Looking for things to do whilst on holiday in the Lake District? Why not browse our \u2018What\u2019s On\u2019 guide for inspiration.<\/p>\n
The Lake District has a packed, year-round, events calendar. You\u2019ll find seasonal goodies, like Easter egg hunts, Christmas markets and pantomimes as well as local treats like country shows and sporting fixtures.<\/p>\n
Some particularly coveted tickets include the boutique music festival Kendal Calling, Cartmel Races, which has hosted the likes of Tom Jones and Sir Cliff Richard and Kendal Mountain Festival, where the cream of the outdoor sports elite gather.<\/p>\n
For spectator event with a difference, you can\u2019t beat a day at a traditional local\u2019s festival or fair, where you get a real feel for Lake District culture.\u00a0 Appleby Horse Fair, Grasmere Sports and Hawkshead Brewery Beer Festival make for a great day out.<\/p>\n
There are plenty of quirky family-friendly events too, including Chilli Fest and Muncaster Castle\u2019s Festival of Fools.<\/p>\n
For boat fanatics, the Windermere Boat Show is a must and classic cars from all over the region gather for the annual The Lakes Classic Vehicle Show.<\/p>\n
For those that like to don a sporting vest and a number, the Lake District is home to prestigious fixtures too, including the ASICS Windermere Marathon and Fred Whitton Challenge, which is regarded by keen cyclists alongside major European events. New events like HonisterFest outdoor challenge sees the region\u2019s top adrenalin-fuelled shops and attractions coming together to host events unique to the Lake District\u2019s naturally challenging landscape.<\/p>\n
Browse our guides for even more inspiration.<\/p>\n
Lakes Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n Literature, art, street theatre, singing and dancing all bring a rich cultural heritage to life here in The Lake District, Cumbria. The work of artists inspired by the landscape is celebrated in dozens of art galleries, castles and museums.<\/p>\n New for 2019 is Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories, bringing to life the tales of the steam launches, sailing yachts, motorboats and record-breaking speed boats. Lakeland Arts, the brains behind the museum, also operates Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Blackwell Arts & Crafts Museum and the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry.<\/p>\n Hunt for sculptures in the Forestry Commission\u2019s Grizedale and Whinlatter forests, before discovering more about the legendary poet William Wordsworth at his former home, Dove Cottage. Spend an evening in Kendal\u2019s Brewery Arts Centre or Keswick\u2019s Theatre by the Lake; and witness yesteryear brought back to life through fascinating displays and exhibitions at some of Cumbria\u2019s most historic National Trust sites like Sizergh Castle or Hill Top \u2013 the former home of Beatrix Potter. 2019 also sees the Lake District Summer Music International Festival take place between 27 July and 9 August.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.forestryengland.uk\/grizedale<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.forestryengland.uk\/whinlatter<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/wordsworth.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.theatrebythelake.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/sizergh<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ldsm.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n Those \u2013 and countless more cultural experiences are all supported by Cumbria Tourism, the Lake District National Park and South Lakeland District Council, helping the cultural offering go from strength to strength each year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kendal \u2013 Gateway to the Lake District<\/strong><\/p>\n The famous town of Kendal sits on the southern edge of the Lake District, making it the perfect place from which to begin a new adventure at this World Heritage site. Kendal may be most famous for its mint cake, but there\u2019s so much more to this little town. Not only is it the home of the annual Kendal Mountain Festival, but it attracts some of the most diverse musical talent to venues like the Brewery Arts Centre \u2013 complete with its Vats Bar, as well as Bootleggers music bar \u2013 one of the most well-respected smaller, intimate venues on the north-west circuit.<\/p>\n www.kendalmountainfestival.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n www.breweryarts.co.uk\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n www.bootleggersbar.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Lakeland Arts \u2013 the team which is behind the brand-new Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories, also runs the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry ensuring visitors to the \u201cauld grey town\u201d can get their fix of heritage and culture. They can also get their fix of confectionery at the Chocolate Shop, complimented by one of the town\u2019s remaining cobbled streets.<\/p>\n https:\/\/windermerejetty.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.abbothall.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n Take a stroll up the Kendal Castle \u2013 once owned by the family of Catherine Parr, who outlived her husband, King Henry VIII, drink to her at The Tap Ale Bar and relax by taking a riverside walk. Indulge in some sport and adventure at the dry ski slope, golf courses and driving range, or why not take on Kendal\u2019s climbing wall? Vegetarians can also enjoy filling up at the The Waterside caf\u00e9, and for those who\u2019ve had enough Cumberland Sausage, why not check out the Bangkok 7 thai restaurant.<\/p>\n https:\/\/visit-kendal.co.uk\/culture\/heritage\/kendal-castle\/<\/a><\/p>\n www.thefactorytap.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.watersidekendal.co.uk\/<\/p>\n