Snow-capped fells, miles of crystalline lakes and tarns and beautiful higgledy-piggledy houses dotted in amongst glistening frosty landscapes can only mean one thing: tis the season for festive fun in the Lake District. Whether you wander for miles through a winter wonderland, or cosy up in a local pub with some hearty grub and mulled wine, Cumbria has so much to offer this season.
Keswick
Keswick is one of the most popular towns in the Lake District. Nestled alongside Derwent Water and at the foot of the impressive Skiddaw range, Keswick is home to a variety of outdoor enthusiast shops, a plethora of cosy pubs and cafés, comfy clothes and hygge homewares, sweet treats, board games and book shops for at-home entertainment.
The town centre is a sight to see during the festive period. Glittering lights hang from every store front, the window displays are dazzling, and the famous climber on Moot Hall is lit up for all to see. You’re guaranteed to find something for everyone on your Christmas list, especially with the local markets on every Saturday.
Stay at YHA Keswick and discover all that this beautiful lakeside town has to offer.
Grasmere
This tiny chocolate box village is popular with ramblers and day-trippers alike. With plenty of walking routes on offer it’s a hiker’s paradise, and it was also home to William Wordsworth, the famous English romantic poet. He often wrote of his home, and of the beautiful fells, dales, becks and lakes that studded the landscape.
You can visit his cottage to see how he lived, take a trip to the grammar school he attended, or take a walk around the village to see the sights that inspired his poetry. Grasmere is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, with its closely guarded recipe still being kept a secret to this day. Why not pop in and stock up for winter, or choose a few gifts for family and friends from the seasonal selection?
YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe is the perfect place to rest after a day exploring the village.
Windermere
This popular Lake District destination is the first stop on many people’s itineraries when they visit the Lake District. The Victorian influence can be seen in the stunning local architecture, and there are plenty of walking trails around to keep even the most avid hiker busy exploring the surrounding fells.
If exploration is your thing, there are plenty of local guides, water sport activity centres, and instructors to show you the ropes when it comes to your chosen outdoor adventure. Discover the world of the much-loved author Beatrix Potter, visit her beautiful home to soak up the views that inspired the beloved children’s books, or take a ride on the steam train to admire your surroundings in comfort and style.
Stay at YHA Windermere this festive season to start your winter adventure.
Ambleside
Full of twinkling lights, toasty mulled wine and the scent of coal fires burning in the air, Ambleside is sure to have you feeling holly jolly this season. You can visit the ginormous Christmas tree in the centre of town, admire the lights and decorations down every winding street, or stop off to do some of your last-minute gift shopping in the fantastic variety of shops on offer.
Surrounded by plenty of snow-topped fells, frosty forests and waterfall trails, there’s also the opportunity for a restorative hike followed by an evening warming up in one of the many cosy local pubs and restaurants.
Make the most of your visit by cosying up at YHA Ambleside after soaking up the festive ambience.
Hawkshead
This ancient town full of beautiful stone cottages, archways and courtyards looks as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale. No cars are allowed to drive down these beautiful, cobbled streets, so it’s the perfect place to stroll as you relax and unwind before the mayhem of the festive season. Like many of the other surrounding towns and villages, Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth play a huge role in the history of this storybook village.
Beatrix Potter visited many a time in the summer, and Wordsworth attended the village Grammar school as a young man. The surrounding countryside offers lots of scenic walks, and there are plenty of pubs for you to warm up by the hearth afterwards.
Stay at YHA Hawkshead to rest up after a day of exploring on foot.
If you’re needing a Twixmas break to recharge between the festivities, why not book one of our Exclusive Hire properties this season? Take the whole place for yourself, or bring friends and family along to experience miles of snow-covered lanscapes and enjoy a relaxing festive retreat. You could spend the whole time tucked away in a countryside bolthole surrounded by beautiful Lakeland fells playing board games, reading books, and cooking collaboratively in our fabulous self-catering kitchens, or you could plan some beautiful walks to soak up the scenery without the summer crowds.
Photo credit: Adobe stock – _Danoz / Simon Edge / Kevin Eaves / Sgowla / drhfoto
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