23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter (2023)

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Looking for the best things to do in the Lake District in winter? You’ve come to the right place! The Lake District in winter is just as incredible as in summer, and there are still plenty of things to do.

Whilst we may only think the Lake District is a summer destination, it also has magic to it in the colder months. Snowy mountain tops, roaring pub fires, crisp winter walks, Christmas markets and cosy coffee stops, the Lake District is an incredible place to be in the winter!

So, what are the best things to do in the Lake District in winter? Let’s get started!

Other Lake District posts:

• Best Hiking Boots for the Lake District
• Loughrigg Fell From Ambleside: Complete Beginner Guide
• Tarn Hows Walk: Everything You Need To Know (Guide)
• 16 EPIC Things To Do In Grasmere, Lake District
• 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District With AMAZING Views!

Things to do in the Lake District in Winter: A Summary

The Lake District is a national park in the north of England, in the United Kingdom. It is a 365-day-a-year destination, attracting tourists and enthusiastic hikers from all over the world. Whilst most tourists flock to the Lake District during the UK’s summer months (June-August), it is also a wonderful holiday destination in the winter months.

Winter in the UK starts in November and lasts until mid-March. Winters in the Lake District are becoming increasingly colder, and the layers of snow are rising year after year, especially on peaks like Helvellyn and Scafell Pike.

There are many locals and regular visitors who state that winter is the best time to visit the Lake District. As much as I love the summer months in the lakes, winter does have a certain magic to it.

From the Christmas fairs to the decorated shop windows, the rich smell of Christmas trees and the blankets of white dusting across the mountains – it’s like looking at a winter wonderland postcard.

However, you must prepare if you are visiting the Lake District in the winter. Temperatures often drop to below 0°C, and it will be exceptionally cold; especially if you are taking a morning walk or want a dip in one of the lakes.

But if you pack appropriately, you expect to be wearing gloves and a hat for the duration of your visit and are prepared for warm, cosy nights in front of the fire, the Lake District in winter is pretty special.

Read next: Visiting the Lake District in November: Weather and Tips!

Where to stay in the Lake District in winter

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windemere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. 

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Getting around the Lake District

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to be spending hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

How to get to the Lake District

🇬🇧 IF YOU’RE ALREADY IN THE UK

You can travel to the Lake District from most places in the UK. The first stage would be travelling to a major city (London, Manchester, Carlisle, Glasgow etc) and then boarding a connecting train or two from there. Here are some of the easiest ways to get to the Lake District without a car by train:

• London > Oxenholme (direct)
• Manchester > Windemere (direct)
• Carlisle > Oxenholme (direct)

If you are travelling to the Lake District by train, be sure to book your tickets in advance to get the cheapest prices. From Oxenholme or Windemere, you can either board a bus to your accommodation or jump in a taxi. There are taxi ranks outside the main train stations in the Lake District.

✈️ TRAVELLING INTERNATIONALLY TO THE LAKE DISTRICT

If you’re travelling to the UK for the Lake District, you will need to fly into Manchester Airport. From there, you can board a train to Oxenholme to reach the Lake District. The train takes roughly 1.5 hours and will need to be pre-booked in advance.

23 best things to do in the Lake District in winter

1. Wrap up warm and go for a winter walk

Walking isn’t just for the summer months, and the majority of walks and hikes in the Lake District can be done in winter. I wouldn’t recommend scrambling and steep edges in the snow, but some of the flatter, circular walks are great in any kind of weather.

Some of the best winters walks in the Lake District include:

• Tarn Hows
• Blea Tarn
• Stock Ghyll Force
• Catbells
• Grizedale Forest
• Latrigg
• Skiddaw
• Rydal Caves

There are a few others, all of which can be found in my easy walks in the Lake District post. Just make sure you wrap up warm, drink a hot coffee beforehand and you might even catch a snowy winter sunset!

Need help to pick hiking boots for the Lake District? Check out my post: Best Hiking Boots for the Lake District.

2. Have brunch and a coffee in a cosy Lake District cafe

One of the best things to do in the Lake District (regardless of the time of year) is to have a coffee and brunch in a cosy cafe.

The Lake District is home to some of the best homemade food in the country, and breakfast and coffee are no exception! A lot of the food is locally sourced, and it tastes delicious. Sit in a cafe and watch the world go by on a cold winter’s morning.

Need help with finding the best places to eat breakfast in the Lake District? Check out my guide: Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes.

3. Eat good food and drink good beer in a traditional English pub

Another year-round activity in the Lake District is to sit in a traditional English pub. The Lake District is full of pubs with roaring fires, homemade food and live music, and they’re also a great place to meet other people if you’re solo travelling.

Not sure which pub to visit? I’ve written an extensive guide on the best pubs in Ambleside, or the best pubs in Keswick, which even details what events are on each night, whether there’s a beer garden, and if it’s dog friendly. I’ve even listed whether you can join in on a pub quiz, enjoy some live music or party on the dancefloor!

Did you know the Lake District is home to some of the best breweries in the country? Check out the Lake District brewery tours, news and events here!

4. Visit Dove Cottage

Dove Cottage is the former family home of William Wordsworth, a famous poet who fell in love with the Lake District on his first visit. His home has since been turned into a museum, and you can pay a small fee to enjoy where he wrote most of his works, and where he found his inspiration.

Dove Cottage is also located in Grasmere, which is one of my favourite villages in the whole national park. So even if you visit Dove Cottage for an hour, you can find some other winter activities to do close by!

Wondering what there is to do in Grasmere? Check out my post: EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District.

5. Take a trip to the Beatrix Potter Museum and other Beatrix Potter attractions

Another indoor attraction that’s perfect for winter weather is the Beatrix Potter Museum. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Peter Rabbit, written by the author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter.

The attraction brings to life her magical stories, and you can spend the whole morning exploring the wonderful characters and stories. You can pre-book your tickets for the museum here.

6. Go on a Lake Windermere lake cruise

Lake cruises operate 364 days a year in the Lake District, meaning it’s a perfect winter activity. Personally, I think the lake cruises are better in winter, as you get to enjoy the mountains in their best form – covered in snow.

Wrap up warm and board one of the Lake Windermere boats to admire the views of the surrounding fells and mountains. If you’re in the Lake District at the end of December, you can even book a lake cruise to celebrate the new year!

7. Check out the local Christmas markets and farm shops

Christmas markets are one of the best things to do in the Lake District in winter, and if you’re there during December, I highly recommend visiting one!

English Christmas markets are full of mulled wine, Christmas carols, gift shopping, Christmas music, dancing and everything else you can think of that’s cute and ‘Christmassy’.

Christmas markets that on are in the Lake District include:

• Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Market (late November)
• Rydal Mount Christmas Festival (December)
• Carlisle Christmas Market (December)

Related posts: Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know!

8. Go pumpkin picking on a pumpkin farm

Well, this may be more of an ‘autumn activity’ in the Lake District, but it still counts! If you’re in the Lake District for the month of October, there are local farms that open up their grounds to the public for pumpkin picking.

Pack your wellie boots and enjoy a day at the farm picking your own pumpkins, followed by a coffee at the farm cafe or shop. Some of the best pumpkin farms in the Lake District include:

• Walby Farm Park
• The Troutbeck Pumpkin Festival
• Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Most pumpkin farms are not free, so make sure you check the prices before you go!

Pumpkin picking elsewhere in the UK? Check out my guide for the best locations near London: Pumpkin Picking Near London: 13 of the Best Patches!

9. Treat yourself to a luxury cottage

The Lake District is full of cute English cottages that are perfect for relaxing and shutting yourself off from the world. Enjoy a roaring fire, a hot drink and snuggle under the blankets as the snow falls outside the window.

Filter your accommodation search to ‘entire place’ or ‘apartment’, and click amenities like ‘fire pit’, ‘jacuzzi’ or ‘log fire’ to ensure you get the cosiest place possible!

10. Visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle

Dating back to 3000 BC during the Neolithic period, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the best views to see in colder weather. With panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat, it’s something you can do in any weather, as you can choose how long you stay.

Just a short walk from the car park, enjoy Castlerigg Stone Circle with a hot drink and learn about the history behind it.

You can check out more information about the mystical Castlerigg Stone Circle here.

Looking for some other easy walks to do in the Lake District? Check out my guide: Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views).

11. Plan a unique romantic date night

If you’re visiting the Lake District as a couple, why not plan a romantic date night? From star gazing to a 3-course meal in front of a roaring fire, there are so many date nights to be had in the lakes. During the winter months, planning something cosy and special is even better – and one of my favourite things to do!

So much that I’ve even written a guide all about enjoying the Lake District as a couple, which you can check out here!

12. Immerse yourself in the Keswick Victorian Fayre

The Keswick Victorian Fayre is one of the most ‘unique’ things you can do in the Lake District during winter.

Show up on the day to see the locals dressed in Victorian outfits, serving everything from scones and jam to mulled wine. You can even join in on games such as the tombola, buy homemade crafts, and enter the raffles.

All proceeds go to charity, so it’s a real feel-good event! This year, the fair is taking place on Sunday 3rd December 2023.

13. Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum

Delve into the world of vintage cycles, motorbikes and cars at the Lakeland Motor Museum on a rainy or wintery day. Located in a converted mill, the museum is a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere, so you can combine it with some other activities throughout your day.

There’s even a picturesque riverside cafe for those who aren’t as interested in cars. The museum is open 9.30-5.30pm daily.

14. Walk around Brantwood House, John Ruskin’s former home

Brantwood is a historic house and centre for the arts right by Coniston Water (one of my favourite places for wild swimming). Brantwood was once the home of John Ruskin, who is known for being one of England’s greatest art critics.

Surrounded by acres of gardens and scenic views, the house can be visited at any time of year, as there are attractions both inside and out. Enjoy a coffee in the cafe, walk around the gardens in the snow or read about the history of Brantwood in the house.

There’s even on-site accommodation if you’d like to stay in a Brantwood cottage! You can book your stay or visit Brantwood House here.

15. Go on a local adventure

There are so many adventures to be had in the Lake District, and although most of them are for the summer months, there are winter adventures to be had. From walking through the forest in layers of snow to ice swimming and kayaking, to taking part in a winter scavenger hunt.

➡ Book a local adventure in the Lake District here!

16. Sip whiskey at the Lakes Distillery in Cockermouth

If you’re a fan of whiskey, the Lakes Distillery is a great addition to your Lake District winter bucket list. Practising a holistic whisky-making technique, you can enjoy the history behind the distillery, whilst trying different flavours at your own leisure.

With a huge collection of whisky, vodka and gin, there’s a drink for everyone (I mean, I’ll have all three). You can book your distillery tour here.

Did you know the Lake District is home to some of the best breweries in the country? Check out the Lake District brewery tours, news and events here!

17. Wander around the Armitt Library & Museum

The Armitt Library & Museum is a collection of books, records, photographs and artworks, all locally created or showing features of the Lake District.

Delve into the national park’s history, learn about the culture and traditions of the area, and learn more about the surrounding towns and villages.

It’s a great one for history buffs (and those who want to be sheltered from the rain). You can find out more about the museum here.

18. Brace the cold and go for a wild swim

Eeeek. You might be wincing reading this one! But as long as it is safe to do so, there are some great wild swimming spots in the Lake District, even in winter.

However, there are a few rules when it comes to swimming in freezing cold water, and the Swimthelakes.com website is a great place to get clued up before you go jumping into any ice.

Want to go wild swimming in the Lake District? Check out my guide: Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots and the best Coniston Water swimming spots!

19. Get cosy in front of the fire and watch the stars

Even if your cottage doesn’t have a fire, there are cosy pubs and restaurants all over the Lake District with roaring fires, comfy seats and warm blankets to be enjoyed. On a clear night, you can wrap up warm and sit outside to watch the stars.

Due to the low light pollution, you’ll be able to see the stars a lot clearer than in other locations in the UK. It’s pretty special!

➡ Book your cosy Lake District stay here!

20. Take the Santa Express at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Visiting the lakes over Christmas? The Santa Express is one of the most popular activities to do in the Lake District in winter, so make sure you pre-book (and get tickets way in advance! There’s actually a waiting list on their website…)

Enjoy a ride with Father Christmas and explore the Dalegarth grotto, right by England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Ride on the train for 14 miles, as you journey through the Western Lake District and enjoy the magic of Christmas and your surroundings.

Find out more about the Christmas events in the Lake District here!

21. Admire the snowy views

Whether it’s snowing or not, the Lake District is simply beautiful. And when it is snowing, wow. It’s breathtaking and needs to be admired. You don’t always need to be doing something, and just a simple stroll with a coffee and your woolly hat will do.

Take in the views, appreciate where you are and fall further in love with the Lake District.

22. Do some Christmas shopping in Ambleside

If you’ve read any of my other Lake District blogs, you’ll know how special I think Ambleside is. Not just because it’s the best place to stay, but because there is so much to do and see there.

You can spend an entire morning or afternoon just browsing the shops in Ambleside, especially during winter when they’re decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Staying in Ambleside during the winter months? Check out the best things to do in Ambleside – even when it’s raining!

23. Try an indoor climbing wall

If the weather is really bad, and you just want to find shelter, a great activity to do is indoor rock climbing.

With bases in Keswick, Kendal and Ambleside, you can spend your day climbing different walls for fun or taking a short lesson.

A perfect winter activity in the Lake District (unless you’re terrified of heights, like me).

Lake District in the Winter: FAQs

1) What to pack for the Lake District in winter

If you’re packing for a Lake District winter trip, I recommend taking:

🧣Merino Wool Base Layers: if you’re packing for the Lake District in winter, I recommend buying some Merino wool layers. They might be expensive, but they’ll keep you warm even on extremely cold days. When we visited Lapland in Finland, we wore our Merino wool layers in temperatures of -30 degrees Celcius and they were the only thing that would keep us warm!

🧤 Insulated gloves and hat: The temperature in the Lake District in winter can drop right down to -2°C, so make sure you keep your hands and head warm when hiking.

❄️ Fleece, hoody or oversized jumper: for cold nights around the fire! Just layer up if you’re visiting in the winter to make sure you keep warm.

☔️ Rainjacket, umbrella and dry bag: It’s important to know that the Lake District is one of the wettest parts of the UK, so expect puddles and muddy terrains, especially in the autumn and winter months! Plus, when it rains in the Lake District, it pours.

Check out my extensive Lake District packing list here.

2) Is Lake District worth visiting in winter?

Yes! The Lake District is a magical place during the winter months. From cold, winter walks, to drinking hot coffee in the snow, festive Christmas fairs and delicious mulled wines; there are plenty of reasons to visit the Lake District in winter!

3) Is December a good time to visit the Lake District?

Yes! December is a great time to visit the Lake District. The National Park is full of Christmas fairs, markets and festive events, and the ground is often dusted with a thin layer of snow. The Christmas atmosphere in the Lake District is wonderful, with stores decorating their shop windows with the Christmas spirit, as well as serving mulled wine to entice customers. December is a magical time to visit the Lake District.

4) Does the Lake District get snow?

Yes, the Lake District gets an average of 20 days of snow per year. This is typically in the months of November to March. On higher peaks, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, snow can last up to 67 days per year.

5) What is the best time to visit Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year; as it’s an ‘any kind of weather’ destination in the UK. However, if you want the cheapest accommodation prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). During the winter months (November – February), you can expect layers of snow to be covering the trails and paths.

Summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive months to visit the Lake District, as well as being the busiest. But of course, it’s when you’ll get the best weather, with dry, hot and sunny days.

6) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

7) What tours should I do in the Lake District? 

Looking to book a tour in the Lake District? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

If you’re visiting for the first time, the tours I recommend doing are:

• Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS
• William Wordsworth and Dove Cottage Half-Day Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS
• Beatrix Potter Tour: ➡ MORE INFORMATION + BOOKINGS

➡ You can check out available tours in the Lake District with prices here!

8) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

9) Can I solo travel in the Lake District?

Yes, you can solo travel in the Lake District. If you are solo travelling and want to meet other people, I recommend staying in hostels to meet like-minded travellers. Or, if you’d like to explore the lakes by yourself, stay in a location like Ambleside so you are close to all of the main sites and hikes. Check out my full guide on solo travel in the Lake District here.

Things to do in the Lake District in Winter: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Lake District in winter. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other posts you might like:

• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (Essential Guide)
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!
• 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do
• Helm Crag Walk From Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know

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