Lake District in Winter – 5 Great Reasons to Visit

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I may be a little biased, I mean it is where I’m from originally, but I think the Lake District is one of the nicest places you can visit in the British Isles. It’s what you imagine England to be: rolling hills, green as far as the eye can see, and quaint little towns and villages. While the Lake District is no doubt a popular place to visit, I know most people will gravitate there only during the summer months. That may be when you have time off work, or when you can best visit, but if you have a little more flexibility the winter months are still a great time to travel. Here are some of my top reasons why visiting the Lake District in the winter is a must.

Cost of travel in winter

I’m not going to beat around the bush, because let’s face it, it’s the factor most of us consider first when looking at travel, but traveling in the winter is cheaper. In the UK, our two weeks of nice summer weather means that most people want to visit that time of year, but in winter people imagine it to be colder, rainier and less appealing. Therefore to entice people to travel during this time and keep businesses alive during the “off season” they lower their prices. That means you can get around a little cheaper, and definitely find somewhere to stay much cheaper than in July or August.

On average the cost of a hotel or B&B in the Lake District is 15-25% cheaper during the winter months (based on my research of places I have stayed or booked in the region various times of year). That’s extra money you can save, or spend on other things such as a nice dinner out at one of the Lake District’s top restaurants. Or try an afternoon tea with a view. I recommend Storrs Hall.

Lake District crowd control

The Lake District is a very popular place. It is very beautiful after all. In the summer driving around the Lakes is a combination of enjoying the jaw dropping scenery, and avoiding people wandering into the road. The towns are busy, the shops are busy, the cafes and restaurants are busy. And good luck finding a place to stay on a weekend in July.

But during the winter, there are obviously less people, which is nice. Nice because you don’t have to wait for everyone to vacate the area to get your perfect shot of the views. Nice because you don’t have to queue for some of the many amazing bakeries that you’ll want to visit on your travels. And nice because you’ll be able to take your time and visit where you want to see, rather than settle for the only place you can get parked.

Winter wonderland views

Sure, summer is nice. It’s sunny (sometimes). It’s dry (sometimes). But there’s nothing nicer than a crisp winter’s day in the Lake District. The dusting of snow on the peaks around you, the fresh morning frost on the grass, and the frozen edges of the lakes, with a still calmness that makes them almost like a mirror to the towering hills all around.

Play spot the sheep or leave footprints on the fresh blankets of snow in the middle of winter. Enjoy postcard views of the leaf-less trees and contrasting landscapes in the distance. And enjoy a walk through the quiet streets of a small village on a sunny winter’s morning. The Lake District is beautiful all year round but some of the brightest days I’ve had have been in the winter because if you hit it on the right day, you’ve got the money shot.

Never mind the weather

It can be colder in winter in the Lake District, usually a bit cooler than the South of England. Don’t let that stop you from visiting, just wrap up a little warmer. Apparently the Lake District gets on average 200 rainy days a year. Now that’s not raining all day, it could just be a shower or two. But my point is, that 200 days isn’t just the winter months. You can bet your overused British umbrella that will be in the summer as well.

So don’t let the weather hold you back from a trip to the Lake District as you’re just as likely to encounter rain in June, July and August as you are in the winter. In 2019 June and August had more days of rain than any month from January to May, and November was one of the months with the least rain in the year. Whatever time you choose to visit the Lake District, always bring a raincoat or an umbrella and some good walking shoes (and preferably some spare socks). All those fields and rain equals a decent amount of mud.

A proper British pub

So this one is something you can enjoy all year round. A nice pint of local ale in a welcoming pub. But in the winter, these little country pubs are even more fun to visit. Even more inviting. There’s usually a roaring wood burning fire, there are always good beers on tap and hearty food to satisfy any need. And the people are friendly no matter what.

But there’s something about relaxing in a little cozy pub after a walk by the frozen lake, or dusting off the snow to pop in for a proper pint. I love the feel of a good country pub, where there is always a sign that says they welcome rainy clothes and muddy boots. They always welcome dogs too, which is great because the Lake District is a good place to bring your dog for a walk.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

The Lake District in winter is a winner

Don’t let the weather put you off. If you did that in England you’d never go anywhere. Instead, take a trip to one of the most beautiful places in the country and really take advantage of the warm and friendly people, the outstanding hospitality and of course the gorgeous scenery. I don’t miss a trip to the Lakes whenever I return to the UK. You’ll usually find my queuing for some fresh gingerbread in Grasmere, enjoying a cold pint in Ambleside, or wandering around a lake or two with my camera.

If you’re interested in the Lake District for a weekend (or longer) check out this post about my recent stay. So take your wellies, your camera and a good rain jacket and get yourself around the Lake District. And you don’t even need to wait for summer!

If you’ve enjoyed this post about the Lake District in winter, leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited the Lake District? Where’s your favorite winter getaway?