Winter in the Lake District may not seem too appealing initially, but with the many activities and places to visit, it could offer you the most relaxing winter break possible. Due to fewer crowds and empty landscapes, your visit to the Lake District between December to March could be just what you have been looking for.
To help you make the most of your stay, we have collected a brief guide to everything that makes the Lake District wonderful at this time of year.
One of the biggest attractions of the Lake District is the local produce and cuisine. The area offers ample independently run cafés, bars, and restaurants, all unique in charm and appeal. Many of these facilities provide homegrown produce or locally sourced delicacies in the comfort of classic and cosy décor. Additionally, many traditional pubs across the villages and towns are dog-friendly, making them the perfect pit stop before returning to our luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District.
For example, if you have spent an afternoon exploring Bowness-on-Windermere, we recommend visiting Graze. Set in the heart of the town, this quaint café offers an entirely vegan menu, and even if your diet is not restricted to plant-based meals, their food is deliciously different. They welcome patrons of all kinds and, of course, your well-behaved four-legged friends.
Alternatively, suppose you have spent the day at the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick and are looking for a cosy café that feels like a home away from home. In that case, there is no better place than Mrs F's Fine Food Emporium. Offering baked goods and homemade meals, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or various light bites that are both delicious and generous. Offering a vast selection of dishes and catering for many dietary requirements, it will feel like a visit to a close family member’s home.
The Lake District is home to many local cafés that welcome guests all year round. So, whether you’ve enjoyed a hike up one of the many Lakeland Fells, or just pottered around the local shops, be sure to feel right at home and enjoy a warm drink and a bite to eat whilst supporting local independent traders.
Hiking in winter offers an array of benefits with the right equipment. Although the cold weather may not encourage you to strap up your boots and head up the Wainwrights, winter is arguably the best time to do so. Whilst a sunny day offers stunning views across the area, there is something quite magical about battling through the wind to see the incredible snow-covered tops throughout winter. Even if snow hasn’t reached sea level, you will likely find it on top of the many mountains in the Lake District through the winter months.
The Lake District is known for rambling and hiking, and during summer, it can get fairly busy with guests, whereas the falls remain relatively quiet in winter. The car parks are less crowded too, so heading up the peaks can be a leisurely experience and the perfect way to destress from the hustle of day-to-day life. Give your ears the rest they deserve with the peace and tranquillity of empty fields and beautiful snow-covered mountain tops.
Wrapping up and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Lake District could be just what the doctor ordered, proven to uplift your mood and even boost your immune system. There are many benefits to taking a walk through the Lake District. For example, hiking can significantly improve your mental health. Winter is typical for many people to have drops in serotonin, which can lead to gloomy moods and a rise in mental health issues. Hiking in the winter months can help change your perception of the season, and instead of dreading the long nights and cold weather, you may start looking forward to this time of year.
The Lake District has been home to many famous people and places. During summer, the museums and monuments are often packed with visitors, creating a lot of traffic. It can be challenging to enjoy these and get to know the area without feeling rushed. However, winter is much quieter, meaning you have the time to really get to know the history being showcased.
For example, The World of Beatrix Potter is a top-rated attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere. It can be difficult to get in during peak times without it being busy. However, in the months between November and March, it is much quieter, therefore making it a much more enjoyable experience. *
There are many places to visit across the lake district through winter, offering an enjoyable day for all the family.
Woodworth House – Explore the birthplace of William Wordsworth and discover one of the great attractions of the Lake District. Find out about his life and history and where he got his inspiration for many of his works.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis – Whether you adore small creatures, such as beautiful butterflies or enjoy the cheekiness of a mob of meerkats, this family-run zoo offers an afternoon of excitement. With many experiences available, winter is the perfect time to support this small establishment.
Puzzling Place – Whether the weather has halted any outdoor activities, or you are looking for something unusual, Puzzling Place can offer you just that. Using trickery of light, you can have an incredible family afternoon laughing at the pictures you take of each other.
In 1963, Windermere froze over, allowing people to walk from end to end. Although this was risky and advised against, it was an event like no other and resulted in the boating season on Windermere being suspended through the winter months. However, it has never frozen over since, and in recent years, catching a trip across the lake is accessible all year round.
Even though it may feel a little chilly on deck, it is a beautiful time to view the incredible winter landscape of the lake and its surroundings. The tours are insightful, and with the summer traffic staying home, there will be less chance of waiting to board and queuing for tickets.
Whatever brings you to the Lake District, do so in the comfort of our luxury cottages with hot tubs. They offer many health benefits and are the best way to explore the Lake District with the flexibility of coming and going as you please. Availability for our cottages book up quickly, so if you are looking for the perfect winter escape, book your stay today to avoid disappointment.
*The World of Beatrix Potter is taking a short break throughout the beginning of 2023 and will be closed from 16 January – 3 February 2023, opening again on Saturday, 4 February 2023.
