorland General Hospital
  • Workington Leisure Centre, Carlisle

Simply Owners recommend calling any venue and checking their accessibility to ensure it meets your individual needs prior to visiting as situations continually change.