What’s on in and Around the Lake District

“The Lake District is a beautiful national park loved by thousands of regular visitors and discovered each year by thousands more. Whether you are drawn to its mountains – or “fells” as they’re known in Cumbria – or fancy a more relaxed break, there is plenty going on in the Lake District to keep you and the whole family occupied.

Here’s our guide to what’s happening in the Lake District and Cumbria over the next few months.

Events for Children and Families during the Summer Holidays
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The summer holidays are a busy time in the Lake District, and there are a lot of family-friendly events and activities planned across the park.

Until Sunday 1 September 2019, the Plants, Poisons and Potions Trail at Sizergh Castle in Kendal offers a hands-on look at the plants grown for medicine in the castle grounds and in the countryside all around … and some of the poisonous ones, too.

Visit the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven for the JORVIK Group Discover The Vikings exhibition until Sunday 29 September 2019. Learn about the way Vikings lived in Cumbria, how they travelled, and how they died and prepared for Valhalla.

Children of all ages can enjoy the Samuel Whiskers’ Children’s Trail at Hill Top, which was once Beatrix Potter’s home. Until Sunday 3 November 2019, find hedgehogs in the garden and see where Ms Potter was inspired to write her books.

Art and Music Events in the Lake District
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The Lake District has inspired artists for hundreds of years with its beautiful landscapes and moody skies. Visit a local arts festival to understand for yourself how inspirational it can be.

Incandenscence: Turner’s Venice is continuing its illuminating exhibition of William Turner’s Venice works at Brantwood, the artist John Ruskin’s home in Consiton, until Saturday 5 October 2019.

Every first Friday of the month, enjoy Live Folk Music around the Fire in Moorforge Viking Longhouse at the Moorforge Viking Settlement in Gilcrux. Guest musicians perform each month, and you can even bring your own instruments, or just a bottle or two, and join in the fun.

Food and Drink Events in the Lake District
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Cumbria is famous for its delicious local produce and traditionally made delicacies, and food and drink festivals take place throughout the year.

Hawkshead Brewery Summer Beer Festival will be serving its own range of craft beer and real ale at its tap room and brewery in Stavely on the 18 to 20 July 2019. Call in for freshly made beer and delicious street food.

On 28 to 29 September 2019, Taste Cumbria Cockermouth will host its flagship food and drink event. See cooking demonstrations by famous chefs, pick up rare and unusual local ingredients or simply enjoy a day of eating, drinking, live music and comedy.

Outdoor Events in the Lake District
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The Appleby Show 2019 will take place on Thursday 8 August 2019, and it’s a great day out for all the family. Visit the animal shows, see vintage machinery and find handcrafted and home-grown goodies to take home with you.

The Winter Droving 2019 in Penrith is a huge local event combining rural farming traditions and five stages of live music, street performance… oh, and a fire and light procession led through town. This year, it takes place on Saturday 26 October.

Kendal Mountain Festival takes place 14 to 17 November 2019 all over the pretty town of Kendal. It’s an event dedicated to all things outdoors and everyone who adventures in it, so expect to see lots of gear stalls and plenty of talks and films about some of the world’s most intrepid explorers. Book your tickets in advance for the talks and films – they can sell out quickly.

Christmas Markets in the Lake District
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Throughout November and December, most towns in Cumbria and the Lake District host Christmas markets. Windermere, Consiton, Keswick, Hawkshead and Ambleside all get into the festive spirit in their own unique ways.

Keswick’s market is held regularly throughout the year next to the Moot Hall, but at Christmas, you can pick up find treats and gifts instead of local produce, and the streets are decorated with lights.

Windermere Christmas Celebration brings all the streets of the picturesque town together for crafts, food, drink and music.

If you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, take a look at our hotels in Cumbria for accommodation ideas.

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