to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Written by: Janie
Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Thinking of new ways to treat your friends and family? Check out our guide below for food & drink gift ideas from across Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast.
From dining vouchers that can be used at your leisure to create a great day out to tasty produce made by passionate local producers – there are some brilliant ideas below to help you with your Christmas shopping.
Jump to:
- Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa
- Wild and Fruitful
- Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
- Lakes Distillery
- Shill's of Cockermouth
- Cumbrian Baker
Afternoon Tea Voucher for Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa
An elegant country house brimming with style and hospitality of a bygone era, Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is situated in 400 acres of deer park and woodland, offering a spectacular venue in a private haven of peace and tranquillity.
Relax by the calming waters of Bassenthwaite Lake while you gaze upon the dramatic views of Skiddaw Mountain. As one of the original stately homes of England and a wonderful luxury Spa hotel in the Lake District, it is a beautiful place to slow down and spend time with friends or family.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Purchase an afternoon tea to be enjoyed whenever you choose. Savour an elegant dining experience against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District fells, or unwind by a cosy log fire, complete with a delicious selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and much more – it’s the perfect way to take in the finery of Armathwaite.
Gift Packs from Wild and Fruitful
Creating amazing tastes from local produce for over 20 years, Wild and Fruitful has built strong relationships with many Cumbrian growers. They reduce food miles by using fresh local country produce, like in season fruit and vegetables from the walled garden on the Lingholm Estate near Keswick.
Their extensive product range now includes chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made using traditional methods with 100% natural ingredients. Everything is made in small batches, using carefully crafted recipes to bring out the taste of the delicious country produce used.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Gift packs from their online shop will make a great present for the foodie in your life. The Christmas gift pack contains cranberry sauce, Christmas cheeseboard chutney and Christmas pudding jam. The Spirit of the Lakes gift pack contains Cumbrian damson & gin Jam, Keswick Ale chutney and gooseberry & elderflower gin jam.
First Class Breakfast Experience for 2 on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
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Famous for its classic Victorian-style steam engines, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway provides an unforgettable journey from the delightful village of Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast to the foot of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, covering a scenic route of about 7 miles through the beautiful Eskdale Valley.
The railway opened in 1875 to serve the local community, transporting goods, especially slate, from the quarries in Eskdale to the port at Ravenglass. Today tourists are drawn to this charming heritage attraction in a stunning corner of the county.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Purchase this unique experience for someone special this Christmas and take pleasure in not only a beautiful railway journey but also a tasty full English breakfast in the Turntable Café – completing a perfect day out. You will travel in style too, with a seat in one of the Pullman Observation Carriages.
Lakes Distillery
An award-winning producer of premium gin, vodka, and whisky, the Lakes Distillery is housed in a renovated 1850s Victorian farmhouse in a scenic spot on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. Proud of their Lake District location, this also influences the flavour of their products, with the fresh water from the nearby River Derwent being used in production.
Stop by for their tour and tasting experience – a one hour visit which includes a guided tour of the distillery with one of their expert tour guides, followed by a tutored tasting of their single malt whisky, classic gin, and vodka.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Check out their online shop to purchase their festive favourites for gifting this Christmas. Indulge with their beautifully presented gin or whisky crackers; or treat someone to one of their classic gins or whiskies. Then, why not experiment with their festive cocktail ideas.
Hampers from Shill’s of Cockermouth
Committed to providing exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere, Shill’s of Cockermouth is a beloved part of Cockermouth’s cultural tapestry. A popular establishment full of energy and passion, it’s more than just a culinary destination; it’s a hub for the local community and a gathering place for friends and families too.
The ground-floor delicatessen is a treasure trove of locally sourced Cumbrian delicacies. Upstairs you’ll find a cosy café and restaurant, where gastronomy meets hospitality in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
So, whether you are looking to enjoy a leisurely meal or explore the lovely deli, you’re not just a customer but part of the extended Shill’s family.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Visit their online shop for an excellent selection of gift hampers. Their Taste of Cumbria Hamper contains a fantastic selection of local Cumbrian products, including many award-winning items. Enjoy Lakeland Mues Muesli, Wild & Fruitful Chutney, FellBar Flapjack and many more!
Treat boxes from Cumbrian Baker
Baking maestro and local lass Sharon is the mastermind behind the success of the community bakery, Cumbrian Baker – find their takeaway unit and new café in Cockermouth.
From humble beginnings on a kitchen table to a thriving, award-winning business, Cumbrian Baker has blossomed into a warm haven of irresistible goodies that reflect the vibrant spirit of the business and the local community.
Every creation carries a touch of authenticity and a sprinkle of Cumbrian warmth thanks to their skilful team and careful selection of local and top-notch ingredients like proper butter and high-quality chocolate.
Christmas Gift Recommendation:
Visit their online shop and choose from a variety of deliciously decadent treat boxes – perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Take your pick from their 6-bake treat boxes or build your very own custom box allowing you to handpick your tasty treats. Don’t forget to add a gift message.
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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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