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The best Father’s Day activities to do in the Lake District

With Father’s Day fast approaching on Sunday 15 June 2025, it’s time to think of ways to show your dad how much you appreciate him. We might be biased, but what could be better than treating him to some fresh air and stunning scenery in the heart of the Lake District? These fun Father’s Day activities within easy reach of The Ro will give you the opportunity to spend some quality time with dad surrounded by nature at its finest.

Aerial view of a lake with sailboats, surrounded by green hills, a small town, and distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Enjoy a walk around Lake Windermere

Whether he’s the type to prefer a gentle lakeside stroll or a fell-top hike that’ll leave him feeling on top of the world, there are routes for everyone at Lake Windermere. The walk from Bowness to Brant Fell is one of our favourites. This uphill hike from the lively lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere is well worth the steep climb. It delivers stunning views of Lake Windermere and beyond from the top.

Two cushioned lounge chairs with white towels face an indoor pool, reflected in the calm water, beneath a sloped ceiling with soft ambient lighting.

Encourage him to put his feet up

If your dad is a hard worker who deserves some time out, our fantastic new wellness retreat at The Ro is one of the best Father’s Day activities money can buy. Treat him to a wellness pass to the Hydro Wellness Club and he can take a dip in our heated swimming pool in Windermere, work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym facilities, then chill out in the hot tub and relaxation areas.

A man receiving a comforting massage lies on a massage bed, with the masseuse applying pressure to the collarbones.

Gift dad some me-time

For dads who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, the Stress Not Massage at our Hydro Wellness Club is one of the most relaxing spa treatments in Windermere. This calming and anti-inflammatory massage will target any muscle pain and melt away tension using the power of warmed stones. It incorporates a unique CBD balm that naturally eases muscle stiffness and calms busy minds. Dad will leave relaxed and ready to take on the world again.

This image is the property of The Lakes Distillery in the Lake District. A skilled worker crafts their world famous Lakes whiskey.

Enjoy some good spirits

An hour’s drive north of The Ro brings you to Lakes Distillery where dads can learn how whisky, gin and vodka are made. Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of this state-of-the-art distillery. It’s Father’s Day, so you’re the designated driver for this outing.

This image is property of the Windermere lake cruises website, and advertises self-boat hire.

Let him captain his own boat

It won’t come as a surprise that boat trips are one of the most popular Father’s Day activities on offer in the Lake District. Windermere Lake Cruises offer an opportunity to explore England’s largest lake by boat, with regular sailings from Bowness that take in magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands. Alternatively, you can also hire motorboats and rowing boats. Or why not charter a skippered yacht from one of the companies operating on the lake and set sail on your own adventure with dad.

A close up shot of an orange vintage car, showcasing it's beautiful headlight features.

Journey into the past

If your dad loves anything on wheels, head for the Lakeland Motor Museum. A 20-minute drive from The Ro, just south of Lake Windermere, this fascinating museum houses a collection of classic cars, motorbikes and bicycles. On Father’s Day, the Lotus Driving Club will be at the museum showing a private selection of these luxury British sports cars. Meanwhile, over at the popular Windermere Jetty Museum in Bowness-on-Windermere, dads can explore the lake’s boating history with a range of interesting exhibits.

A father and his son are engaging in bushcraft activities. The child is lighting some kindling on fire to practise his fire making skills.

Take dad on an adventure

With its wild, rugged terrain, the Lake District offers a whole range of Father’s Day activities for dads with an adventurous spirit. For a Father’s Day workshop with a difference, Green Man Survival offers everything from woodland archery and bushcraft experiences through to epic wild camping wilderness escapes that are bound to create lasting memories for you and your dad.

A plate of roast dinner with sliced meat, crispy potatoes, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and a Yorkshire pudding, as rich gravy is poured from a jug.

Treat him to a Sunday roast

Book a table at the Lacu Restaurant and treat dad to a delicious Sunday lunch – with no dishwashing duties to take care of at the end. At our popular restaurant, the focus is on a friendly atmosphere and filling food without too much formality, making it the perfect place to get together for a family meal. The Lacu serves delicious food for the soul – including roast beef with all the trimmings.

Book a stay at The Ro hotel

Whether your dad loves nothing more than enjoying the great outdoors or is in need of some rest and relaxation, a stay at our hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere makes an ideal Father’s Day gift. After a day spent enjoying one or more of these Father’s Day activities, he’ll enjoy a good night’s rest in one of our comfortable rooms. With Lake Windermere on the doorstep, plus a wellness retreat, great restaurant and cosy bar, we’ve got everything dads need for a well deserved break.