What’s On in the Lake District and Cumbria - Top Events & Activities

Plan your getaway around a single base and fill each day with compact adventures. Pick a central town like Keswick or Windermere, then look to loop through forest trails, lakeside walks, and easy cycle rides that start over the water. From your base, you can reach several scenic attractions within a short drive, and a lakeside park keeps the whole day relaxed throughout.

For water lovers, paddleboarding on Ullswater or Coniston Water offers a calm way to see the hills from the water. Look for beginner lessons with local outfitters and rent gear from a shop near the shore. Many towns host live music sessions in sunny courtyards, making the second half of the day lively after a mid-morning coffee. To add a quirky pause, visit a cerney market stall at the village fair, where local honey and crafts offer a friendly break between hikes and boat trips.

Explore endless footpaths that thread through the national park, with routes for all levels. From gentle loops around lakes to ridge walks above the village valleys, you’ll find scenery that’s beautiful and varied throughout the district. A strong starter is a circular hike around Grasmere or the shorter circuit near Buttermere, offering panoramic views without long detours.

For a slower pace, try a forest walk in Whinlatter, where red squirrels dart between pines and the sound of birdsong fills the air. Many trails weave networks ready for a family stroll or a longer day in the trees. Pack a picnic and let the shoreline views accompany your rest breaks as you watch boats drift by.

Throughout Cumbria, small towns host markets, outdoor theatre, and seasonal gigs that pair well with a nature break. Look out for a local farmers’ market on Saturdays in Ambleside or Keswick, where stalls run from late morning to afternoon and you can have a very satisfying lunch from regional producers. Evenings await with lakeside strolls and stargazing, a gentle addition to your national district itinerary.

Lake District & Cumbria Events Planner

Book a lakeside weekend with a guided paddleboarding session and a forest hike to kick off your plan.

Our Lake District & Cumbria Events Planner connects you with local hosts and a clear timetable that fits your groups. Start with a dawn paddleboarding session on a serene lake, then stroll to a lakeside spot for a snack, and finish with an outdoor music moment as the sun sets.

Choose from a fantastic range of activities designed for your groups, from easy cycling along shaded routes to longer road rides that thread between villages. Options include paddleboarding, inflatable water play, scooter tours, golf, and more–giving you something active and something more relaxed within one day.

Where your plans meet reality, landbetweenthelakescom serves as a practical hub for official listings and booking steps. Find your ideal activity, check available slots, and reserve with the host in a single place. Endless options exist, and we tailor the middle of your day to your pace and group size.

Sample day plan

1. Morning: paddleboarding on Ullswater or Windermere with a local guide
2. Mid-morning: lakeside forest trail walk and photo stops
3. Lunch: picnic by the water or a café with outdoor seating
4. Afternoon: cycling along a quiet road or a scooter tour through villages
5. Late afternoon: inflatable water games on a calm cove
6. Evening: music session and a relaxed lakeside dinner

Practical tips to keep everything smooth: coordinate with trusted hosts who tailor activities for your groups, book a lakeside base with easy access to trails, and set a flexible timetable that leaves room for spontaneous moments. If you’re aiming for a single, connected itinerary, we’ll align transport options, from road routes to short transfers, so your day flows without hitches.

Seasonal Event Calendar: Month-by-Month Highlights

Start your year with a real plan: reserve a mid‑May lakeside break to paddleboarding on Windermere, sail on Coniston, and catch outdoor shows; this lakes country offers cycling routes from village lanes to road networks, with facilities where you can drink and refuel, whatever pace you love, for yourself.

January brings quiet mist over the fells, winter markets in Keswick, and theatre nights at Theatre by the Lake; look for family-friendly shows, a warm pub, and easy loops for a day trip from your base in the district.

February keeps momentum with romantic lakefront dinners and junior sailing taster sessions reappearing along the shore; looking for a short ride or a scooter-friendly promenade in the afternoon.

March signals the start of the outdoor season: guided walks with local experts, cycling club sign-ups, and spring sailing experiences with certificated skippers; inflatable aqua zones reopen for a family morning on the lake area.

April showers give way to blossoming trails around Grasmere and Ambleside; spring shows resume at village stages, and independent markets pop up along the road into the National Park to give you a taste of local crafts.

May brings a crest of activity: Windermere sailing regattas, guided paddleboarding tours, and cerney-area pop-up fairs with inflatables for kids; cyclists find long-distance rides via quiet lanes, while parents look for decent facilities and a café stop to recharge, with vere long summer evenings inviting you to linger.

June heats up with lake-side festivals, open-water swimming events, and sunset sails; families rent inflatable boats and explore scooter-friendly promenades, and you can pick up a real map at visitor centres to tailor your route.

July peaks with lake cruises, sailing regattas, and guided hikes through alpine meadows; cycling shows and road races draw enthusiasts, while outdoor cinema shows and pop-up food stalls fill evenings along the coast.

August keeps the momentum: paddlers share Windermere and Ullswater routes, while charity road races loop through the district; kids’ inflatable parks and scooter trails pop up near visitor hubs for a quick splash in the lake.

September slows a touch but invites autumn colour tours, cycling treks along quiet roads, and sailing courses that stay busy into early fall; look for farmers’ markets and late-season shows celebrating local produce.

October invites forest walks, canoeing groups, and the last of the season sailing days; the cerney area hosts crafts and drink stalls at sunset, while scooter-friendly paths provide a final splash of adventure before winter.

November ticks with warm cafés, indoor exhibitions, and early Christmas markets; many outdoor facilities wind down, but guided walks keep visitors moving from Keswick to the coast with scenic lake views.

December rounds out the year with lantern-lit walks, festive shows, and sledging on frost-crisp mornings; plan a family break that includes boat trips, a dash of paddleboarding, and a final stroll along a lakeside road before the year closes.

Outdoor Adventures by Season: Hiking, Cycling, Boating & Watersports

Start your spring with a Catbells circuit from Hawes End–a very rewarding, beginner-friendly hike that delivers panoramic Derwent Water views after about 3.5 miles of steady climbing. For a gentler option, add the Loughrigg Tarn loop (roughly 4 miles) along forest paths. Whatever pace you love, those routes suit groups and families, and local hosts can tailor a plan that stays close to agricultural farmland and quiet woodland. If weather shifts, switch to a shorter out-and-back from Ambleside to Wray Castle for a second option that keeps you in the forest edge. Those approaches put you in the middle of Cumbria’s spring scenery, and cerney travelers or visitors from the south will find the Lake District serves as gateway to outdoor adventures.

In summer, cycling takes center stage. Hire a bike in Windermere or Keswick and tackle a Derwent Valley loop of around 30–40 km, with flat stretches along the river and pine-forest scenery. For families and groups, Grizedale Forest offers a range of loops–from 4–6 km beginner trails to 10–12 km more challenging options–plus shaded rest spots. If a quick edge ride suits your day, rent a scooter to explore lakeside towns and cafes. Nearby golf courses provide a relaxed post-ride option, and many routes finish back at your base for an easy, full-day plan.

Boating and watersports fill long summer days. Windermere Lake Cruises run frequent services from Bowness to Newby Bridge, with Ullswater steamer trips between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge covering about 7 miles across the lake. For active water time, inflatable paddleboards and kayaks are available to hire from several centers around Coniston, Derwentwater and Ullswater. A family-friendly inflatable craft keeps kids engaged while you practice balance on a calm bay edge.

Autumn colors turn the fells into golden coves and quiet lanes. Choose a low-level hike around Buttermere or Crummock Water for 6–9 miles, staying clear of exposed ridges, or loop the Langdale Valley for a 12–14 mile day with plenty of woodland shade. Cycling options include a 25–35 km Derwent Valley ring with lighter traffic, ideal for groups seeking a peaceful ride. Look for farm and agricultural land views that contrast with the moorland above, and pause at a riverside cafe to drink something warm before sunset.

Winter invites crisp air and clear skies when you pick safe trails. Opt for marked forest paths around Grizedale or Tarn Hows for 3–6 miles, and avoid exposed ridges after frost. If you’re up for a longer challenge, Old Man of Coniston adds roughly 8 miles round trip–pace carefully and bring crampons if conditions demand. Pack a headlamp, extra layers and a waterproof layer, then finish with a hearty pub meal to thaw and rally your group.

Whatever your group size, trust local hosts to tailor routes to your skill, gear and timing. For a get-away cabin-based plan, base in Windermere or Keswick and mix day trips to Coniston, Derwentwater and Ullswater. If you’re arriving from cerney or the south, the Lake District acts as gateway to big outdoor moments, with a very broad range of options–from forest trails to open-water time–ready for your adventures. Make sure to bring water, a map or the offline route on your phone, and a spare layer for changing weather. Your love of the outdoors grows with friends, and those who love this region often return for another set of adventures.

Family-friendly Experiences: Museums, Farms, Reserves & Walks

Begin with The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, a lakeside gateway for families. Here youll find an engaging xperience with Potter’s characters, short films, and scaled sets that spark imagination while staying easy for little legs. It’s a real welcome stop before you explore the county's other treasures.

Nearby Keswick offers the Derwent Pencil Museum, a compact stop with real pencils, bright workshops, and friendly guides that work well for groups and families. Facilities include a cafe, toilets, and kid-friendly zones. The second floor hosts exhibits with playful tools that keep little hands busy.

Whinlatter Forest Park offers scooter-friendly paths, wildlife hides, and short forest loops. This very family-friendly reserve sits smack in the heart of the forest, giving your group quick access to wildlife and fresh air, with a cafe and parking nearby. It’s a gateway to nature that suits a half-day break between lake views.

Farm days bring an agricultural perspective to the trip. In the county, choose working farms that welcome visitors, with animal encounters, tractor rides, and simple tours. This vere option delivers a whole-family experience, and you can find lakeside views, picnic spots, and easy trails that suit whatever your pace.

For walks and rides, pick flat lakeside paths along Windermere or Coniston waters. These roads stay near villages, making it easy to switch to a cycling plan if older kids want more speed. Over the day youll hop between viewpoints, cafes, and playgrounds, finishing with very happy children and relaxed grownups. youll

Planning tips and seasonal events are listed at landbetweenthelakescom, the go-to resource for locals and visitors in the county.

Practical Planning: Tickets, Parking, Transport & Weather Tips

Book advance tickets online for popular sights to guarantee entry and save time. For groups, choose a combined ticket or family pass when available; those options often reduce per-person costs. From the heart of the lakes, plan with landbetweenthelakescom for timed-entry slots and mobile tickets. For photo opportunities, include lakeside shooting sessions and short breaks for music or entertainment between stops. If your route goes through cerney district, check local parking rules and signs here.

Parking tips: Pre-book where offered and use park-and-ride in busy hubs; in Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, spaces fill by late morning on weekends. Expect day rates around £5–£8, with higher charges near peak attractions; always display your ticket and respect time limits. If you travel with a group, split into two cars to reduce search time; scooters have dedicated bays in many council car parks–bring a lock and helmet. Agricultural fairs and big events can shift patterns, so check landbetweenthelakescom for updates here.

Transport: Rail brings you to Oxenholme or Windermere; local buses run roughly every 20–60 minutes depending on route and season. For those staying farther afield or traveling with groups, consider car sharing to cut costs and traffic. Some ferries connect lakeside towns; check timetables in advance on landbetweenthelakescom. If you plan several trips, a county transport pass can save money; whatever route you pick, confirm times the day before and allow extra time for waits.

Weather and what to pack: The Lake District climate shifts quickly; pack layers, a lightweight waterproof shell, and a hat. Morning sun can give way to showers by afternoon, so keep flexible plans that let you switch from nature walks to indoor entertainment when needed. Bring sun cream, sturdy shoes for park paths, and a change of socks for lakeside rambles. For rain days, lean on covered venues, museums, and music venues around the county to keep things exciting. If you love nature and agricultural shows, those provide entertaining breaks from outdoor fun. For those traveling with groups, a second plan helps you adapt; here is a practical resource: landbetweenthelakescom for weather alerts and updates, and here you can find tips anytime.

The Cotswold Range: Nearby Day Trips & Context for Cumbria Visitors

Plan a two-day getaway to the Cotswold Water Park for a lakeside paddleboarding session, then explore cozy villages and music-filled evenings.

Base yourself in Cirencester or Bourton-on-the-Water to cut down driving time; both towns offer beautiful riverside routes, with easy forest trails and plenty of outdoor dining in the district, plus short cycling courses.

Nearby day trips for visitors from Cumbria include a short drive to Bibury and Arlington Row, a visit to Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, and a serene stroll along the Cotswold Way.

Make time for the Water Park's paddleboarding, then finish with a lakeside picnic, optional boat ride, or a country-market stroll for entertainment and live music. For practical routes, check landbetweenthelakescom.

From Cumbria, this region offers endless adventures and a whole heart of England to love and find something beautiful.