February is a relatively peaceful and quiet time to visit the Lake District and whilst there are not a huge amount of special events taking place, there is still quite a bit to do. Whether you are after a warm museum, a pint by a cosy fireplace or fancy braving the weather for a quiet fell walk in the less touristy season, the Lake District is a welcome retreat for locals and visitors alike.
February is also the month of Half-Term for kids, so plenty attractions have put together activity sessions for kids and their families, including craft sessions, science experiments, tea parties with Peter Rabbit, playing with baby lambs and more. And, of course it is also Valentine's Day so many of the restaurants and pubs will be putting on special menus, including the gorgeous Gaddum as we discuss below.
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Kendal Mountain Festival Adventure Film Opportunities
While the Kendal Mountain Festival takes place in November later this year, there are a few opportunities across the Lake District this February to enjoy some of the Kendal Mountain Festival adventure filming and learn a bit more about the great outdoors.
On the 11th of February in Ambleside, there will be a dinner & film evening at Sticklebarn. Then, on the 16th of February in Kendal at the Brewery Arts Centre, there will be a collection of adventure films, plus special guest speaker, Renee McGregor. Lastly, on the 17th of February in Penrith at Rheged, they will be showing a series of adventure films with guest speaker, Renee McGregor.
Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Cumbria Opera Group: The Three Tenors
Join the Cumbria Opera Group for an evening of Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart with Jack Dolan, Maximillian Lawrie, and Andrew Rawlings performing their own rendition of ‘The Three Tenors’. They’ll be performing in Carlisle at Tithe Barn on Saturday 4th February at 7.30pm and again in Kendal at Kendal Town Hall on Sunday 5th February at 7.30pm. You can find more information on their website and book tickets here.
Theatre by the Lake
The Theatre by the Lake offers a warm place to enjoy films and live theatre during a cold and wet February. There are plenty of things on, including family friendly shows, classical music performances, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, and there is even an open space night for locals to practice their performance arts, including comedy, dance, music and more. Check out the line-up on their website and book your tickets.
The World of Beatrix Potter: Dress to Impress, Crafts, Graffiti Art & Tea Parties
The World of Beatrix Potter has some great events planned for February, including a couple of craft days, including making Valentine’s Day cards, an opportunity to dress colourfully for charity and potentially win a Peter Rabbit stuffed toy, a chance to make your own graffiti art, and plenty of tea party opportunities with Peter Rabbit himself. Some of the events are free and others require booking, plus tickets, so best to take a look at the official website and plan accordingly.
Brockhole: Valentine’s Day at The Gaddum & Creative Workshops
Brockhole will hosting a series of creative workshops from the 8th of February up until the end of March on selected days. Be sure to check out their website for the official low down and book your place early to avoid disappointment. Examples of workshops include print-making, glass mosaics and hand printed tote bags.
Additionally, their famous restaurant, The Gaddum, will be featuring a special Valentine’s Day menu from the 11th to the 14th from 6pm each evening. The menu costs £50 and includes a glass of Champagne, canapes, a three-course menu and a hot beverage and Petits Fours to finish. There are also vegan/vegetarian options available. Definitely book this one as soon as you can as it’s bound to be quite popular.
Hop Aboard an Old Steam Engine During the February Half Term
Because it’s February and a bit cold and wet, why not take a scenic train ride aboard an old steam engine during Half Term? Whilst the steam engines do typically take a break in the winter, they appear to have a special opening for Half-Term. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railey, known as La’al Ratty by locals, offers train journeys from Ravenglass & Dalegarth stations. The other option is the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which states on its website it will soon produce its February 2023 Half Term schedule. Be sure to keep an eye on the websites for further details and book tickets as the days available are limited this time of year.
Walby Farm Park: Magic of Lambing
Walby Farm Park is a fantastic place for kids (and adults!), especially during the February Half-Term where they are sure to have extra activities on for kids that week. They are also promoting their ‘Magic of Lambing’ event taking place that week where you and your little ones can come to the barn to meet new baby lambs or maybe even see one being born if you’re lucky. This event will be on from the 18th to the 25th of February and is sure to be adorable.
The Beacon Museum: Creative Workshops & Science Week
In addition to their regular museum exhibits, the Beacon Museum is hosting some creative workshops in the month of February, including felting, oil painting for beginners and glass works for kids. The glass works for kids workshop will make a perfect Mother’s Day gift, by the way, so get ahead of the game and make it fun for your child at the same time. You’ll want to pre-book all of these sessions online as they’re sure to be popular.
The Beacon Museum is also hosting a Science Week during Half-Term, which will be sure to include lots of fun hands-on science experiments. Keep an eye on their website for further details once they are released.
The Lake District Wildlife Park
Whilst not technically an 'event', the Lake District Wildlife Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm and is a wonderful day out where you can admire and learn about animals, as well as conservation efforts. The centre even offers experiences, such as walking alpacas, learning about birds of prey, and an ultimate animal experience where you can get up close to three of your favourite species. The centre is spread out over 24 acres and houses over 300 animals and 78 different species. This would be a wonderful day out for kids over the Half-Term period this February.
Lakes Aquarium
Again, this one is not a planned special event, but rather a great day out for kids during the Half-Term period. The Lakes Aquarium is open daily from 10am and offers a great day out for people of all ages, providing an escape from the rain and cold weather. Whilst the centre covers aquarium life around the globe, they also have a section on wildlife in the English Lake District so you’ll know what to look out for on your fell walks later on.
Ulverston International Music Festival: Spring Series at Ulverston Parish Church
The Ulverston International Music Festival has launched a spring music series at the Ulverston Parish Church at the end of February and again at the end of March. The dates in February are the 24th and 25th at 7.30pm and will feature German soprano, Sophie Klussmann, and Italian pianist, Andrea Rucli. For more information and ticket information, please take a look at their official website.