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…

Loughrigg Fell

Rydal Water Car Park
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 9SE

Loughrigg Fell is a beautiful hill, sitting in the heart of the Lake District National Park. With stunning views across the Northern countryside, Loughrigg Fell is an exceptional walking destination at any time of the year.
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Image Credits: Peter Priday - CC BY-ND 2.0

Rheged

Redhills
Penrith
CA11 0DQ

01768 868000

Rheged is a cinema, cafe, gallery, creative space and shopping venue all in one. It sits on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park and is the perfect place to come for a family outing.
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Image Credits: Luke McKernan - CC BY-SA 2.0

Rydal Mount

Rydal Mount
Rydal
Ambleside
LA22 9LU

015394 330002

This 16th-century house and gardens once belonged to William Wordsworth. Nowadays, visitors can come and explore this historic landmark along with its marvellous tearoom.
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Image credits: David Dixon - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sizergh Castle

Ashbank Ln
Kendal
LA8 8AE

015395 60951

Located just south of Kendal is the truly exquisite Sizergh Castle and its beautiful grounds where visitors are welcome to come and explore the historical building and enclosed woodlands.
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Suzanna Swims – Open Water and Wild Swimming

Looking for Lake District swimming opportunities? Suzanna Swims guides swimmers of all abilities around some of the best wild swimming and open water spots in the area, providing a thrilling alternative to the usual Lakeland activities.
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The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery
Setmurthy
Cockermouth
CA13 9SJ

Located near Bassenthwaite, the Lakes Distillery not only creates spirits but also offers a visitor centre, shop, bar and bistro, in which visitors can sample the spirits and other local produce. Take a tour of the distillery and see how they create the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka.
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Image Credits: bayphotographic - CC BY 2.0

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Haverthwaite Station
Nr Ulverston
Lake District
Cumbria
LA12 8AL

015395 31594

Hop aboard the historic Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in the picturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of Windermere. Developed in the 19th century during the height of the Industrial Revolution, this railway once played an important part in local industry. Today, it takes passengers on a ride through the stunning local landscape.
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The Old Stamp House

Old Stamp House, The
Church St
Ambleside
LA22 0BU

015394 32775

Want to enjoy gourmet dining in an intimate setting? The Old Stamp House in Ambleside is the place for you! Here, you can enjoy delicious dishes designed by Ryan and Craig Blackburn.
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The Puzzling Place

Museum Square
Keswick
CA12 5DZ

017687 75102

Keswick’s optical illusion exhibition showcases antigravity, interactive optical illusion exhibits, artwork, sculptures, and a hologram gallery.
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Image Credits: Paul Hermans - CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ruskin Museum

Coniston
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
LA21 8DU

015394 41164

The Ruskin Museum has been an important part of Coniston’s community since 1901. Come here to learn about the village’s history, including its iconic inhabitants, John Ruskin and Donald Campbell CBE.
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