Plan Ahead for 2024 in the Lake District, Cumbria

Are you looking for your next adventure? The Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to visit this year. From our world-famous landscapes to our stunning coastline; our towns and villages to our city of Carlisle, there really is something for everyone here.

Top tip: our 2024 Holiday Guide is packed with great ideas and inspiration - you can view it online, or order a free copy to be sent straight to your door.

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What can I do in the Lake District, Cumbria?

Family friendly

If you’re planning a family getaway in the Lake District, Cumbria, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to stay and what to do. The abundance of family friendly attractions and activities means there’s something for all ages to enjoy – from wildlife parks to museums; accessible walks to cycle trails.

Outdoor Activities

Get outdoors and immerse yourself in our natural landscapes. There’s more than enough for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy here, no matter your level of experience! Hike up Wainwrights or enjoy low level walks; cycle along bike trails; take part in a treetop adventure; enjoy watersports; and so, so much more.

Arts & Culture

This is an area with a rich artistic and cultural heritage, providing inspiration to numerous poets, writers and artists throughout the years. Their legacy lives on in museums and country houses across the region – you can discover the places that inspired Beatrix Potter’s iconic characters, visit Wordsworth’s homes, learn about John Ruskin, and more.

Then there are our galleries and outdoor art exhibitions, displaying modern and classic art. Enjoy an evening at the theatre, some live music, or catch a film at an independent cinema.

Food & Drink

The Lake District, Cumbria, is fast becoming a foodie destination – we’ve got 13 Michelin stars plus plenty of cosy country pubs, fantastic cafes, and a whole host of places to discover our local produce. Sample specialities like sticky toffee pudding and  Grasmere gingerbread; and taste locally brewed beers and spirits. Check out our 2023 Food & Drink Guide for more inspiration.

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Where is the best area to visit?

Our entire county is packed with charm and character, not to mention our fantastic attractions; world class food and drink; amazing places to stay; and stunning landscapes.

The Lake District

The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mountains, lakes and landscapes. There’s hiking to enjoy, indoor attractions to visit, and so much more besides. Explore the Lake District, Cumbria, here.

Carlisle & Hadrian's Wall

There is so much to explore in Cumbria. Just outside the National Park, why not try a city break in Carlisle – Cumbria’s only city, where you can explore the 900+ year old Carlisle Castle; or enjoy the vibrant cafes and bars. Walk in the footsteps on the Romans with a visit to nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall. Discover it all here.

The Eden Valley & North Pennines

The Eden Valley is Cumbria’s hidden gem. If peace and tranquillity are what you’re looking for, then this is the perfect place to be. Admire beautiful Ullswater with a walk around the lake; marvel at cascading waterfalls like Aira Force; or enjoy ancient castles and stately homes. Explore the Eden Valley here.

Western Lakes & Coast

Did you know that as well as lakes and mountains, we are also home to miles upon miles of coastline, dotted with hidden beaches and seaside towns and villages? The Western Lake District is not only beautiful but also secluded – allowing you to fully unwind on your holiday. Find out more about the Western Lakes & Coast here.

Morecambe Bay

Morecambe Bay in South Cumbria is a mix of quaint seaside towns, ocean views against the backdrop of Lake District peaks; and an abundance of wildlife and nature reserves. There's even a National Landscape - the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape. Discover Morecambe Bay here.

Where The Lakes meets The Dales

Rolling green hills, traditional market towns and villages, and ancient myth and legend. Part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park lies in Cumbria, and it’s truly a place of beauty. Check it out here.

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What's on in the Lake District in 2024?

Whatever time of year you’re visiting the Lake District, Cumbria, there is always plenty to do. Every season has festivals, theatre, exhibitions and events – making the Lake District, Cumbria, the perfect place to be all year round. Keep an eye on our What’s On page to see what’s on this year.

Spring sees country shows, easter celebrations and spring fairs across the county. In Summer, discover farmer’s markets, music festivals, agricultural shows and plenty more. Autumn sees Halloween events,  harvest celebrations and food and drink festivals. In Winter, celebrate the festive season with Christmas fairs, lights switch on events, panto and more.

Throughout the year, you can visit food and drink festivals; take part in sporting and endurance events; discover a rich programme of arts, culture and theatre; and so much more. Here’s just a taste of what’s on in 2024:

• The Light District: Crown and Coronation | 15 - 17 February | See landmarks in Carlisle light up at this spectacular sound & light show
• Cartmel Races | Various weekends between 25 May - 26 August | A popular event in the village of Cartmel, with racing, local stalls, food and drink, and a fairground.
• Country Fest | 1 & 2 June | A family-friendly celebration of rural life 
• Taste Cumbria Food Festivals | Various dates throughout the year | A celebration of food and drink in Cumbria, with markets, family fun, and more.
• Lake District Summer Music Festival | July - August | A celebration of classical music held across the county
• Westmorland County Show | 11 & 12 September | A popular agricultural show, with fun for all the family
• Dark Skies Festival | November 2024, dates TBC | A celebration of the stars and galaxies above.

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What to do on the water?

We are known for our lakes, but did you know we technically only have one?! Bassenthwaite in the north Lakes is our only official lake, with the rest being meres, waters and tarns – including Windermere, Ullswater and Grasmere.

Lake or not, there is plenty to do on the water in the Lake District, Cumbria. You can hire your own boat or take a scheduled cruise in a vintage vessel. Why not try your hand at paddleboarding? It takes a few goes, but you soon get the hang of it! You can even take the plunge and invigorate your senses with a spot of wild swimming.

If you are heading for the water, remember to be safe and ask yourself the three #AdventureSmart questions:

• Do I have the right gear?
• Do I know what the weather will be like?
• Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

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How do I get to the Lake District?

There are fantastic transport connections to Cumbria from all areas of the UK.

You can easily reach us by train, with services from major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. From London, it’s less than three hours by train! Direct trains are available to stations like Oxenholme for the south Lakes; and Carlisle for the north.

If you are driving, we are just off the M6. Take Junction 36 for the Central Lakes, Morecambe Bay and the Yorkshire Dales; Junction 40 for the West Coast and Eden Valley; and Junction 42 for Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall.

You can find lots more information about getting to the Lake District, Cumbria, here.

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Getting around the Lake District, Cumbria

Travelling around the Lake District, Cumbria, couldn't be easier - with plenty of different ways to get around.

Bus services and local tour operators connect a number of destinations across the region, with the journey often being part of the experience! Sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the driving as you admire the views from your window.

You can even travel by boat, with cruises on Windermere, Derwentwater, Coniston and Ullswater.

Prefer to travel on two wheels? Getting around by bike is easy, with some stunning routes and views along the way. Bike hire is available at a number of destinations, with electric bikes as well as traditional road and mountain bikes.

This is the perfect place to be for a walking holiday and traveling by foot couldn’t be easier. Pick your base, and explore walking routes around your area.

Visiting in your motorhome? Check out our Van Life page for plenty of useful tips and inspiration.