Guide to the Lake District in Winter

Things to do in the Lake District in Winter

There is nothing quite like the Lake District in the winter. It is common for people to visit the Lake District for spring and summer weekends, but the true magic is found in winter. With serene lakes and snow-capped mountain peaks, the Lake District serves as the ideal winter getaway.

Nothing compares to gazing over snow-covered mountains, exploring the quaint stores in honeypot towns, and savouring pub grub by the crackling fire of a country inn.

If you’re looking for somewhere inside, there are so many indoor activities in the Lake District to enjoy. Catch a live show at the Brewery Arts Centre, or be wowed at the Derwent Pencil Museum!

Whether you go to Cartmel, Grasmere, Windermere, or Ambleside, you’ll discover icy lakes, festive events and a bunch of winter attractions that cater to everyone.

Discover the beauty of the Lake District in Winter and find things to do below…

Keswick Brewing Company

Brewery Lane
Keswick
CA12 5BY

017687 80700

Keswick Brewing Company is an exciting microbrewery located on the edge of the town centre; tours are available to visitors, making it an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.
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Keswick Museum

Station Road
Keswick
CA12 4NF

017687 73263

A charming museum that focuses on the history of Keswick and features interactive exhibits such as “The Musical Stones of Skiddaw” and displays of ornate metalwork created by students at the Keswick School of Industrial Arts.
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Kong Adventure

Kong Adventure
Heads Road
Keswick
CA12 5EZ

01768775907

Kong Adventure is a Lake District recreational centre located in Keswick. Climbing walls, a café, outdoor equipment shops, escape rooms, and many more indoor and outdoor activities are available.
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Lake District Coast Aquarium

Lake District Coast Aquarium
S Quay
Maryport
Lake District
Cumbira
CA15 8AB

01900814774

Discover over 75 display tanks teeming with hundreds of amazing freshwater and sea species at Lake District Aquarium, Maryport. From the waterfall cascade with local sea life to the vivid colours of the tropical marine reef display, you’ll find fascinating creatures at every turn.
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Lake District Ski Club

Greenside
Cumbria
CA11 0QR

015395 35456

Ready to hit the slopes? Come to the Lake District Ski Club! The volunteer-run club rests on the edge of Helvellyn and is open during the winter period.
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Lake District Wildlife Park

Lake District Wildlife Park
Bassenthwaite Lake
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 4RD

The 25-acre park houses over 100 different species of animals, including zebras, meerkats, and anacondas, as well as a variety of endangered animals such as gibbons and Asian fishing cats.
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Lake Windermere

LA23 1BP
Windermere

As the largest natural lake in England, its not surprising that Lake Windermere is a popular attraction, with visitors from all of the world flocking to its shores to take advantage of the extraordinary views as well as the many outdoor pursuits.
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Lakeland Motor Museum

Lakeland Motor Museum
Old Blue Mill
Backbarrow
LA12 8TA

015395 30400

A one-of-a-kind museum with a collection of more than 30,000 artefacts, including over 140 historic automobiles, a variety of tractors, cycles, motors, and other vehicles of the past.
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Lakes Aquarium

Lakes Aquarium
Lakeside
Newby Bridge
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8AS

015395 30153

Nestled on the southern end of Lake Windermere is Lakes Aquarium where visitors can discover over 30 displays of wildlife and freshwater creatures. From the seashore with its seahorses and rays to the journey below Windermere showcasing local wildlife, you’ll find a fascinating variety here.
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Image credits: Rbagotlevens - (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Levens Hall

Levens Hall
Kendal
LA8 0PD

015395 60321

A grand Elizabethan manor house located just a short distance outside of Kendal with a beautifully sculpted garden and impressive collection of Jacobean possessions.
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