Things to do in the Lake District this Christmas and New Year

Thinking of visiting the Lake District this Christmas? We’ve put together some of what we think are the best reasons to escape to the Lakes during the festive period.

It’s easy to get here. Once you arrive in the Lake District National Park, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of busy town & city life. Yet the South Lakes and Coniston is actually very easy to get to. It’s only around 2 hours from Manchester, 2.5 hours from Leeds, 2.5 hours from Newcastle upon Tyne, and 3 hours from Birmingham.

Geting cosy by the log fire. Get that real fire in your Lake District cottage roaring. Cuddle up on the sofa or gather with friends round the flames – a real fire creates an unbeatable atmosphere, especially at Christmas. Throw on another log and pour another drink – bliss.

Going to the pub. Luckily, here in the Lakes, there’s plenty to choose from! Coniston alone has several pubs all within walking distance of each other. And you don’t have to travel far along a Lakeland country lane before encountering an inviting looking pub. Once inside, the local ales and delicious food on offer will guarantee fabulous time for all.

Eating out at a world renown restaurant. Did you know that Cumbria has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the UK outside of London? L’Enclume and Rogan & Co in Cartmel, The Old Stamp House in Ambleside and SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, Windermere are some of the incredible fine-dining experiences awaiting in the Lake District.

Prefer to eat in? Then make the food come to you Home by Simon Rogan has been created by chef Simon Rogan. His famous Cartmel restaurance, L’Enclume, boasts no less than 3 Michelin Stars, but you can get 3 course meals kit, created by Simon and his team of chef’s delivered straight to your Coppermines Cottage door.

Brisk walks and crisp mountain air. There’s no better remedy to undo some of those Christmas excesses (well we think so anyway) than a brisk walk through some beautiful scenery. Fresh, Lake District air plus some gentle exercise (or not so gentle if you prefer) can blow away those festive cobwebs leaving you feeling rejuvenated and fully ready to take on a brand New Year!

Time, together. A self-catering cottage over the festive period also offers plenty of oh-so-precious time with loved ones. Away from the distractions of everyday life, a country cottage can be a true haven, a relaxing space to enjoy the festivities at your own pace. With room to get together in comfort but with space to spread out – find a cosy nook to enjoy an hour’s peaceful reading or simply relax and look out at the wonderful view.

Still need some last-minute Christmas shopping? The Lake District hubs of Bowness, Ambleside & Keswick offer a diverse mix of well-known high-street brands and independent shops. Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside is popular for its Christmas displays while Coniston offers local gift shops and outdoor gear retailers.

All shopped out? Then a sedate cruise of one of the area’s stunning lakes could be just the tonic. Windermere Lake Cruises run all year round from their piers at Lakeside near Newby Bridge, Bowness and Ambleside. On board, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Windermere from the comfort of one of its heated vessels.

Snow-capped mountains. Who needs the Alps anyway? While snow in the villages and valleys of the Lakes isn’t actually all that common, it’s usual for the fells and mountains of the Lakes to have some snow for much of the winter. These snow-capped hills and mountains create truly breath-taking winter scenery which you can either enjoy from a distance or get out and about amongst!

Get away from it all. Sometimes, as Mariah Carey says, all you need at Christmas is that special person in your life. Cottages offer the ultimate in romantic retreats, at Christmas, New Year or any time. Cottages are the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of the Lakes. Or you could just light your fire, open that bottle of wine and shut yourself off from the world for a few days of blissful isolation.

Whatever your reason for visiting, a break in the Lakes over Christmas and New Year will create memories to treasure forever.