Cumbria UK Travel Guide
The Lake District is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities amidst its stunning natural landscape.
Available for hire or guided tours on most major lakes, including Windermere, Derwentwater, Coniston, and Ullswater.
Sailing clubs and schools operate on several lakes. Motorboat hire on Windermere (speed limits apply) and Coniston Water.
Wild swimming in many lakes and tarns (water is cold, precautionary steps). Gorge Scrambling/Canyoning escorted experiences in various ghylls.
Outdoor activities, especially in the fells, require preparation plus awareness. Weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts, wear appropriate gear, carry a map and compass, and inform someone of your route.
Beyond the natural beauty, the Lake District has opportunities to immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage.
Professional theatrical performances, including drama, music, and comedy, often drawing on local themes.
Hosts a diverse program of live music, comedy, and dance events.
Traditional Lakeland sports, including wrestling, fell running, and hound trailing, an unique cultural spectacle.
Support local locally-owned businesses, craftspeople, and food producers. Stay in locally owned B&Bs or guesthouses. This supports the local economy.
As an English-speaking destination, the Lake District is not a principal destination for language learning other than English. Interactions with locals have distinct Cumbrian accents and local dialect.
Kendal Mountain Festival (November) a premier outdoor and adventure film festival. Wordsworth Grasmere's Annual Events Program (literary talks, workshops). Various food festivals.
The tranquil landscapes of the Lake District an excellent backdrop for relaxation and health and wellness activities, rejuvenating mind and body.
Pubs in larger communities like Keswick, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere often host live folk music, local bands, or in operation mic nights. Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal contains a range of live music.
Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is the main professional theater. Smaller community halls or arts centers host amateur dramatics or touring performances.
Nightlife focusing on nightclubs and dancing is quite scarce. Bowness-on-Windermere contains a couple of late-night bars with DJs or dancing, but the region mainly for relaxed evenings.
Towns like Keswick, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere have a good concentration of traditional pubs for casual pub crawls.
Late-night entertainment mainly limited to pubs (closing around 11 AT night to midnight) and some hotel bars. Stargazing a natural 'late-night' movement in clear skies.
Combine wellness with outdoor activities; a hike coming after a spa treatment or a quiet evening at a local pub.
The Lake District has opportunities for unique shopping experiences, ranging from traditional markets to artisan workshops.
Prioritize purchasing from local locally-owned businesses and artisans. Look for 'Created in Cumbria' or 'Produced in the Lake District' labels to support the local economy.
Check with individual retailers about international shipping options. For non-EU visitors, VAT refunds may be available on eligible goods. Inquire at participating stores for 'Tax-Free Shopping' forms.
Avoid mass-produced, generic souvenirs. Seek out unique, locally made items for a more local keepsake.
Plan to visit markets on specific days to experience their full range of offerings. Engage with area merchants to learn about their products and crafts. Remember to check baggage allowances for any larger purchases.
