Why the Lake District is a Winter Wonderland

Mention the Lake District and most people will think of summer. The sun reflecting from the water of the lakes, the lush green hills and warm weather. And while that’s definitely a big draw, the Lake District is also a classic Winter Wonderland.

Once you have been on a Lake District cottage holiday in winter then you will understand why so many people visit in this frosty season. Less visitors mean more space for you to enjoy, the Autumnal colours change to frost winter landscapes that are dramatic and just begging to be explored. Coming home after a winter day in the fells to a warm fire in your Coppermines Cottage is simply the icing on the cake.

Here are a few fantastic reasons why you should visit the Lake District this winter.

Lake District Scenery

Lake District vistas that looks amazing in the warm summer sun are also stunning in the cool, crisp winter mornings. When the sun comes out and there’s a sparkle of frost on the ground, everything looks magical. You can go for a walk, wrapped up warm, and see your breath but also see for miles with a little height.

Then there’s those same stunning views when the snow arrives. Pure white coats on the fields, untouched by anything. Or the fun sight of the sheep wandering through the snow for their morning feed! The majestic hills in the background transform the area into a true winter wonderland.

Finally, don’t forget those sunrises and sunsets. Because these happen later in the morning and earlier at night, it is a great time to enjoy them as you don’t need to up so early or late. Seeing the sun mirrored in the lake as it rises, or the stunning sky colours reflected as it sets is a memorable experience.

Winter Lake District Visitor Experience

The many places to visit around the Lake District take on a new personality in the winter. For example, many of the traditional pubs and tearooms will have an open fire burning to welcome visitors. Or you can enjoy a meal with candles burning and soft overhead light illuminating the food.

While some places around the area shut for winter to do refurbishment and maintenance work, many are usually open. This means you can visit when it is a little quieter than normal! A few examples of places usually open during winter include:

• Abbot Hall Art Gallery (Kendal)
• Brantwood (Coniston)
• Keswick Museum and Gallery (Keswick)
• Lakes Aquarium (Newby Bridge)
• Lowther Castle and Gardens (Lowther)

Winter is equally a great time to take a boat ride on one of the lakes. Sometimes you see more as the trees aren’t coated in the leaf finery. You can see the little houses and cottages hidden amid the trees and even spot some of the local wildlife. Just wrap up warm!

Added Christmas Sparkle

Even this year, with Covid restrictions cancelling many of the larger Christmas Events, the twinkling lights in shops and houses against the winter landscape adds a little bit of magic for everyone to enjoy. There will still be smaller markets and events to enjoy and there are lots of unique and independent shops so you can buy locally made presents or something a little different for your Christmas menu.

The Lake District is a popular place to visit any time of year, but if you are looking for a slower pace of life, winter dusted landscapes to enjoy and hearty food around roaring fires then winter will probably be your favourite time to visit the lakes.