It’s not long to go until Santa leaves the North Pole and makes his journey around the world delivering presents to all the good girls and boys. If you haven’t finalised your plans for Christmas this year then why not consider coming to the Lake District? Leave all the family drama and housework behind and enjoy a relaxing break in one of our luxury hotels or cosy cottages.
Book yourself onto a Christmas dinner and all the hard work is done. All you need to do is sit back, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, and open those presents. If that’s not enough to tempt you, here are some more reasons why you should spend Christmas in the Lake District this year.
1. We Have Winter Wonderland Scenery
Derwent Water & a snow covered Cat Bells
A white Christmas isn’t guaranteed, of course, but there is a very good chance that there will at least be some snow on the tops of the fells, creating the perfect backdrop to record those Christmas memories on film. Even if it doesn’t snow, we have already had the first frost of the season and when it gets particularly cold the frost can coat the entire landscape in shimmering ice crystals, creating a vista that is not to be missed.
2. Our Food Is Exquisite
Forget the presents, Christmas is all about the food and, here in the Lake District, we have a fabulous food heritage. Now home to five Michelin stars, the national park is brimming with award winning restaurants that will be serving up delicious meals over the winter months. If fine dining is not your thing, then check out one of our fabulous inns, where locally sourced produce is used to create wholesome homemade dishes just like your gran would make.
3. You Can Enjoy a Sumptuous Spa Experience Over the Winter Break
Lodore Falls in Borrowdale just opened state-of-the-art spa facilities
A good number of our luxury hotels have on-site spa facilities. This year, instead of the stress of hosting a dozen family members for Christmas, why not take time out for yourself and your loved ones and treat yourselves to a break in a Spa Hotel. You can relax in a hot-tub with a glass of fizz, whilst someone else does all the hard work in the kitchen.
See also: Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Lake District
4. We Have the Best Places to Walk Off That Christmas Dinner
A snowy Helvellyn
After the indulgence of Christmas Day, you can walk off some of those calories on Boxing Day by following some of our delightful trails. Whether you want something simple, like a flat, accessible path around the beautiful Tarn Hows, or something a little more daring for the experienced mountaineers like a scramble along Striding Edge to Helvellyn, we have it all.
5. Our Cosy Inns Offer a Welcome Respite from the Cold
Wateredge Inn in Windermere (chrisd2105 / Bigstockphoto.com)
The Lake District has been welcoming travellers for centuries and there are an abundance of ancient inns in the area. Many serve locally brewed real ale and have roaring log fires that will warm the soul. Most serve up food and some will be hosting live music and Christmas quiz nights during the festive season.
6. Our Theatres are Joining in with the Festivities
Theatre by the Lake (Phil Davies / Wikipedia.org)
The Lake District has a thriving performing arts culture and during the festive week many of the theatres in the area will have live shows with a festive theme, including Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, Carlisle’s Sands Centre, Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, and Bowness-On-Windermere’s Old Laundry Theatre. A lot of the shows on offer are family friendly performances that everyone can enjoy.
7. We Are Brimming with Shops for Those Last Minute Gifts
Bryson's Tea Room in Keswick (chrisd2105 / Bigstockphoto.com)
If you haven’t quite managed to get all the Christmas shopping done before the big day, then don’t despair. Our towns are packed with a fabulous array of shops where you are sure to find the perfect gift. The high streets of Ambleside, Keswick, Cockermouth, and Windermere are brimming with independent shops selling locally crafted goods for something a little bit different, whilst Penrith, Carlisle, and Kendal all host some of the major high street brands.