7 Reasons to Visit the Lake District this Winter
Whether you’re thinking of spending Christmas in the Lake District, or just want to pay a visit to the World Heritage Site at a quieter time of year, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep you occupied even in the coldest months. In fact, winter is a great time to the visit the Lake District! There truly isn’t a bad time to explore the region, but the softer light, crisper air and unique seasonal events actually make this time of year extra special. Here are 7 great reasons to take a winter trip to the Lake District.
Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets
The reduced hours of daylight are usually a drawback to the season when it comes to the Lake District, given the restriction they can put on walking opportunities – but they do come with at least one benefit. There are few sights that can compare to a Lake District sunrise or sunset, but usually that means getting up in the very early hours, or staying out on the fells until really late. In the winter, though, you can enjoy these spectacular events at much more reasonable times, experiencing the sights of the region at their stunning best.
Picture-Postcard Views
Even when the lower levels are clear, in the winter the hills can be covered in a spectacular blanket of snow – meaning we’re one of your best hopes of a white Christmas. Then add in frost-covered trees, and atmospheric mists swirling above the lakes, whose still waters can be so calm they’re almost mirrors, reflecting back the stunning surroundings. What’s more, the reduced foliage means that new views open up that are usually hidden in every other season. This all combines to create amazing picture-postcard views that you just don’t get any other time of year.
Wrap Up for a Winter Walk
Embrace the cold weather and head out for a bracing, invigorating walk – it’s a completely different experience to the summer, one that many locals actually prefer! Stepping out into the elements can give you a zip and vigour that you won’t get in the warmer seasons, and they also make the end even more rewarding; that pint will taste even better at the end of a brisk hike, especially if you’re warming back up in front of a roaring open fire. Of course it goes without saying that you should be doubly cautious when going out in more treacherous weather with fewer hours of daylight, but there’s plenty of walks to suit all abilities.
Still Plenty of Attractions to Visit
Once upon a time the majority of attractions in the Lake District would close for the winter, but these days many stay open throughout the season, even if they might have reduced opening hours. Most lake cruises will still be operating, with Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers, Keswick Launch and Coniston Launch all running winter timetables. Muncaster Castle and Wray Castle are both closed for the winter but their grounds remain open and are well worth exploring, while Lowther Castle is open daily inside and out, all year round. The World of Beatrix Potter is open throughout the season until a short break for maintenance at the end of January, with a great programme of Christmas events, while you can enjoy another wonderful family day out at Rheged Centre. We put together a list of 10 Great Family Days Out over the summer, many of these are equally as enjoyable in the winter, too!
Cracking Christmas Events
When it comes to Christmas Events in the Lake District, you’ll be spoilt for choice this year, with several family-friendly events being held over the festive season. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s Santa Express is back again this year, running every weekend until Christmas. Enjoy a magical train journey to meet Santa, just like the Polar Express – the kids will love it, and the adults will appreciate the complimentary drink and mince pie too, as well as the stunning views. You can even get Christmas lunch as an added extra.
You can also meet Santa at the World of Beatrix Potter this Christmas, who’ll be hosting a ‘Father Christmas Tea Party’ on December 14th-15th and 21st-22nd before Christmas. It will include entrance to the Attraction, a party lunch, a gift for every child and a screening of The Snowman film – as well as a meeting with Father Christmas himself. There are limited amounts of tickets which means that it doesn’t get manic and overcrowded, but does mean that it will sell out quickly.
Muncaster Castle is offering Christmas Afternoon Tea every Sunday up until Christmas – the 8th, 15th and 22nd December. Meet by a roaring fire in the Castle’s Great Hall, which will be covered in Christmas decorations, and enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine or hot spiced apple, then sit down for a special afternoon tea at your private table in one of the Castle’s elegant state rooms.
There are also a number of fantastic theatres around the Lake District, included the award winning Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, as well as Carlisle’s Sands Centre, Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, and Bowness-On-Windermere’s Old Laundry Theatre – all of whom will be hosting some superb Christmas shows this year.
Lake District Christmas Markets
There’s an abundance of festivities around the Lake District this Christmas, with Christmas markets to be found in almost every corner of the region. The Hawskhead Christmas Fair & Beer Festival runs Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, and will have something for all the family to enjoy – jugglers, street theatre, live music and carol singing, as well as a Winter Beer Festival hosted by the local pubs. There’ll be more than 50 stalls for you to peruse and hopefully find that special gift, too. Keswick hosts a Victorian Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December, with a reindeer-drawn sleigh bringing Santa and Mrs Claus, a children’s fun fair, live music and dance performances, a carol service, and of course, authentic Victorian costumes.
The Windermere Christmas Celebration is only in its fourth year but it’s already one of the highlights of the festive calendar, and this year looks to be bigger and better than ever. Snow cannons, Santa’s Grotto, and live music are all on offer, as well as a record number of stall holders from across the region and around the country, offering food, drink, and crafts with a festive theme. This year it’s being held Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December. Food lovers should also definitely head to Cartmel on Friday 20th December for the Christmas Food Market, a festive twist on its monthly Farmers’ Market. You’ll find a whole host of wonderful local producers, as well as the world-famous Sticky Toffee Pudding, hand-made in Cartmel itself.
Beautiful Christmas Lights
There are few places in the country as beautiful as the Lake District, especially at this time of year. The picturesque towns around the region are surrounded by fells, giving stunning views no matter where you look, but when you add the illumination of festive lights, you get one of the best displays in the country. Here are some of the switch-on dates for 2019:
Ambleside, 16th November 2019
Cockermouth, 17th November 2019
Carlisle, 17th November 2019
Keswick, 22nd November 2019
Windermere & Bowness, 30th December 2019
Feeling inspired? Why not book a winter stay in the Lake District right here in the heart of the North Lakes? We’re based on the shores of beautiful Bassenthwaite Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw. Our caravan park is perfect for a stay in winter – we still have availability around Christmas! Click here to view our park facilities and book online.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling: 017687 76241 or email: info@herdwick-croft.co.uk