Blog

October is a splendid time in the Lake District. It is when Autumn really takes hold and we are treated to a last colourful display from the national park’s forests before winter sets in. The end of October coincides with school half term holidays, and this year we expect many families will want to take a staycation in the UK, so if you are planning a trip around this time, it’s best to book accommodation as soon as possible.

Okay, so when it comes to pub quizzes, as a reader of this website you probably know a fair thing or two about the Lake District. You consider yourself well-versed in all the usual Lake District facts, such as the fact that it only has one official “Lake” or that it is home to the World’s Biggest Liar competition. But how many of these, more unusual, slightly wacky, facts did you know?

September bids farewell to the long and often hot summer that we have experienced in the Lake District, with cooler temperatures marking the change in season. Towards the end of the month, nature prepares for one more colourful and dazzling display before winter, with shades of red, gold, and orange taking over the forests. It is typically a somewhat quieter time to visit the Lake District after the summer crowds, but with this year’s Coronavirus pandemic bringing uncertainty to foreign travel, it is possible that many September holiday-makers will opt for a “staycation” bringing more visitors into the area than usual.

Here in the Lake District it has been wonderful to see so many visitors return to the National Park after a difficult few months. With restrictions still in place relating to international travel, many people are opting for a “Staycation” and are taking holidays here in the UK, including in the Lake District. Campsites and self-catered accommodation in particular are seeing a bit of a boom, with many sites fully booked for the next couple of months.

It’s been a while since we last produced a What’s On guide for the Lake District and the last few months have certainly been difficult for so many people and organisations in so many different ways. Whilst it’s fair to say that we haven’t returned to normality here in Cumbria, the hospitality sector across the Lake District has once more opened its doors to visitors and we’re certainly happy to see everyone back and enjoying this rich landscape once more.

We know that so many of you were disappointed to cancel your Lake District break this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Equally, many Lake District business owners and staff were devastated to see the effect this has had on the area’s economy. As one of the UK’s top tourist destinations, the area relies heavily on spending from tourists in independent, family owned businesses, and for many, the future is looking uncertain.

Conquer Scafell Pike, visit the Pencil Museum, or relax on the shore of Ullswater, all from the comfort of your own home with the arrival of a Lake District themed Monopoly game. Lockdown has been hard on all of you Lakes lovers out there, but perhaps this revival of the much-loved family board game will bring some solace. The Lakes Monopoly Game sees the removal of the traditional London landmarks in favour of iconic spots in the Lake District, including Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, Ravenglass Station, and Windermere.

It’s a strange time here in the Lake District. We have had crystal clear blue skies, the Easter holidays, and the arrival of the spring flowers, including the beautiful bluebells that crop up all over our woodlands. Normally at this time of year we would be welcoming thousands of tourists into our hotels, cottages, and campsites and we had a whole raft of wonderful events planned to coincide with the tourist season. Sadly, the 2020 tourist season is looking decidedly different to those that have come before it, thanks to Covid-19.

Originally, the Lake District was brimming with events for April as it brings Easter and normally the school holidays, but most of these have now been cancelled or postponed as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

After what felt like an eternal January and February, we are well and truly ready for the arrival of Spring this month. Already the signs can be spotted in the fells and woodlands, with the cheerful yellow daffodils spreading across the land.