Visit the Lake District in 2021

Cumbria is always normally full of amazing events, festivals, music and art, but we know 2021 maybe a little different.

Here’s what we have so far on dates for some of the bigger events, but also some ideas of places to go and enjoy the great outdoors.  Our walks and hikes are legendary, and you can choose from a potter around a Lake, to a full day fell top walk.  Alternatively, our gardens offer a chance to be at one with nature, have a gentle stroll and a view, and generally enjoy that wonderful feeling of being outside.

Please note events could change at any time, so do check with the venue directly first.

Open to visit with outdoor space all year

Brockhole Visitor Centre

Located right by Lake Windermere, adventure playground, garden trails, shop, café, the Gaddum Restaurant, Tree Top Trek, kayak/canoe hire, archery, pony rides.

Low Sizergh Barn, Farm Shop & Farm Trail

If you love sampling local produce while on holiday make sure you take a trip to Low Sizergh Barn, an award-winning National Trust farm, selling delicious local produce, crafts and art. Raw Milk, home-made cakes, pastries, and a cheese counter to rival all others in the shop.  Relax in the tea-room and watch the cows being milked at 3:30 pm every day.

Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre, Ings near Windermere.

With farm shop, kitchen, butchers and an Arena where you can release your inner farmer.

Alpacaly Ever After, Bassenthwaite

This family-run farm rescues alpacas and llamas from all over the country and give them a wonderful new home in the Lake District. You can meet the Alpacas and Llamas, and walk with them at a variety of locations throughout the Lake District, including The Lingholm Estate, Whinlatter Forest, Littletown Farm and The Lakes Distillery. This is a fantastic activity for all the animal lovers out there.

Graythwaite Adventure, Windermere

Perfect for high adrenaline fun in the form of water-based, or land-based activities – for just the two of you or larger groups.  Try your hand at off-roading, archery, dinghy/raft races, paddleboarding, or axe throwing!

Climbing Walls

Here in the Lake District we have a number of climbing walls for you to tackle including, Keswick, Ambleside, Kendal. Our local friendly climbing walls are great for practice or if the weather turns. With cafes, music and a friendly vibe, you’ll be most welcome.

What’s on in Spring 2021

Coast to Coast Packhorse cycling Festival, 12-15 April 2021

A 4-day cycling challenge and an actual event to participate in, whilst mass-participation events remain banned.

Carlisle Country Music Festival, 14- 16 May 2021

Keswick Mountain Festival, Crow Park, Keswick

Usually taking place in the Spring, KMF has been postponed to 10 – 12 September 2021

Sporting events, outdoor activities, pop-up campsite, and Festival Village packed with fun child-friendly activities, delicious food, and drinks as well as live music in the evenings

Daffodil-watch, February- March

Head to the famous place where William Wordsworth was inspired – Glencoyne Bay on Ullswater to see the ‘host of golden daffodils’.  You’ll also see them near his home Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Dora’s Field (named after his daughter). You’ll see these lovely yellow blooms nodding & dancing all over the Lakes.

Bluebell-watch, April-May

These delicate blue-purple flowers carpet the Lakes in woodlands or meadows. Famous spots include Rannerdale, near Buttermere, Grasmere & Rydal, Grizedale Forest, Muncaster Castle.

What’s on in Summer 2021

Keswick Beer Festival, Keswick Rugby Club Dates TBC

This will be the 24thKeswick Beer Festival and we cannot wait! Sample over 200 very special beers and ciders and enjoy live music from bands on both Friday and Saturday night. Bag yourself a day or weekend pass.

Great North Swim, Windermere 1 – 30 June 2021

For over 10 years Great Swim has provided thousands of people with exhilarating, challenging and safe events. With distances to suit all levels and abilities, from the newest and youngest participants up to seasoned marathon swimmers and all those in-between. Make a weekend of it with the whole family in Windermere.

Great British Food Festival, Lowther Castle, Penrith 3 – 4 July 2021

The Great British Food Festival – a jamboree of food, chefs, demos, talks, local and exotic producers – will make its Lowther Castle debut in July 2021.

Westmorland County Show Ground, 5 – 6 June 2021

It is with great sadness that the Society Trustees have made the sad but sensible decision to cancel Country Fest which was due to take place on Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 June 2021. The current roadmap has given confidence that a smaller event can be held. So there will now be a brand new Country Food & Craft Fayre, taking place on the County Showground over the weekend of 5 and 6 June 2021, with all the necessary Covid safety measures in place. The Fayre will incorporate an array of local food, craft, garden and gift exhibitors providing a much-needed boost to our loyal traders. Accompanied by lively entertainment and demonstrations, the Showground provides the ideal opportunity for visitors to socially distance whilst enjoying the open countryside.

What’s on in Autumn 2021

Westmorland County Show, 9 September 2021

Crafts, animals, food & drink a great day out.

Wasdale Show & Shepherd’s Meet,  9 October 2021

One of the oldest local shows. Tractor Run, Terrier Racing a Craft Barn, and fell running is all part of the day.

Holker Winter Market, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands and Cartmel, Dates TBC

This is a large and well-planned Christmas market, with over 90 stalls selling a range of gift items that you won’t find on the high street. Embrace the winter weather with a mug of warming mulled wine and enjoy the live festive music as you wander in and around flavoured gin and vodka stalls, handmade stationery sellers and kids electronic toys – lots of great stocking fillers ideas.

What’s on in Winter 2021

Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-On, Ambleside,Date TBC

This is the perfect Christmas event for all the family and has its own unique Lake District twist. Whilst there are wonderful Christmas market stalls and a lovely lantern procession, Father Christmas makes a special appearance on the popular Lake Windermere cruises during this day. After disembarking from the afternoon cruise, Santa makes his way to Ambleside town centre to sprinkle some magic and turn the Christmas lights on.

Winter Walks in the Lake District

The Lake District is 2,362 square kilometres of natural bliss. Experience the drama of snow-capped mountains, icicle dripping waterfalls and frozen tarns. Enjoy the warmth of rural communities, a traditional countryside pub with good food, beer and an open fire. Here we’ve picked some of our favourite walks so you can plan your winter break to the Lake District.

We’ll keep updating this page throughout the year as more events come on board or are confirmed. Watch this space!