10 Reasons to Visit the Lake District This Winter

The Lake District is known for its fairytale beauty – flowering plants, shimmering waterscapes and breathtaking views atop Helvellyn and its many other mountain ranges. While many imagine this setting in the heart of spring or summer, we find that seasoned visitors of the Lake District are just as captivated, if not more, by its winter surroundings.

With expert insight from Pure Leisure, which offers Lake District lodges for sale, we’ve compiled a series of wintery Lake District activities that make spring and summer feel like they’re playing second fiddle.

Scenic winter walks

Everyone knows the Lake District is a walking hot spot – you can’t go two metres without seeing a couple head-to-toe in hiking gear (and sweat, thanks to the steep walks in spring and summer heat). Many adventurers that explore the Lake District’s beauty on foot are missing out on some seriously beautiful winter landscapes.

Swap out green vistas and blue skies for frosty sunsets, snow-topped mountains and glittering white fields – perfect for a romantic adventure wrapped up warm in your hiking gear. Not sure what route to take? There are plenty to choose from:

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

What’s more, the Lake District National Park hosts winter skills courses if you feel uneasy about tackling the mountainous trails on your own.

Winter pub trips

The Lake District is chocker with traditional English pubs. While the pub isn’t strictly seasonal, the perfect pub vibes are always found in front of a raging fire in the winter. No winter pub trip is complete without curling up in front of a traditional fire and sipping a local ale, wine or whisky. Enjoying winter festivities at a heritage pub connects you to a rich part of Cumbrian history.

The brilliantly named Hole in t’Wall pub is a great example of this. It’s one of the oldest pubs in the Lake District (dating back to 1612) and is a place to put your feet up beside the fire. The Flying Fleece and The Drunken Duck are just a couple of other great pubs to refuel after a wintery walk.

Wherever you pick – a drink never tastes as good as it does when it’s enjoyed as winter rages on outside.

Cold water swimming

If you’re up to the challenge, a wild swimming experience in the wintery Lake District will have you returning from your staycation feeling brand-new.

The increasingly popular trend of cold and ice water swimming grants a host of mental and physical health benefits, including elevated mood and strengthened pain resistance. It’s also a fun group activity that lets you get up close and personal with one of the Lake District’s most famous attractions – the lakes themselves.

Cold water swimming isn’t for the faint-hearted, so if you do venture into the cold waters, make sure you stay safe and avoid possible hypothermia in extreme conditions by consulting this helpful guide beforehand.

Christmas markets

Is it even winter if you don’t go to a Christmas market? The Lake District is renowned for its crafty and artistic culture, from award-winning whisky to Romantic-era poetry. So it’s no surprise that the Lake District’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the country.

A fan favourite is the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival, a community market festival that sees street performers and members of the public dress up in Victorian garb.

Expect local produce, craft stalls, mulled wine, street performers, musicians and fairground rides if you pay this famed festival a visit.

Indoor venues

There are loads of great indoor venues in the Lake District that often go overlooked in the warmer months. If the weather is especially cold or there’s an unexpected drizzle, these venues would be a shame to miss.

Blackwell

This structure is an architectural masterpiece that preserves the standards and artistry of 20th-century living. The vibrant and patterned interiors with symmetrical features feel as though they could be found in a Wes Anderson movie, only with stunning lake views and a tea room. This venue is especially enjoyable in winter as the excess of windows makes the individual room lighting change depending on the season and time of day.

The World of Beatrix Potter

This museum contains an impressive illustration of Beatrix Potter’s 23 tales, loved by children and adults alike. The recreation of the Lake District countryside using statues and art is mesmerising and there’s something especially festive about taking your child to meet Peter Rabbit in person (he definitely gives Santa Claus a run for his money!).

Lakes Aquarium

The aquarium is home to both exotic and native aquatic life. Say hello to local thornback rays and diving ducks, as well as a host of international fish, in this charming aquarium. In addition to fish, the aquarium also houses frogs, axolotls, otters and harvest mice.

Literary history

Visit Dove Cottage, the beautiful family home of arguably the most famous Romantic-era poet – William Wordsworth. His Grasmere home is now a museum dedicated to his life’s work of penning poems about the beautiful Lake District scenery. See why Wordsworth spent a lifetime admiring the Lake District in all its seasons and view his original transcripts in the neighbouring library, the Jerwood Centre.

Ancient history

Why not visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle? This 3000 BC stone circle stands proud with breathtaking panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat. The view is stunning in winter thanks to the snow-peaked mountains stretching across the 360° vista.

You can also attend talks at select times of the day if you want to learn more about this mysterious Neolithic monument.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea holds a special place in English culture and it’s certainly found a place to call home in the Lake District. There are tonnes of great afternoon tea spots available in the winter months, from traditional offerings to quirky takes on the tried-and-true formula.

Armathwaite Hall is a great shout for a traditional afternoon tea experience, with a classic menu and breathtaking views of Lake Bassenthwaite – whether you brave it outdoors or enjoy it in the indoor lounge. The Wild Boar offers a more contemporary take, serving afternoon tea with pints of local ale, fish and chips, sausage rolls and other English pub grub staples.

Whisky tasting

Nothing warms the chest quite like sipping a good whisky in the heart of winter. Luckily, the Lake District is one of the best places to do just that.

Head to The Lakes Distillery and take a tour of the stunning premises, where you’ll sample award-winning whisky, gin and vodka. You’ll be guided through the spirit-making process step by step, learning the importance of oak and cask seasoning along the way.

Brisk boat rides

The magic of the lakes is best explored up close on a romantic winter boat ride.

Climb aboard the Windermere Lake Cruises or the Ullswater Steamers and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Cumbrian landscape. This is perfect in winter as your views of the mountains will be snowcapped and the grassy banks will be perfectly frost-kissed.

Windermere is England’s largest lake, so there’s plenty to gaze at as you lose yourself in the postcard-perfect winter scenery.

Now you can explore England’s most magical national park with confidence this winter. The Lake District always makes for a wonderful staycation, but we’re glad more people are starting to see the unique magic the winter months bring to this iconic region.