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Written by: Janie
Whether it’s enjoying festive food traditions, getting cosy in a snug café or pub, or taking pleasure in a hearty meal filled with local produce – sharing good food is a brilliant way to spend quality time with friends and family this festive season.
Take a break from the busyness of life and recharge by putting quality food and drink experiences at the centre of your days out this winter. Read on for our ideas on foodie things to do with friends and family – it’s time to embrace the comfort of great food and shared experiences in Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast.
Jump to:
- Visit the Taste Cumbria Christmas Food & Drink Festival
- Savour a Festive Castle Afternoon Tea at Muncaster
- Recharge at the Sunset Café on Silecroft Beach
- Enjoy Endless Family Fun at Walby Farm Park
- Explore Cafés in Bustling Carlisle
- Get Cosy in a Traditional Cumbrian Pub
Visit the Taste Cumbria Christmas Food & Drink Festival
Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth
Taste Cumbria is an annual series of food and drink festivals that celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing the best of Cumbrian food, including everything from cheeses, meats, and baked goods to craft beers, ciders, and artisan chocolates.
Don’t miss the Christmas edition of this popular food and drink festival, taking place in Cockermouth on the weekend of 7 & 8 December. Get into the festive spirit and treat yourself to some quality sweet and savoury treats. You’ll also be able to shop for seasonal specials, gifts and homeware.
It promises to be an entertaining day with loads to take in, including producers’ stalls on Main Street, the Market Place hot food court, live music, an outdoor picnic area, cookery demonstrations, fairground rides and children’s activities. Don't forget to check out the array of independent food shops, cafés and restaurants around Cockermouth as well (including the brand-new Cumbrian Baker café on Station Street).
Savour a Festive Castle Afternoon Tea at Muncaster
Muncaster Castle
A historic gem with stunning views of the surrounding fells, Muncaster Castle is home to beautiful gardens, a fascinating collection of art and antiques, and a lively programme of annual festivals and events.
Experience some Christmas magic this December with a festive afternoon tea hosted in the enchanting Drawing Room. Indulge in a selection of festive delights created by Muncaster's Head Chef and featuring seasonal flavours and traditional favourites. Sip on hot tea, enjoy delicious treats, and take pleasure in some quality time with friends and family in a cosy and elegant setting amidst the historic charm of Muncaster.
There is much more on offer at Muncaster for Christmas – wander through the wintery gardens, follow the fun Christmas trail, visit the Christmas market in The Stable Yard, soak up the festive atmosphere inside the castle and even discover the Winter Wonderland maze and meet Father Christmas!
Recharge at the Sunset Café on Silecroft Beach
Sunset Café on Silecroft Beach
With views across the Irish Sea and a design inspired by the region’s traditional whitewashed seaside cottages, Sunset Café on Silecroft Beach offers an amazing setting to relax and tuck into some great food.
After a stroll along the beach taking in the views south to the Isle of Man and north to Black Combe Fell, take a seat at this special venue, designed by award-winning Scottish Architects Konishi Gaffney. Outside you’ll find two sheltered courtyards and external shutters with a pattern motif designed in collaboration with Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Boyce. Inside you’ll find an exposed timber roof made from Douglas fir.
The delicious menu includes many ingredients fresh from local suppliers like the Woodhall family butchers, Lakeland Mues Muesli, and Claire's Handmade Preserves. Furthermore, their spectacular cake selection includes delights such as sticky gingerbread buns, Winter spiced fruit cake and Black Forest torte.
Enjoy Endless Family Fun at Walby Farm Park
Walby Farm Park
Navigate tunnels, slides, ball pools and net crossings in one of Cumbria’s largest indoor adventure play areas at Walby Farm Park near Carlisle. When the weather outside is less than ideal, get ready for endless indoor fun. Adults can join in too or relax nearby in ample indoor seating, then grab a snack from the conveniently located Piglets Pantry found within the play barn.
The larger Cowshed Café has all the facilities one would expect to make it super family friendly, including baby food, microwave warming facilities and space for pushchairs. Treat yourself to delicious home-made cakes or a morning breakfast roll and coffee – all available seven days a week. And if the sun does shine, then take a seat outside on the decking to soak up some warm winter rays.
With animal experiences, outdoor play and special events as well, there are many more fun things to do at Walby Farm Park.
Explore Cafés in Bustling Carlisle
Cakes & Ale, Carlisle
Take a well-earned break from a busy Christmas shopping day with a hot cuppa and tasty treats at one of these charming venues in the centre of Carlisle.
Coffee lovers should definitely head to John Watt And Son – an independent coffee roasters established in 1865 and founded upon closely guarded recipes that have been handed down over the past 150 years. Expect quality with fresh and delicious coffee.
A recently expanded family business that offers homemade, sell out cakes like Malteser cornflake rocky roads or Battenberg stuffed cookies, I Love Café is another very popular café destination in the centre of Carlisle. To complete your café hopping itinerary, try the super cosy Cakes and Ale, found alongside an excellent independent bookshop. Expect local ales, a delicious menu (with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options) and of course classic brews and blends. This charming spot also hosts book clubs, poetry nights and open mic sessions.
Get Cosy in a Traditional Cumbrian Pub
The Howard Arms, Brampton
The history of traditional pubs and inns in Cumbria dates back centuries, reflecting the region's role as both a popular travel destination and a crossroads for trade and commerce. Inns originally served as essential stopping points for travellers, and then later for tourists exploring the area's natural beauty.
Today, traditional pubs across the region offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere – often nestled in picturesque villages or hidden away in stunning rural spots. With real ales, hearty meals, and snug interiors, they provide a perfect retreat for walkers and locals alike, allowing you to not only enjoy a tasty meal, but absorb the heritage and history of the region as well.
Why not warm yourself by the fire at The Howard Arms in Brampton, The Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater or The Woolpack Inn in the Eskdale Valley – and tuck into dishes such as slow-roasted Cumbrian lamb, Cumberland sausage or local Herdwick mutton chilli.
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The Cumberland Food & Drink Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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