Winter Breaks in the Lake District : 10 Must-do Activities
There is no denying that winter in the Lake District can be a magical time. The crisp ground under your feet, the breathtaking views and the fantastic food make it the perfect destination for the perfect winter break.
Let’s take a look at some of the must-do activities you will want to have on your list during the day. Of course, in the evening you will want to make sure you have booked into one of the many wonderful hotels you will find in the area like Inn on the Square, where you will be able to warm up in front of a roaring fire.
1.Take in the scenery on a walk
No trip to the Lake District is complete without at least one walk, but don’t forget to pack sturdy walking boots, plenty of warm layers and a flask. With plenty of stunning walks all across the Lake District, you will be spoilt for choice. Plus, when you get back to your starting point you have the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a nice big mug of hot chocolate.
2.Lake Cruise
The weather might be chilly, but a Lake Cruise is a fantastic way to see those beautiful views and take some instagrammable photos. The bonus is the boats won’t be nearly as busy as they are in the summer.
3.Enjoy local food
There is no shortage of incredible cafes, bistros and restaurants in the Lake District, so do make sure that you include plenty of these on your trip. From Cumberland Sausages to Borrowdale Tea bread, with some Kendal Crumbly cheese on the side, there are plenty of locally produced specialities to try.
4.Explore the shops
You might not find many of the bigger high street stores in the Lake District, but this is more than made up for with a range of diverse independent stores. Window shopping is a great winter activity, and you may even find some special gifts for Christmas.
5.Discover Wordsworth
Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Grasmere are something that shouldn’t be missed during your stay in the Lake District. Learn all about the poet who will forever be linked to the region through his poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”.
6.Put yourself in Beatrix Potter’s shoes
Children, and adults alike, love seeing where Beatrix Potter got the inspiration for so many of her wonderful stories making a trip to Hillo Top an absolute must during your winter break in the Lake District.
7.The Lakeland Motor Museum
Head over to Ulverston to visit the Lakeland Motor Museum. With over 30,000 exhibits including scooters, motorcars, motorcycles and even bicycles the museum is also home to replicas of Campbell’s Bluebird. Combined tickets are available for the museum and Windemere Lake Cruises.
8.The Chocolate Factory
Hawkshead is the place to visit if you love chocolate. The Chocolate Factory is popular with adults and children. The chocolate masterclasses offer the opportunity to learn how to make 3 different chocolate creations, and no trip is complete without a trip to the shop to stock up on even more chocolate.
9.Lakes Distillery
Cockermouth is home to an award-winning distillery, which is located close to the stunning Bassenthwaite Lake. The distillery offers a range of tours from whisky tastings to meeting their alpacas. This is a great adults-only day out and there is an on-site bistro as well to complete your trip.
10.Relax in front of a fire
On really cold days when you don’t feel like venturing outside, why not grab your favourite book, relax in an armchair at your hotel in front of a roaring fire and just relax.
