10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in the Lake District

Theater By The Lake is a small local theater near the shores of the picturesque Derwentwater lake in Keswick. It is Cumbria’s leading professional theater and hosts a variety of shows throughout the year. You can enjoy several summer plays between May and November and a Christmas show during the vacations.

Besides stage productions, the theater hosts regular activities, including live music, movie screenings, art exhibitions, and literary festivals. Opposite the theater, you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below at Crow Park – a beautiful spot for a picnic before watching a performance.

Low Gillerthwaite Field Center is a recognized Dark Sky Discovery Site, which means it’s an officially protected UK night sky where anyone can stargaze. It is located deep in the remote valley of Ennerdale, miles away from street lamps or residential lights.

As such, the site is a magical place to see the Milky Way on clear nights – even without a telescope or binoculars. There is limited cellular coverage, making the base an excellent spot to get “off the grid” for an hour or 2. The site is accessed only via a forestry track.

Keswick Alhambra Movie theater in Keswick, built in 1913, is one of the oldest continuously-running movie theaters in the UK. You can catch all of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as independent features and live screenings of theater, ballet, and opera performances from around the world.

While the building may be over 100 years old, inside, the Edwardian movie theater has been completely refurbished and offers a modern moviegoing experience. Its latest features include digital laser projection, Dolby sound systems, and a second, 29-seater studio screen.

Muncaster Castle, an old Lakeland landmark east of Ravenglass, is said to be haunted. It’s the right spot to brave a ghost tour and an overnight stay in the Western Lake District. Visitors and paranormal researchers have reported strange encounters here, such as doors opening on their own, hearing footsteps in the corridors, and seeing The White Lady.

The all-night watch takes place in the Tapestry Room – the most haunted room in the castle. You may hear a child crying, a woman singing, and if you’re lucky, the ghost of Thomas Skelton (aka Tom Fool) will play tricks on you. The magnificent castle dates back to the 13th century and has been the home of the Pennington family ever since lands were granted to Alan de Penitone in 1208.

Head to the Brewery Arts Center in Kendal after dinner in the Lake District and laugh until your belly hurts. The local arts venue regularly hosts a wide range of popular touring comedy acts to suit all tastes. Previous shows include award-winning comedians Jimmy Carr, Sofie Hagen, and Tom Allen.

Apart from comedy, the Brewery Arts Center hosts theater performances, movie screenings, art exhibitions, live music, workshops, and various festivals throughout the year. As its name suggests, the center has an in-house restaurant and bar serving craft beers, plus a variety of delicious food.

The Moorforge Viking Settlement is where you can spend an evening around a blazing wood fire and feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Middle Ages. The wooden, 18-metre longhouse hosts live folk music nights on the first Friday of every month and regular storytellers narrating historical tales about the mighty Vikings.

The settlement also offers workshops where you can discover and learn about early medieval cooking and blacksmithing. You can find Moorforge on the edge of the Lake District National Park near the small village of Gilcrux.

The Crafty Baa in Windermere is a dog and child-friendly pub where you can enjoy wine, craft beer, and over 100 whiskeys from around the world. The eclectic mix of furniture and ornaments made from recycled and upcycled materials creates a truly unique atmosphere. The friendly owners and regular live music evenings add to the pub's charm and appeal.

The food on offer includes nachos, gourmet broiled sandwiches, and delicious meat and camembert sharing platters. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly options are available, too. You can find another Crafty Baa in its second location in Keswick.

Hole in t' Wall is a tiny Windermere watering hole that's been serving beer continuously since 1612. Its name comes from an actual hole in the wall created by the neighboring blacksmith so the bartender could quickly and easily pass him his ale while he worked.

The charming pub is hidden away in a quiet back street in the quaint town of Bowness-on-Windermere. On a cold winter's day, you won't find a cozier and more welcoming spot for some locally produced gin, beer and pub grub – especially if you snag a table near the roaring fire.

The Fizzy Tarte is a stylish cocktail bar in the beautiful tourist town of Bowness-on-Windermere. The expert in-house mixologists create classic and creative cocktails that are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy an after-dinner drink and order a margarita, espresso martini, or a rum old-fashioned.

Or go for the bar's signature 'Fizzy Tarte' – a dessert-like cocktail made with raspberry vodka, white cacao, and mascarpone and garnished with raspberry sorbet, edible flowers, and an ice cream wafer. You can enjoy your colorful beverages indoors or on the outdoor patio with heating for those cooler nights in the Lake District.

The Lily Bar is a popular hangout in Ambleside to enjoy a gin, cocktail, wine, or local cask ale in a relaxed, child and dog-friendly setting. As well as offering food and beverages, the bar hosts fun and entertaining events throughout the week.

On Wednesday nights, you can test your math and general knowledge during the pub quiz and stand a chance to win great prizes. Lively local bands and duos usually take to the stage on Friday and Saturday nights. The Lily Bar also has regular schedules featuring standup comedians.