White Water Rafting in the Lake District

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Photo by Athena

White Water Rafting in the North Lakes at Penrith Town Centre, Cumbria 16 October 2023 — 31 May 2024 Tickets from £59.00 — Book now

There is plenty of walking to awesome vistas, cycling down winding valleys and eating in locally sourced restaurants to do in the Lake District. However, if your idea of adventure is to get right into the throws of nature and feel it hit you in the face, then maybe the best way for you to experience the Lakes is with White Water Rafting.

From April – July you can explore the North Lakes and between August and April the boats plunge into the south lakes. Both destinations combine stunning views with the adrenaline rush of fast water and chilly thrills. The South Lakes are well known for being the best natural rapids in the UK, so don’t be fooled into thinking our relatively calm climate and landscape will make for a calm time in the boat.

On each trip there are a convoy of rafts that travel through these stunning natural rapids together. Everyone in the boat will have to paddle to negotiate the rapids and carve your way through this picturesque landscape.

Lake District White Water Rafting offers a range of raft rides suitable for different groups. They also have special halloween trips which take place after sunset in the dark and a Christmas trip where the river guides you to a pub where a full Christmas dinner awaits.

Helmets, wetsuits and life jackets are provided, all you have to bring is normal swimwear and a towel. Rapids riders are also advised to have a basic level of fitness and a sense of adventure as well as trainers that they don’t mind getting wet. The starting point of each trip will be sent out prior to the visit. Occasionally locations have to change due to weather conditions but these are usually still within an hour of the original start point and won’t affect your experience on the water.

White Water Rafting in the North Lakes at Penrith Town Centre, Cumbria 16 October 2023 — 31 May 2024 Tickets from £59.00 Book now

Where to go near White Water Rafting in the Lake District

Cumbria
Cinema
Alhambra Cinema

An independent cinema in the heart of town, the Lonsdale Alhambra is, for many locals, a treasure of Penrith.

Cumbria
Gallery
EVAN Gallery & Studios

A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.

Cumbria
Restaurant
La Casita

La Casita serves the most authentic tapas in Penrith – the only thing not-so-Spanish about La Casita is their high quality fresh Cumbrian ingredients.

Cumbria
Café or Coffee Shop
The Yard Kitchen

Boasting an array of hot and cold food including homemade cakes, The Yard Kitchen is a café with a distinctly quirky feel.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Simple Goodness

Rich soups, salads, hearty meals and homemade cakes are freshly made using seasonal and organic incgredients whereever possible from this vegetarian takeaway bistro.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Grants of CastleGate

This modern bistro and bar, open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, serves up classic British pub fare reimagined to its most indulgent.

Cumbria
Restaurant
J&J Graham

Right in the heart of the town centre, deli and bakery J&J Graham is a Penrith icon that dates back to 1793.

Penrith Castle
Cumbria
Tourist Attraction
Penrith Castle

Ruins of a 14th century castle, former home of Richard III. Situated in Penrith’s Castle Park, and managed by English Heritage. Free to visit.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Xavier’s Café & Wine Bar

Xavier’s is Penrith’s answer to Paris’ wine-infused café culture. An elegant spot to unwind in both the daytime and evening.

Bank House
Cumbria
Hotel
Bank House

Close to the centre of Penrith, Bank House is a stylish family-run bed and breakfast, in a Victorian house with a traditional garden. 

Cumbria
Event venue
Penrith Old Fire Station

Main venue for Eden Arts, an artist-led organisation based in Eden in Cumbria creating projects around mass participation, local distinctiveness and digital engagement, from Picnic Cinema to The Winter Droving.

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