How to have the best autumn break in the Lake District

Autumn is almost upon us once again. And with its wondrous landscape of rusty reds, auburn oranges and golden yellows it has to be one of best times to come and visit the spectacular Lake District National Park. We’ve put together some tips on how to make the best of your stay – from what to do, to where to stay, to help you have the most awesome autumn break possible.

Plan high and low walks

The Lake District during autumn is spectacular whatever the weather. From wet days with dramatic rolling clouds to crisp, clear and gloriously golden days – crunching through fallen leaves surrounded by magnificent scenery is wonderful rain or shine.

For those days with low cloud, plan some stunning lower-level walks where you can enjoy the beauty of the Lakes, even in the rain. For the ultimate in iconic Lake District autumn scenes, then a visit to Tarn Hows is simply a must. Other lower-level walks such as High Dam, and Tilberthwaite to Little Langdale take you through ancient woodland, at its most magnificent during the autumn months. Autumnal woodland is also a great place to spot fairy-themed fungi which can’t be seen at any other time of year.

And for those crisp, clear autumnal mornings then the skies the limit! Autumn grants a great opportunity to take to on some iconic Lakeland fells during the quieter months such as Coniston Old Man, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes. With cooler temperatures, autumn days can be perfect walking days – and without the summer haze, visibility can be incredible with views for miles. There’s also beautiful walks to be had on some lesser known fells – some our favourites which can be walked direct from Coniston village include Wetherlam, Dow Crag and Swirl How. Just remember that as we get deeper into autumn daylight hours are reduced – plan your walks carefully so you don’t unexpectedly get caught out by nightfall.

Visit waterfalls in full force

The changing of the seasons can also mean that the thundering waterfalls to be found throughout the Lake District are at their most impressive. Falls little more than a trickle during the summer months, burst into life an autumn and become an impressive force of nature. Some of the best known include the falls in our own Coppermines Valley, Stanley Ghyll in Eskdale and Aira Force at Ullswater, but you’ll discover waterfalls with their deep, clear turquoise pools throughout the Lake District.

Bring waterproofs!

The weather in the Lake District is famously unpredictable. Plan ahead for your autumnal break and make sure you come well equipped for any weather. That way the weather won’t get in the way of your enjoyment of your autumn break. Walking boots and waterproofs are essential autumn gear here in the Lakes. You should also bring along a hat and gloves (even a mild autumn day can see sub-zero temperatures on the mountain tops). Also consider bringing a flask so you can enjoy a hot, restorative drink on your walk – steaming hot tea never tastes as good as it does outdoors on a cool day in front of a stunning view.  

Plan indoor days

Sometimes, even when you are at your most prepared, the weather dictates that the best and safest option is to stay inside. Plan some indoor days out such as the Lakeland Motor Museum, the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere or The Ruskin Museum in Coniston. You could also enjoy a covered lake cruise during damp weather such as the popular Windermere Lake Cruises, we you can enjoy the majesty of the landscape from the warmth and dryness of one of their legendary steamers.

Staying in is the new going out:

Choose a cottage where you’re happy to stay in all day. Being stuck in a hotel room while it pours down outside isn’t always much fun – but being in your own Lake District cottage for the day can be a treat in itself. Light the log fire, brew some fresh coffee, watch that film you’ve meaning to watch for ages or settle down on the sofa with a good book. You might even wish for more rainy days during your stay.

Stay in a cottage with a real fire

With their sights, sounds and smells, real fires create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, especially in autumn. After a day exploring the great outdoors, what better than to spend an evening warming tired toes in front of a glowing fire? Add in a beautiful dog asleep on the hearth, a comforting glass of red wine and you’re in Lake District autumnal heaven.

Our top 10 cottages for autumn:

1. Waingarth Cottage, Grizedale – Take in autumn at its most glorious in Waingarth Cottage in Satterthwaite village. There are endless forest walks on easy, often mud-free, tracks straight around Grizedale Forest accessible straight from the front door. Sleeps 6

2. Springbank Cottage, Coniston – Spend a luxurious autumn break in the beautiful Springbank Cottage. There are stunning high and low walks from the door and Coniston village amenities are all on the doorstep of this charming cottage. Walk to the lake or sample the various village pubs – it’s all here waiting at Springbank this autumn. Sleeps 4

3. Cow Barn, Duddon Bridge – Duddon Valley is truly beautiful in autumn. Should you be able to drag yourself outside, away from the roaring log-burner and bright and modern interior of Cow Barn, then you’ll discover a plethora of woodland, riverside and fellside walks through this stunning hidden gem of a valley. Sleeps 5

4. Thwaite Cottage, Coniston.  A perfect combination of traditional & characterful yet modern and super comfortable, Thwaite Cottage is set within its own historical gardens, including some private woodland making it the perfect choice for a luxury break this autumn. Tarn Hows, with its iconic autumnal scenery, can be walked from the front door as well as other beautiful woodland and lakeside walks. Sleeps 8

5. Mole’s Cottage, Coniston Water – With it’s cosy interior, log-burner and stunning views this dreamy cottage for 2 allows you to take in the spectacular autum landscapes of the Lakes without setting foot outside. Once you do, you’ll find some wonderful walking through woodland, along the lake shore or into Coniston village itself. Sleeps 2

6. Mill Pool Barn, Torver, Coniston  – Set alongside a gentle river and amongst its own woodland, the Barn is a great place to watch wildlife as it busily prepares for the coming of winter. And the Barn’s underfloor heating makes for warm feet and a cosy stay whatever the weather. Sleeps 2

7. Bowmanstead Cottage, Coniston – with its open fire, charming beams and oodles of character, Bowmanstead is the quintessential Lake District cottage. Throw another log on the fire and relax with your favourite beverage – a perfect escape to the Lakes this autumn. Sleeps 4

8. Millrace Cottage, Coppermines Valley – nestled beneath the towering Old Man of Coniston Mountain Millrace makes for an utterly unique cottage break this autumn. Watch the clouds rolls over the mountains from its exclusive hot tub. Hike some of the finest walks in the country direct from the front door. Spend evenings unwinding in front of its roaring fire. A break in Millrace this autumn is one to remember forever. Sleeps 4

9. Top Garden Suite, Far Sawrey, Windermere Set within true Beatrix Potter country, Top Garden Suite is a cosy Lakeland retreat for 4. With far-reaching views over hills and woodland to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect place from which to watch the changing Lake District landscape of autumn.  Sleeps 4

10. Bramble Cottage – Stunning lake views, a cosy fire and access to the amenities in Coniston village, make Bramble the ideal choice for a short break in the Lakes this autumn.And with views across the lake to Grizedale Forest you’ll be never get bored with watching autumn spread its golden and russet touches across the landscape. Sleeps 4