Early September is a good time for a lakeshore walk. Go low, and check the forecast before you go high.
Early September is often a settled spell in the Lakes, but it can turn wet quickly and the tops stay cool. Check the MWIS Lake District forecast before setting off.
The August rush is over, so this is a good week for the places that get swamped in high summer. There's a lakeshore walk you can do by bus, two chunks of Hadrian's Wall country and a county show.
1.5km for the short lakeside stretch, 7.5km for the longer walk (park authority figures)
About 1.5 hours for the short stretch
Start: Buttermere village car park, Buttermere CA13 9XA
Flat lakeshore paths, woodland and views up to Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head, and you can make it as long or as short as your knees fancy. The Honister Rambler bus (77 and 77A) runs March to November with eight daily stops at Buttermere village and Gatesgarth Farm, so you can skip the car park queue entirely.
The park authority warns of rough sections from washout, and says people on wheels may find it very difficult at present. Toilets are at the car park and in the village. Tuesday to Thursday is the safest bet for quiet.
Penrith, on the edge of the northern Lakes Cinema and gallery prices vary, Adults
A gallery, café, 60-foot cinema screen and independent shops under one roof, plus a 100-seat café with a seasonal menu from 9am to 5pm. It's my go-to answer for a wet Monday. Details and booking
North Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PW Check the website, Adults
A museum with changing exhibitions, a Bridge Café and grounds to wander. Ring on 01229 876400 if you want to confirm hours before the drive. Details and booking
Lanercost, near Brampton CA8 2HQ Book online to save 15%, Adults
A 13th-century priory church with a triple-tiered arch, a Tudor mansion built from the cloisters and a Victorian effigy of a four-month-old girl. The HW1 bus from Carlisle gets you 20% off. The tearoom nearby is independent, so check it's open. Details and booking
Gilsland, near Brampton CA8 7DD Book online to save 15%, Adults
The longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall you can still see, on the National Trail, with a café. Both this and Lanercost are near Brampton, so with a car you can do the two in one day. Details and booking
Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe LA7 7NH Check the show website for tickets, All ages
Livestock classes, a large locally produced food hall, a WI marquee, rural crafts and Cumberland wrestling demonstrations. Over 37,000 people come each year, so expect queues and take wellies. Details and booking
Guided tours on selected days, garden 10am to 4pm when open
Main Street, Cockermouth CA13 9RX Adult about £6.00 to £6.60, Adults
The Georgian townhouse where Wordsworth was born, and you can only get inside on a guided tour. Buses X4 and X5 connect it to Penrith, Keswick and Workington, and there's a lift to the ground floor for tours. Details and booking
Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding See the website, Adults
The company says it runs 363 days a year and has boats launched in 1877 and 1889. Howtown pier is only reachable by boat, which makes a steamer out and a walk back along the shore a good day. Buy tickets on the day or online. Details and booking
Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel LA11 7PL Check Holker for price, Adults
An evening with head gardener Matthew Murgatroyd, listed on Holker's site. I don't have the time or price, so ring 015395 58328 first. Details and booking
Tours of Abbot Hall highlights, the parish church and its belltower, and the Friends Meeting House. Times vary, so check the Heritage Open Days listing. Details and booking
East of Lake, Coniston LA21 8AD Check the website, Adults
John Ruskin's old home has RHS partner gardens with a national collection of wisteria and a café. A Treasures of the Earth exhibition opened on 3 July. Details and booking
Book ahead
Tip. If you take the Honister Rambler to Buttermere, check the current timetable first, because it only runs March to November and the last bus home is the one that matters.