What’s on in the Lake District: August 2018

August Fun at Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

Muncaster Castle has a few events taking place this August with something that will appeal to everyone. On the 5th August, the travelling theatre company, the Three Inch Fools will be performing an open air production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the castle’s lawn, with a BBQ and bar available before the performance. Tickets include entry to the castle’s gardens for the day, with the production starting at 6pm.

On the 10th & 11th of August, Picnic Cinema are bringing their open air film screenings to the castle, with the Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert showing on the 10th, and the Big Lebowski showing on the 11th. There will be additional entertainment before the screenings and camping pitches will be available.

On the 25th of August, the castle will see the return of the annual Race the Tide adventure race, with competitors taking on mud and other obstacles as the tide rises in the river Esk. After the race, there is a hot supper and a ceilidh.

Finally, Medieval Muncaster is a festival that takes place over the bank holiday weekend, with the Red Wyvern re-enactment society recreating the 15th century in the castle grounds. There will be a knight school, a siege re-enactment, archery, and an alchemist.

• Date: Various dates in August
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Tickets for Shakespeare on the Lawn, Picnic Cinema and Race the Tide are charged separately; Standard admission applies for Medieval Muncaster
• Tickets / More Information: www.muncaster.co.uk

Summer Holiday Fun Aboard The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

This August, there are several events and activities at the Ravenglass & Eskdale narrow gauge railway. Every Tuesday throughout August, for just £5 you can drive Katie, an engine that has recently been refurbished and returned to service, for a short period. What’s more, if your name is Katie you can drive it for free! You must book your timeslot at the Ravenglass station.

On Fridays during the school summer holidays, kids ride for free with an accompanying adult. On the 2nd and 30th August, you can take a train from Ravenglass to Eskdale Green and then for an additional £5 join a Lake District Park Ranger on a guided walk back to Ravenglass over Muncaster Fell. On the 11th August, the station café at Ravenglass will be taken over by a craft fair selling goods from local arts and crafts designers.

• Date: Trains run daily throughout August (see website for dates of special events)
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More Information: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events

Themed Events Aboard The Ullswater Steamers, Ullswater

This August, kids ride for free every Friday when accompanied by a fare paying adult. In addition, there are several themed events taking place this month. On the 8th of August, passengers can enjoy an evening cruise with commentary from a national park ranger on the topic of history and heritage, with a complimentary drink onboard.

On the 15th of August, the commentary for the evening cruise will be on the topic of wildlife. On the 22nd of August, the evening cruise will be taken over by pirates who will sing sea shanties as you dine on a fish supper. On the 23rd of August, there are two pirate themed cruises better suited for children, with water pistols on board, face-painting, temporary tattoos, and chocolate coins.

• Date: Steamers run daily, check the website for dates of special events
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Evening commentary cruises £13 per adult, £6.50 per child; Pirate Supper cruise £20 per adult, £16 per child. Pirate cruise £13.50 per passenger; Other fares vary according to route taken
• Tickets / More Information: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Summer Holiday Events At Lowther Castle, Nr Penrith

Lowther Castle has a number of fun, family friendly events taking place this August. The ruined castle, complete with vast grounds that include an adventure playground, is a great day out for the whole family. This August, there will be a Bug Chase, a trail that will take you around the gardens looking for signs of insect activity, available every day and included in the admission price. On the 3rd of August at 7pm, the castle grounds will be hosting an outdoor theatre performance of Doctor Doolittle, with proceeds going to local charity, the Calvert Trust. Weather appropriate clothing will be required and tickets must be booked separately from Illyria.co.uk.

On the 4th and 5th of August, the former courtyard of the castle will host a Crafty Vintage weekend with stalls selling various crafted goods. Also on the 4th of August in the evening, there will be a Picnic Cinema screening cult film Sightseers. Finally, on the 18th and 19th of August, the Vikings are taking over the castle with weaponry displays, combat demonstrations, crafts, cooking, and workshops especially for Viking children.

• Date: Lowther Castle is open daily throughout August; Event dates vary
• Time: 10am-5pm
• Cost: General Admission Adults £9, Children 3-15 Years £7, Children Under 3 go free; Picnic Cinema & Outdoor Theatre ticketed separately
• Tickets / More Information: www.lowthercastle.org

Cartmel Show, Cartmel Lodge Park

Cartmel Show is a great day out for the whole family, promising entertainment for everyone. There will be competitions for cattle, sheep, and horses, including Shire horses and ponies. There is a poultry tent, dog show, a craft tent brimming with gifts to purchase, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling competitions, dog trials, and a food theatre led by local Michelin starred chef, Simon Rogan. You will also find plenty of refreshments available on the day, including a gin bar, and there is plenty to keep children entertained including a climbing wall, bouncy castles, insect encounters, archery, and more.

• Date: Wednesday, 1st August, 2018
• Time: Gates open at 8.30am
• Cost: Adults £10, Children 5-18 Years £4, includes camping
• Tickets / More Information: www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk

Potfest In The Pens, Skirsgill Auction Mart, Penrith

Penrith is once again drawing in potters from across the world as it sees the return of Potfest. Potfest in the Pens is a much more down to earth affair than its sister festival, Potfest in the Park, with the opportunity for visitors to meet pottery creators in a friendly and casual environment. There will be free hour long classes that cover the basics of the potters wheel, demonstrations, and trade stands selling both pottery and the raw materials needed to create your own piece of earthenware.

• Date: Friday, 3rd August to Sunday, 5th August, 2018
• Time: 10am-5pm
• Cost: Adults £4.50, Accompanied children go free
• Tickets / More Information: www.potfest.co.uk

Cockermouth & District Agricultural Show, the Fitz, Cockermouth

The Cockermouth Show is a family friendly event that takes place just outside of Cockermouth. Bringing together farmers from across Cumbria, the show hosts competitions for cattle, sheep, poultry, goats, horses, and working dogs. You will find show-jumping displays, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling matches, vintage vehicles and craft demonstrations.

There is usually an abundance of trade stands, many offering their own activities, such as colouring competitions for children, plus plenty more to keep little minds entertained including bouncy castles and face-painting. There are hot and cold refreshment stands, and a park and ride service is available with a free shuttle bus.

• Date: Saturday, 4th August, 2018
• Time: Gates open 9am
• Cost: Adults £8, Children 5-16 Years £5
• Tickets / More Information: www.cockermouthshow.co.uk

Introduction To Silver Clay Jewellery, Greystoke Cycle Café, Penrith

The Greystoke Cycle Café hosts a series of Quirky Workshops throughout the year, giving visitors a chance to learn a new skill. This August, Cumbrian jewellery designer, Jo Dix, is leading two workshops at the café using silver clay to create intricate and beautiful pieces of jewellery. During the day, you will be guided on how to use the clay to create your very own bespoke piece of jewellery that you will be able to take away. The course fees also include a two-course lunch, fresh coffees, and a cream tea. Materials are charged extra on the day.

• Date: Saturday, 4th August & Saturday, 18th August, 2018
• Time: 10am-4pm
• Cost: £82 including lunch; Additional charges for materials payable on the day, expecting to range between £20 and £45
• Tickets / More Information: www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk

Civil War Re-enactment, Ford Park, Ulverston

The Sealed Knot are a charity who commemorate history through re-enactments of events that occurred during the English Civil War. The team are returning to Cumbria after an absence of several years to host this special two-day event in Ford Park in Ulverston.

The park will be taken over by a 17th century war camp, where you can expect to see weaponry displays, military drills, crafts, and plenty of hands on activities for the whole family. Visitors are advised that no parking will be available at the park, and you will need to arrive by public transport or on foot. Single day or weekend tickets are available.

• Date: Saturday, 4th August and Sunday, 5th August, 2018
• Time: Gates open at 11am
• Cost: Adults £10 day or £15 weekend, Children £5 day or £7.50 weekend
• Tickets / More Information: www.thesealedknot.org.uk

Open Water Swimming Course, Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge

SleekerSwim offer swimming coaching and training courses with a particular focus on open water swimming for triathletes. Their introduction to open water swimming courses are particularly popular amongst those who are strong indoor swimmers and want to take their sport further. This August, they are holding a one day training event in the waters of Lake Windermere, starting in Fell Foot Park by Newby Bridge.

The course is open to both those who are new to open water swimming and those who want to brush up on their skills, with all levels catered for. Topics that will be covered on the day include wetsuit and goggle choice, water acclimatisation, race starts, breathing techniques, and navigation. Advanced registration is required.

• Date: Sunday, 5th August, 2018
• Time: 10am-12.30pm
• Cost: £40
• Tickets / More Information: www.sleekerswim.co.uk

Family Learn To Sail Week, Ullswater Yacht Club, Pooley Bridge

Looking for a family break with a difference? Consider booking onto the Family Learn Tt Sail week at the Ullswater Yacht Club. The week long event is open to all ages and abilities, with non-club members welcome. Participants can book onto an RYA course that will cover level one and two, with a kids’ sailing club running in conjunction with the course.

Outside of the course times, there will be a host of family friendly activities, including arts and crafts, kite flying, water fights, water slides, BBQs, leisure sailing, and raft building. Camping is available for an additional charge.

• Date: Monday, 6th August to Friday, 10th August, 2018
• Time: Varies
• Cost: RYA Course Fees £350 for Level 1 & 2; Kids Club for young sailors £100; Additional donation of £20 for other activities is requested; Camping from £7.50 per night
• Tickets / More Information: http://ullswateryachtclub.org/Default.aspx?tabid=211

Sense & Sensibility, Theatre By The Lake, Keswick

Jane Austen’s witty and charming tale of the Dashwood sisters is being presented in a fresh adaptation showing on the stage at the Theatre by the Lake this August in Keswick. The tale tells the story of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who, along with their mother and younger sister, are removed from their family home following the death of their father, and forced to move to Devonshire on a much smaller income.

Whilst there, the dashing scoundrel, John Willoughby, quickly earns the admiration of Marianne, and the two sisters embark on a journey to find true love, with plenty of heartbreak along the way. On the 10th August, there is a one off special pre-show talk where you can hear more about what happens behind the scenes, with enough time after the show to enjoy a drink or light meal.

• Date: 9th-11th, 13th-18th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, & 29th August, 2018
• Time: 7.30pm (Matinee performances at 2pm available 15th, 23rd, & 29th August)
• Cost: £10-36.
• Tickets / More Information: www.theatrebythelake.com

Max’s 11th Birthday Bash and Splash Party, Pencil Museum, Keswick

If you haven’t heard of loveable spaniels Max and Paddy and their jetty jumping hijinx, then you have been missing out on all the fun. The two spaniels have earned a cult following in the Lake District thanks in part to the beautiful images their owner, Kerry Irving, takes of the two pups exploring the lakes and fells on their daily walks. Now local celebrities, the pups are raising money for Eden Animal Rescue as part of the 11th birthday celebrations for Max (the elder dog).

Meeting at the Pencil Museum, partygoers will be invited to take part in a two-mile walk along the shore of Derwent Water, stopping along the way for some jetty jumping. After, guests will be invited to return to the museum for a buffet, with food for both dogs and humans. The money raised for this ticketed event will be donated to Eden Animal Rescue.

• Date: Saturday, 11th August, 2018
• Time: 12.30pm-4.30pm
• Cost: Tickets are £10 and will admit one adult and one child
• Tickets / More Information: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maxs-birthday-bash-and-splash-tickets

The Lowther Show, Nr Penrith

The Lowther Show is one of the biggest agricultural shows on the Cumbrian event calendar, attracting several thousand visitors each year. Held in the grounds of the beautiful Lowther estate, the show is a celebration of everything that the countryside has to offer. The massive show features a huge range of entertainment, including horse displays, a hound show, shooting demonstrations and workshops, a folk music festival, a food and beer festival, a craft marquee, animal displays, traditional rural craft demonstrations, and much more.

There are plenty of hands on activities including a survival camp, falconry, fishing, crossbow archery, and clay shooting. For children, you will find inflatables, trampolines, ferret racing, and the opportunity to create a toy using junk. Plus, you will find a huge selection of trade stands.

• Date: Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th August, 2018
• Time: Gates open at 9am, last entry at 3.30pm, show ends at 5pm
• Cost: Adults £18 (£15 when booked online in advance), Accompanied children under 16 go free
• Tickets / More Information: www.lowthershow.co.uk

Summer Art Camp, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, & Blackwell The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-On-Windermere

Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal, along with Blackwell the Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-On-Windermere, is hosting its award winning summer art camp again this August. Suitable for children aged 8-14 years, the camp is an opportunity for kids to explore art and history with a series of hands on activities, including creating sculptures and using an art installation created in response to the Lake District achieving World Heritage Site status. Children will need to be dropped off and picked up from Abbot Hall, but will travel to Blackwell on some of the days.

• Date: Monday, 13th August 2018 to Friday, 17th August, 2018
• Time: 9.30am-4pm
• Cost: £150 per child for the week; A sibling discount of £30 is available, and there is a discounted rate for those entitled to Pupil Premium
• Tickets / More Information: https://abbothall.org.uk/artcamp

The Wheatsheaf Inn Beer & Gin Festival, Lorton, Nr Cockermouth

The Wheatsheaf Inn is a popular and traditional Lake District pub in the village of Lorton that lies between Cockermouth and Buttermere. The pub has a great reputation locally for serving good food with real ale, and each year it hosts a small beer and gin festival in August.

This year’s festival will feature 22 real ales and 40 gins to try. There will be live music on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, whilst on Saturday, there is an open mic session with a free pint and burger for anyone who plays.

• Date: Friday, 17th to Sunday, 19th August, 2018
• Time: TBC
• Cost: Free entry; Drinks charged separately
• Tickets / More Information: www.facebook.com/events/238320443586033

Lakes Distillery Tasting Night, Beech Hill Hotel & Spa, Windermere

The Lakes Distillery based near Keswick produces a fabulous selection of whisky, gin, and vodka, quickly earning a good reputation since its opening in December 2014. Beech Hill Hotel in Windermere are celebrating the distillery’s successes and Cumbria’s culinary traditions by hosting a special tasting night that will include a five-course taster menu along with a selection of the distillery’s spirits to try.

The menu will include Cumbrian favourites, such as Lakeland venison and Kentmere Valley Lamb. Along with the meal, participants will also receive discounted tour tickets for the distillery.

• Date: Saturday, 18th August, 2018
• Time: TBC
• Cost: £59 per person (includes spirits selected by the distillery); Additional drinks will be charged extra
• Tickets / More Information: www.beechhillhotel.co.uk/events/lakes-distillery-tasting-night

Tail Trails – The Event For Dogs & Their Humans, Sticklebarn Taven, The Langdales

Bringing your four-legged friend to the Lake District? Tail Trails is a new event for 2018, giving dogs and their owners the opportunity to enjoy a trail run/walk together. Starting at the Sticklebarn Tavern, the event comprises of two different routes that will take participants to some of the most delightful scenery in the Lake District, with post event entertainment to be confirmed.

There is a 6k and a 10k trail to choose from, with both runners and walkers welcome. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for both distances, as well as for some additional fun prizes for the dogs. There are water stations along the way for both canines and humans. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the event due to grazing livestock.

• Date: Saturday, 18th August, 2018
• Time: Registration opens at 4pm
• Cost: £12.50 for the 10k course and £8.50 for the 6K course
• Tickets / More Information: www.tailtrails.org.uk

The Gosforth Agricultural Show, Gosforth, West Cumbria

The Gosforth Show is a small, not for profit event held each August on the western edge of the Lake District. It is a chance for visitors to get a true taste of agricultural life. There are awards given for sheep, cattle, horses, poultry, dogs, children’s pets, crafts, children’s sports and more.

This year, the main arena will feature a display by a motorbike stunt team. There will also be plenty of trade stands and various hot and cold refreshment stalls.

• Date: Saturday, 18th August, 2018
• Time: 8.30am-5pm
• Cost: Adults £7, Children 5-16 £3
• Tickets / More Information: www.gosforthshow.co.uk

Cumbria Classic and Motorsport Show, Dalemain Estate, Nr Penrith

The Wigton Motor Club are bringing the biggest classic car event in the region to the Dalemain Estate near Penrith this August. Over 750 classic cars are expected to be displayed at the event, with awards given for various categories.

During the event, there will also be live music and other forms of entertainment, including arena displays, plus trade stands and refreshments. Event-goers will also be able to visit the Dalemain Estate  for a discounted entry fee.

• Date: Saturday, 18th August and Sunday, 19th August, 2018
• Time: 11am-4.30pm
• Cost: Adults £7.50, Children Under 16 Free
• Tickets / More Information: www.wigtonmc.co.uk

Lakeland Country Fair (AKA Torver Show), Torver, Nr Coniston

The Lakeland Country Fair, also known as the Torver Show, is very much a traditional Cumbrian event, celebrating Cumbrian skills and produce. There will be Herdwick sheep displays and shearing demonstrations, a falconry display, a terrier show, a family dog show, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, fell races, children’s races, and quirky competitions in horn blowing and shepherds’ crooks. There are traditional rural craft displays including crook making, glass painting, weaving, spinning, and more. There is a children’s play area, licensed bar, and BBQ food.

• Date: Sunday, 19th August, 2018
• Time: Noon til 5.30pm
• Cost: Adults £7, Children £3
• Tickets / More Information: www.lakelandcountryfair.co.uk

Coniston Epic Lakes Swim, Bluebird Café, Coniston

Fancy a challenge this summer? Why not participate in the Coniston Epic Lakes Swim this August, swimming in the open water of Coniston, home to Donald Campbell’s water speed record and surrounded by the majestic southern Lake District fells.

Choose the leisurely 500m swim, the more challenging 1 mile swim, or the "Iron" 3.8km swim. You must register for your place in advance and you must wear a wetsuit to take part, with wetsuit hire available for an additional £10. You will receive a medal and swim cap as part of your entry fee.

• Date: Sunday, 19th August, 2018
• Time: 3.8km starts at 8.30am, 1 mile starts at 11am, 500m starts at 1pm
• Cost: £20-26, depending on distance chosen
• Tickets / More Information: www.epicevents.co.uk

Kids Summer Club, The Lakeland Climbing Centre (AKA The Kendal Wall), Kendal

The Lakeland Climbing Centre is open throughout August but for one week only during the school summer holidays there will be daily sessions that will allow kids to learn the basics of climbing in a fun and safe environment. The morning sessions run from 10.30am until 1pm and are suitable for children aged 7-11 years.

The afternoon sessions run from 2pm until 4pm and are suitable for children aged 12 and up with tailored activities suitable for each age group. No experience necessary as these sessions are designed for beginners.

• Date: Monday, 20th August to Friday, 24th August, 2018
• Time: 10.30am-1pm (7-11 years) & 2pm-4pm (12 years and up)
• Cost: £95 per child per week
• Tickets / More Information: www.kendalwall.co.uk

The Hawkshead Show, Hawkshead Hall Farm

The Cumbrian weather has not been kind to the Hawkshead Show in the last two years, with water-logged fields resulting in the cancellation of the 2016 and the 2017 shows. With a prolonged dry spell this summer it hopefully means that the show can return in triumph this August.

This traditional country show has everything you might expect from a Cumbrian country fair, with livestock displays, traditional crafts, horse displays (including heavy horses), a dog display team, local produce competitions, and various trade stands.

• Date: Tuesday, 21st August, 2018
• Time: Gates open 7.30am
• Cost: Adults £7, Children £3
• Tickets / More Information: www.hawksheadshow.co.uk

Carlisle Fringe Festival, Carlisle

The third Carlisle Fringe Festival takes place this month and this year the focus is on the centenary anniversary of women’s suffrage. This year’s pageant will be led by the March for the Unsung Woman, a production by Prism Arts, whilst many other performances will feature strong female leads. There will be 108 events in total taking place in 11 different venues across the city, over a ten-day period.

There is a mixture of comedy, drama, and music performances, with some events being free of charge. There are events aimed at children, including a disco, as well as performances that explore serious topics such as the search for missing soldiers in the First World War. During the festival a stage in the city centre will host free live music events at various times.

• Date: Friday, 24th August to Sunday, 2nd September 2018
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More Information: www.carlislefringe.co.uk

Creating Joy Microfestival, Fellfoot Wood, Newby Bridge

Following the Joy is small organisation led by two sisters that aims to help people find joy in their lives through various crafts, workshops, and events. Creating Joy is their signature event, bringing just 150 people to a small festival in Fellfoot woods near Newby Bridge.

The festival hosts a series of workshops that include essential oil usage, jewellery making, meditations, poetry, and more. Workshops and materials are included in the event ticket price. Various therapies, including reiki and massage will be available during the event at an additional, but substantially discounted cost.

• Date: Friday, 24th August to Monday, 27th August, 2018
• Time: Friday 2pm until Monday 11am
• Cost: Adults £95, Children £35 (includes camping)
• Tickets / More Information: www.facebook.com/events/125944121384331

Wannasee Festival, Hutton In The Forest, Near Penrith

Now in its fourth year, the Wannasee Festival returns to Penrith this August, bringing another packed line up of the very best tribute bands in the UK. If you have missed out on tickets for Kendal Calling, Glastonbury, Leeds, or one of the other top festivals then this is your chance to experience music from acts whose resemblance to the global artists they portray is so accurate it will be hard to tell the difference.

This year’s line up includes tribute acts for Prince, Queen, Coldplay, Green Day, and Robbie Williams. The festival takes place in the grounds of the Hutton in the Forest estate, with camping available. Those who prefer not to camp can take advantage of a free shuttle bus that is running between the festival site and Penrith town centre throughout the event. There will be a licensed bar, food stands, and children’s entertainment.

• Date: Friday, 24th August to Sunday, 26th August, 2018
• Time: 6pm Friday til late Sunday evening
• Cost: Day & Weekend Tickets are available (with or without camping); Adults £20-45, Children £3-24
• Tickets / More Information: www.wannaseefestival.com

Patterdale Dog Day, Ullswater

The Patterdale Dog Day is a gem of the country fair calendar, maintaining its roots as a traditional farming community event. The show first took place in 1901, organised by three local shepherds who were inspired by the sheep dog trials held at Bala in North Wales. Since that first show, the event’s organisers have resisted the urge to commercialise, keeping to the original format.

The show centres on sheep dog trials but you will also find hound demonstrations, a children’s fell race, cookery competitions, a pet dog competition, a sheep show, and a shepherd’s crook competition. Refreshments are available and there are a selection of trade and craft stands.

• Date: Saturday, 25th August, 2018
• Time: 8.30am-6pm
• Cost: Adults £5, Children £2.50
• Tickets / More Information: www.patterdaledogday.co.uk/index.html

Grasmere Sports, Grasmere

With the exception of the periods during the first and second world wars, the Grasmere Sports event has taken place every year since 1868, beginning as a chance for local farmers to show off their sporting abilities.

Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling is one highlight of the event, and there are various track and fell races for adults and children. This year’s event will also see a pet dog show, a dog display team, circus performers, trade stands, a craft tent, and a family tug-of-war competition.

• Date: Sunday, 26th August, 2018
• Time: 10am-5pm
• Cost: Adults £12, Children 5-14 Years £5, Under 5s Free
• Tickets / More Information: www.grasmeresports.com

The Keswick Show, Braithwaite, Keswick

Cancelled in 2017 due to the poor weather, the Keswick Show is due to return this August bank holiday Monday, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a fabulous variety of entertainment and celebrate the rich agricultural heritage that Cumbria has to offer.

This very popular show in Keswick attracts a few thousand visitors each year and features judging competitions for horses, sheep, dogs, and poultry, along with crafts, horticulture, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, fell races, vintage vehicles, trade stands, and children’s activities.

• Date: Monday, 27th August, 2018
• Time: 8.30am-6pm
• Cost: Adults £8, Children 6-16 years £2, Children under 5 go free
• Tickets / More Information: www.keswickshow.co.uk

Blackcombe Country Fair, Bootle, South-West Lake District

Located in the south-western corner of the Lake District, where the fells meet the coast, the small village of Bootle hosts the Blackcombe Country Fair each August bank holiday Monday. This delightful fair, named for the nearby fell, gives a genuine taste of Cumbrian country life and offers something for everyone.

There are competitions for a number of classes of dogs, including a novelty K9 class, terrier racing, shepherd’s crook competitions, vintage vehicles, and children’s activities. One highlight of the event is a 12.5k fell race up to the summit of Blackcombe Fell and back, with entry available on the day.

• Date: Monday, 27th August 2018
• Time: Noon til late
• Cost: Adults £5, Children go free
• Tickets / More Information: www.blackcombecountryfair.co.uk

The Ennerdale Show, Kirkland Leaps, West Cumbria

The final Cumbrian agricultural show of August 2018 takes place near Ennerdale Water in west Cumbria. This longstanding show hosts a number of traditional sports and rural activities throughout the day, including judging competitions for sheep and other farm animals, hound trailing, vintage vehicle displays, and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, with anyone welcome to have a go at this quirky sport.

There races on the day for children and adults, with novices and experienced runners both welcome to take part. You will also find traditional crafts here, along with trade stands and refreshments.

• Date: Wednesday, 29th August, 2018
• Time: 9am-6pm
• Cost: Adults £5, Children go free
• Tickets / More Information: www.ennerdaleshow.co.uk