Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria

November in The Lake District marks the start of the festive season in Cumbria, with many of the county’s towns and villages embarking on the first signs of Christmas fairs, festivals, markets.

It’s also a time to get out into the dark nights, wrap up warm and take in one or two of Cumbria’s many bonfire and firework displays. Amongst the highlights are Walby Farm Park’s Bonfire Bonanza or the Roman Army Museum’s, Bonfire Light.  Meanwhile The Swan Hotel has a free to entire bonfire and firework display and the city of Carlisle is putting on a spectacular ‘Fireshow’ with fireworks set to music.

For the days when the weather is chilly and thoughts turn to warming hot chocolates, Sunday roasts Lake District style and cosy winter fires, it’s a great month to check out our many cafes, pubs and restaurants.  Right across Cumbria, there are venues for every taste and diet from restaurants that actively cater for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles to dog friendly venues, the perfect afternoon tea or a Michelin star fine dining experience to remember.  You could even tie this in with a spa day in Cumbria combined with lunch or afternoon tea at the same venue.

Families are equally well catered for cafes and restaurants that not only offer great food but activities and things to do with children while adults are dining.

For those who like to enjoy their food with a tasty local tipple, then check out Cumbria’s many breweries and distilleries, some of which have their own on-site eateries.

After all the great food and drink, there’s something rather delightful about burning it all off (or perhaps building up an appetite for the next feast) by taking on one of Cumbria’s easy walks in the Lakes such as Keswick to Threlkeld Railway or West Windermere Way. Our guide to mobility friendly routes is perfect for this and also gives ideas for nice walks in the Lake District and Cumbria that offer an adventure for all the family, no matter their physical abilities. Don’t forget to also keep an eye on November’s Dark Skies Festival, which runs until 24th November and includes a host of activities from night swimming or canoeing to yoga, forest walks and special attraction tours.

Staying the weekend or looking for ideas for a mid-week escape? Take a look at our accommodation pages for ideas for romantic hotels, Michelin star hotels, Lake District family holidays, luxury Lake District accommodation with hot tubs or luxury glamping pods and if you’re dreaming of a magical winter staycation or Christmas getaway, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to stay.