What's on in the Lake District: January 2022

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and were able to catch up with family and friends. Though children are now returning to school and adults back to work, there are still some great things to do here in the Lake District for those of you in need of a cheeky winter weekend break.

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Museums & Art Galleries

If the weather outside is proving a bit chilly for your liking, there are some fabulous museums and art galleries in the Lake District that are typically open in January that would be worth checking out. Please check the official websites for opening times in advance of your visit for the most up-to-date information, as this may change due to Covid. The following are typically open throughout the year:

Winter Walking

Alfred Wainwright summed it up the best when he said: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." In January, this is definitely true! If you are not used to walking in the cold, please ensure you are wearing the correct clothing and footwear for your walk, as well as waterproofs for the inevitable downfall of rain. There is plenty of good advice online so be sure to check the weather in advance and prepare accordingly.

You will also want to start EARLY because it gets dark early in the Lake District. Sunset tends to be around 4pm or just before! We encourage everyone to research their route thoroughly prior to setting off and bring a physical map and a compass – do not rely solely on your mobile phone as you will definitely lose signal up in the fells. The Lake District government site gives some great tips for what you ought to bring here.

If we have scared you, good. Mountain rescue teams spend so much time and energy rescuing people who are under prepared. These wonderful beings are members of the community who volunteer their time and put themselves at risk to help save people who possibly could have prevented needing rescue. If you are not confident in your map reading abilities or feel you need some guidance there are loads of reputable companies who organise group walks so you can make the most of your walking experience and don't have to worry about getting lost or hurting yourself. You can also arrange private walks if you don't fancy being in a group. We also have some suggested walks here, though you will want to supplement them with a map and check other sources in advance for the most up-to-date routes.

Cumbria Wildlife Conservation Days

What better way to spend a lovely brisk winter day than joining one of Cumbria Wildlife's Conservation Days? There are loads of days lined up in January all over Cumbria typically lasting from around 10am to 3.30pm. Not only will you feel accomplished in helping keep the Lake District beautiful, but you will learn a great amount about conservation and have a newfound appreciation for what Cumbria Wildlife do for the local community.

1900 Hadrian's Wall Festival at Muncaster Castle

This is a year-long festival beginning on 24 January and going up until 23 December 2022 at Muncaster Castle, celebrating the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian's Wall. Keep an eye out for various activities cropping up throughout the year with festivities likely planned to get it going at the end of January.

Little Wanderers & Poetry Sessions at the Wordsworth Museum

The Little Wanderers sessions at the Wordsworth Museum are brilliant for young children. Here they are encouraged to be creative and playful with each morning including a mixture of songs and stories inspired by both William & Dorothy Wordsworth. The sessions for January 2022 include:

7 January: Cosy Cottage
14 January: Winter Wonderland
21 January: Snowdrops
28 January: Winter Fields

Additionally, the centre hosts informal poetry sessions where members can share ideas, collaborate and critique one another. These sessions are currently being held on Zoom. You can find more information about these events on their website.

January at the Rheged Centre

This is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes. The Rheged Centre always has something going on whether it be film viewings, classes, plays, talks – though there may be limited offerings in January what with Covid cases increasing this winter. Be sure to check out their website for the most up-to-date schedule.

January at Whinlatter Forest

There is loads to do at Whinlatter Forest Park from walking trails, orienteering courses, run club, mountain biking, Gruffalo Spotters Trail, alpaca walks and more. Check out their official website for further details. A great way to get some of your 'get fit' resolutions underway in the month of January!

Lakes Distillery Tours & Tastings

If you are looking for refuge on a cold January day in the Lake District, might we suggest a tour and a tasting at the Lakes Distillery. There is also a beautiful bistro where you can pop in for a cup of tea and a cake, lunch or even a full-on afternoon tea. Tours for the Distillery last an hour and run all day every day with the tasting including the gin, whisky and vodka. There is also a whisky specific tour for £30 that lasts 2 hours and is available at select times.

Support Local Lake District Pubs

I know a lot of you may be doing "dry January" to give your livers a break after December's shenanigans but that doesn't mean you still can't support the local pubs. Pubs have way more than just beer, including sports screens, cosy fireplaces, and lovely local food. Following your chilly winter walk, why not warm up in one of the Lake District's many historic pubs. We've categorised them by Dog Friendly Pubs, Pubs with Accommodation, Pubs with Pool Tables, Pubs with Sports Screens, Pubs with Quizzes, Best Kid Friendly Pubs and Best Pubs for a Sunday Roast to help make your decision a bit easier. You can also search by area on each page. Cheers!