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A hiker and their dog hiking in the mountains of the Lake District

The 2013 holiday season in the Lake District

It’s never easy to choose where to go for a holiday or short break, but with so much going on in the Lake District this year, you’d be crazy to go anywhere else!

2012 was a big year to live up to: the Lake District saw so many fantastic events and special occasions that drew hundreds of thousands of visitors and holidaymakers to the region’s towns and villages to celebrate and embrace everything that the UK, and this wonderful part of the world, has to offer. 2013 however is already set to be even bigger and better; with a calendar of events that is sure to have something that appeals to every audience. If you’re planning a holiday or short-break this year, then consider everything the Lakes has to offer:

The Lake District continues to draw national and international attention all year round; both for the phenomenal beauty of the awe inspiring natural landscape, and the rich history and culture which this spectacular backdrop has inspired.

Take a walk through any of the towns, villages or green-spaces of the Lake District, at any time of the year, and you’re sure to find something to engage with. Whether a fascinating museum or gallery, quaint and unique shopping experience, inviting restaurant or café, or simply a spectacular view of the rolling hills and vast lakes, the Lake District has something to offer everyone.

As well as experiences that are available all year round, the Lake District also plays host to a calendar of annual and one off events which cannot be missed:

Lake District Country Shows and Fairs 2013

Throughout the spring and summer months (when it’s generally less wet, though no guarantees!) the Lakes play host to a great range of traditional and more modern shows and fairs which celebrate the very best of the region’s heritage and culture.

Often focussing on the regions agriculture, these fairs and country shows also often feature live music, food, drink and entertainment suitable for a wide range of ages.

With so many events of this type going on in towns and villages across the Lakes, stay posted to our News section for more information.

Lake District Food and Drink Festivals 2013

The green open-spaces which are synonymous with the Lake District help to produce a fantastic range of local produce which inspires many local chefs, brewers and business owners to produce some truly wonderful culinary delights. Great food and drink can always be found in the Lakes, but now dedicated festivals are springing up to really show off the very best the region has to offer.

This year’s highlights include:

Food: South Cumbria & Furness International Food Festival, Kendal Festival of Food and The Taste Cumbria Food Festival.

Drink: Beer festivals take place all throughout the year celebrating the very best local ales from the best local pubs and breweries.

Lake District Music Festivals 2013

The Lakes has a whole host of music festivals dedicated to all kinds of styles and genres of music. Small, local music events and gigs are on most weeks so you can often just stumble upon fantastic music quite spontaneously. Larger, often weekend-long music festivals also take place in a number of towns throughout the year so it’s worth doing your research.

This year’s highlights include:

Lake District Summer Music Festival- taking place in and around Ambleside, a whole host of events are hosted both out in the open and in some of the Lake’s most beautiful buildings. The festival celebrates classical musicians and vocalists from across the UK and internationally.

Solfest & Kendal Calling- If you think you can’t have a music festival without camping, then at least one these two weekend-long festivals has got to be on your summer agenda.

Lake District Outdoor Events 2013

For those of us who are sporting, active and outdoorsy (and those of us who prefer to spectate) the Lake District, as you might well imagine, is home to an incredible array of outdoor events, from leisurely walks to some of the most extreme and physically arduous challenges and competitions in the UK.

Many people who flock to the Lake District do so to tread the famous trails, hikes and roadways which criss-cross the beautiful and awe-inspiring landscape. Whether you take your own route or follow the recommendations of a guide, either by paying for a guided walk or following trails outlined in books (like the routes of the now famous Alfred Wainwright) the Lake District has some of the best walking areas for individuals at all levels of fitness.

Sporting activities take place all year round including fell races, full and half marathons, obstacle races, The Great North Swim and a range of other public endurance challenges. All well attended and supported there’s some really amazing experiences to be had, whether taking part or just watching.

This is far from an exhaustive list of things to see and do in the Lake District, so no matter what time of year you decide to visit the Lakes there’s sure to be an event which captures your interest.

Booking a short stay or holiday in the Lake District can allow you to really escape and immerse yourself in everything the region has to offer.

Early booking is encouraged, especially for busy periods including: Easter, Halloween, Bonfire night, Christmas and Bank Holidays.

Bank holiday weekends are always a fantastic time for visiting the Lakes and we offer a range of holiday packages and deals for long weekends. Again, early booking is encouraged so if you’re thinking of coming over a Bank Holiday be sure to book soon.

The 2013 Bank Holidays are:

Good Friday: March 29
Easter Monday: April 1
Early May Bank Holiday: May 6
Spring Bank Holiday: May 27
Summer Bank Holiday: August 26
Christmas Day: December 25
Boxing Day: December 26

Be sure to check out our special offers page for a range of Lake District holiday deals 2013 too.