23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter (2022)

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Looking for the best things to do in the Lake District in winter? You’ve come to the right place! The Lake District in winter is just as incredible as during the summer, and there are a whole heap of things to do.

Whilst we may only think the Lake District is a summer destination, it also has magic about it in the colder months.

Snowy mountain tops, roaring pub fires, crisp winter walks, Christmas markets and cosy coffee stops, the Lake District is an incredible place to be in the winter!

If you’re not sure about visiting the things to do in Lake District in the winter, the following post details 23 fun and interesting things to keep you occupied during your visit.

I’m a huge fan of the Lake District, and I think any time of year is a perfect time to visit. Rain, sun, snow or hail – I’m there!

But if you have some time to visit when the land is white and the temperature is low, do it. It truly is special.

So, what are the best things to do in the Lake District in winter? Let’s get started!

I’m a tab *obsessed* about the Lake District, so I have a whole ton of content on my blog to help you plan the best trip possible! You can check them out here:

• Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes (2022)
• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
• Best Pubs in Keswick: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
• Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide (2022)
• 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do

Things to do in the Lake District in Winter

1. Wrap up warm and go for a winter walk

Walking isn’t just for the summer months, and the majority of walks and hikes in the Lake District can be done in winter just the same as summer.

I wouldn’t recommend scrambling and steep edges in the snow, but some of the flatter, circular walks are great in any kind of weather.

Some of the best winter walks in the Lake District include:

• Tarn Hows
• Stock Ghyll Force
• Catbells
• Grizedale Forest
• Latrigg
• Skiddaw

There are a few others, all which can be found in my easy walks in the Lake District post.

Just make sure you wrap up warm, stock up on coffee and you might even catch a snowy winter sunset!

Check out my post: 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide) before hiking in the Lake District!

🗺️ My hiking must-have: If you’re out on a long hike and run out of water, you can use a filter water bottle to drink any water you may find along the way. From puddle to lake water, it purifies in seconds so you can safely drink and stay hydrated! It’s a must-have for visiting the Lake District.

2. Have brunch and a coffee in a cosy Lake District cafe

One of the best things to do in the Lake District (regardless of the time of year) is to have a coffee and a tasty breakfast or brunch in a cosy cafe.

The Lake District is home to some of the best homemade food in the country, and breakfast and coffee is no exception! A lot of the food is locally sourced, as well as most cafes serving homeground coffee.

Sit in a cafe and watch the world go by on a cold winter’s morning.

Need help with finding the best places to eat breakfast in the Lake District? Check out my guide: Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes (2022)

Backpacking for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

3. Eat good food and drink good beer in a traditional English pub

Another year-round activity in the Lake District is to sit in a traditional English pub.

The Lake District is full of pubs with roaring fires, homemade food and live music, and they’re also a great place to meet other people if you’re solo travelling.

Not sure which pub to visit? I’ve written an extensive guide on the best pubs in Ambleside, or the best pubs in Keswick, which even details what events are on each night, whether there’s a beer garden, and if it’s dog friendly.

I’ve even listed whether you can join in on a pub quiz, enjoy some live music or party on the dancefloor!

4. Visit Dove Cottage

Dove Cottage is the former family home of William Wordsworth, a famous poet who fell in love with the Lake District on his first visit.

His home has since been turned into a museum, and you can pay a small fee to enjoy where he wrote most of his works, and where he found his inspiration.

Dove Cottage is also located in Grasmere, which is one of my favourite villages in the whole national park. So even if you visit Dove Cottage for an hour, you can find some other winter activities to do closeby!

Wondering what there is to do in Grasmere? Check out my post: 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)

5. Take a trip to the Beatrix Potter Museum and other Beatrix Potter attractions

Another indoor attraction that’s perfect for winter weather is the Beatrix Potter museum.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Peter Rabbit, written by the author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter.

The attraction brings to life her magical stories, and you can spend the whole morning exploring the wonderful characters and stories.

You can pre-book your tickets for the museum here.

6. Go on a Lake Windermere lake cruise

Lake cruises operate 364 days a year in the Lake District, meaning it’s a perfect winter activity.

Personally, I think the lake cruises are better in winter, as you get to enjoy the mountains in their best form – covered in snow.

Wrap up warm and board one of the Lake Windermere boats to admire the views of the surrounding fells and mountains.

If you’re in the Lake District at the end of December, you can even book a lake cruise to celebrate the new year!

I recommend purchasing a Dry Robe before visiting the Lakes, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water. And you can easily get dressed and undressed in complete privacy, right in the middle of the beach! Mine is a lifesaver!

7. Check out the local Christmas markets and farm shops

Christmas markets are one of the *best* things to do in the Lake District in winter, and if you’re there during December, I highly recommend visiting one!

English Christmas markets are full of mulled wine, Christmas carols, gift shopping, Christmas music, dancing and everything else you can think of that’s cute and ‘Christmassy’.

Christmas markets that on are in the Lake District include:

• Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Market (late November)
• Rydal Mount Christmas Festival (December)
• Carlisle Christmas Market (December)

8. Go pumpkin picking on a pumpkin farm

Well, this is maybe more of an ‘autumn activity’ in the Lake District, but it still counts!

If you’re in the Lake District for the month of October, there are local farms that open up their grounds to the public for pumpkin picking.

Pack your wellie boots and enjoy a day at the farm picking your own pumpkins, followed by a coffee at the farm cafe or shop.

Some of the best pumpkin farms in the Lake District include:

• Walby Farm Park
• The Troutbeck Pumpkin Festival
• Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Most pumpkin farms are not free, so make sure you check the prices before you go!

Pumpkin picking elsewhere in the UK? Check out my guide for the best locations near London: Pumpkin Picking Near London: 13 of the Best Patches (2022)

9. Treat yourself to a luxury cottage

The Lake District is full of cute English cottages that are perfect for relaxing in and shutting yourself off from the world.

Enjoy a roaring fire, a hot drink and snuggle under the blankets as the snow falls outside the window.

When you have a cottage like this, is there even any need to go outside?!

Filter your Airbnb search to ‘entire place’ and click amenities like ‘fire pit’, ‘jacuzzi’ or ‘log fire’ to ensure you get the cosiest place possible!

Visiting the Lake District with your partner? Check out my post: Lake District for Couples: A PERFECT Romantic Break (2022) for romantic Lake District ideas!

10. Visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle

Dating back to 3000 BC during the Neolithic period, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the best views to see in colder weather.

With panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat, it’s something you can do in any weather, as you can choose how long you stay for.

Just a short walk from the car park, enjoy Castlerigg Stone Circle with a hot drink and learn about the history behind it.

Looking for some other easy walks to do in the Lake District? Check out my guide: 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views).

A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!

11. Plan a unique romantic date night

If you’re visiting the Lake District as a couple, why not plan a romantic date night?

From star gazing to a 3-course meal in front of a roaring fire, there are so many date nights to be had in the lakes.

During the winter months, planning something cosy and special is even better – and one of my favourite things to do!

So much that I’ve even written a guide all about enjoying the Lake District as a couple, which you can check out here!

Are you going on a Lake District road trip? Don’t forget to take a phone holder for your car. If you need to follow GPS to get around the lakes, you’ll need to prop your phone up somehow! We bought ours a few years ago and have used it on every road trip. Trust me – they never supply one!

12. Immerse yourself in the Keswick Victorian Fayre

Ok – hear me out on this one.

Probably not on your regular to-do list, the Keswick Victorian Fayre is one of the more ‘unique’ things you can do in the Lake District during winter.

Show up on the day to see the locals dressed in a Victorian outfit, serving everything from scones and jam to mulled wine. Plus, you can join in on games such as the tombola, buy homemade crafts, and enter the raffles.

All proceeds go to charity, so it’s a real feel-good event!

This year, the fayre is taking place on Sunday 4th December 2022.

Other Keswick posts:

• Best Pubs in Keswick: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)

13. Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum

Delve into the world of vintage cycles, motorbikes and cars at the Lakeland Motor Museum on a rainy or wintery day.

Located in a converted mill, the museum is a stones throw from Lake Windermere, so you can combine it with some other activities throughout your day.

There’s even a picturesque riverside cafe for those who aren’t as interested in the cars (always a winner for me).

The museum is open 9.30-5.30pm daily.

14. Walk around Brantwood House, John Ruskin’s former home

Brantwood is a historic house and centre for the arts right by Coniston Water (one of my favourite places for wild swimming). Brantwood was once the home of John Ruskin, who is known for being one of England’s greatest art critics.

Surrounded by acres of gardens and scenic views, the house can be visited at any time of year, as there are attractions both inside and out.

Enjoy a coffee in the cafe, walk around the gardens in the snow or read about the history of Brantwood in the house.

There’s even on-site accommodation if you’d like to stay in a Brantwood cottage!

You can book your stay or visit to Brantwood House here.

15. Go on a local adventure

There are so many adventures to be had in the Lake District, and although most of them are for the summer months, there are winter adventures to be had.

Check out my post: Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022) for the best adventures in the Lake District in 2022, and see which ones interest you the most!

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

16. Sip whiskey at the Lakes Distillery in Cockermouth

If you’re a fan of whiskey, the Lakes Distillery is a great addition to your Lake District winter bucket list.

Practising a holistic whisky making technique, you can enjoy the history behind the distillery, whilst trying different flavours at your own leisure.

With a huge collection of whisky, vodka and gin, there’s a drink for everyone (I mean, I’ll have all three).

You can book your distillery tour here.

17. Wander around the Armitt Library & Museum

The Armitt Library & Museum is a collection of books, records, photographs and artworks, all locally created or showing features of the Lake District.

Delve into the national park’s history, learn about the culture and traditions of the area, and learn more about the surrounding towns and villages.

It’s a great one for history buffs (and those who want to be sheltered from the rain).

You can find out more about the museum here.

18. Brace the cold and go for a wild swim

Eeeek. You might be wincing reading this one.

BUT, I’m not crazy when I say to go for a wild swim, I promise.

As long as it is safe to do so, there are some great wild swimming spots in the Lake District, even in winter.

However, there are a few rules when it comes to swimming in freezing cold water, and the Swimthelakes.com website is a great place to get clued up before you go jumping into any ice.

Want to go wild swimming in the Lake District? Check out my guide: Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots.

Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!

19. Get cosy in front of the fire and watch the stars

Even if your cottage doesn’t have a fire, there are cosy pubs and restaurants all over the Lake District with roaring fires, comfy seats and warm blankets to be enjoyed.

On a clear night, you can wrap up warm and sit outside to watch the stars.

Due to the low light pollution in the national park, you’ll be able to see the stars a lot clearer than other locations in the UK. It’s pretty special!

20. Take the Santa Express at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Visiting the lakes over Christmas?

The Santa Express is one of the most popular activities to do in the Lake District in winter, so make sure you pre-book (and get tickets way in advance! There’s actually a waiting list on their website…)

Enjoy a ride with Father Christmas and explore the Dalegarth grotto, right by England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.

Ride on the train for 14 miles, as you journey through the Western Lake District and enjoy the magic of Christmas and your surroundings.

21. Admire the snowy views

When we’re planning a trip, sometimes we’re always looking for the ‘next’ or ‘biggest’ things to do.

But what about just slowing down, and admiring some of the views?

Whether it’s snowing or not, the Lake District is simply beautiful. And when it is snowing, wow. It’s incredible, and it needs time to be admired slowly.

You don’t always need to be doing something, and just a simple stroll or sitting on a bench with a coffee and your woolly hat will do.

Take in the views, appreciate where you are and fall further in love with the Lake District.

22. Do some Christmas shopping in Ambleside

If you’ve read any of my other Lake District blogs, you’ll know how special I think Ambleside is.

Not just because it’s the best place to stay, but because of the amazing activities and…shops!

You could spend an entire morning or afternoon just browsing the shops in Ambleside, especially during winter when they’re decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Staying in Ambleside during the winter months? Check out the best things to do in Ambleside (even if it’s raining) here!

23. Try an indoor climbing wall

If the weather is really bad, and you just want to find shelter, a great activity to do is indoor rock climbing.

With bases in Keswick, Kendal and Ambleside, you can spend your day climbing different walls for fun or taking a short lesson.

A perfect winter activity in the Lake District (unless you’re terrified of heights, like me).

What to pack for the Lake District in winter

Everything you’d normally take on a hiking trip, plus:

Merino Wool Base Layers

If you’re packing for the Lake District in winter, I recommend buying some Merino wool layers. They might be expensive, but they’ll keep you warm even on extremely cold days.

When we visited Lapland in Finland, we wore our Merino wool layers in temperatures of -30 degrees Celcius and they were the only thing that would keep us warm!

Insulated gloves and hat

The temperature in the Lake District in winter can drop right down to -2°C, so make sure you keep your hands and head warm when hiking.

Fleece, hoody or oversized jumper

For cold nights around the fire! Just layer up if you’re visiting in the winter to make sure you keep warm.

It’s important to know that the Lake District is one of the wettest parts of the UK, so expect puddles and muddy terrains, especially in the autumn and winter months!

Plus, when it rains in the Lake District, it pours.

Don’t forget your rainjacket, umbrella and dry bag!

Check out my extensive Lake District packing list here.

Things to do in the Lake District in Winter: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! The best things to do in the Lake District in winter.

Of course, each time I visit the Lakes I will add more and more to the list, especially if I find something even better to do in winter.

But, if you’re considering visiting the lakes in winter and are still unsure, all I can say is; do it! If you’re ok with cold(ish) weather, are prepared to wrap up warm, and enjoy snow, the Lake District is an amazing location to visit in the UK.

As always, if you have a question about the Lake District in September (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

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