Shop locally here in The Lake District, Cumbria

Although famous for its world class landscape, The Lake District, Cumbria, also boasts a multitude of fabulous independent shops, as well as high street favourites with plenty of retail therapy on offer both across the whole county. From the city of Carlisle to villages in the stunning National Park, towns in Cumbria's Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley & the North Pennines and those dotted along more than 100 miles of the county’s coastline.

As the summer season continues, our local shops and other businesses are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors during the forthcoming ‘Shop Local Week’, which launches on Monday, August 10. There really has never been a better time to show how much you love The Lake District, Cumbria, than by supporting our brilliant local retailers at every available opportunity during your visit.

Organised as part of the government’s #EnjoySummerSafely campaign, ‘Shop Local Week’ will run until August 17, during which both visitors and residents alike are being urged to continue their strong show of support for local, independent traders – which has been more evident this year than ever before!

The Lake District, Cumbria, is brimming with dynamic and exciting shops, offering everything from simple groceries to artisan gifts and food. From the city of Carlisle to towns like Kendal, Ulverston and Cockermouth, favourites like Windermere and Bowness, to tucked-away gems like Hawkshead, Coniston and Alston, a tempting place to shop lies around every corner – why not head towards somewhere off the beaten-track and support some harder-to-find shops?

From wines and gins to chutneys and cheeses, The Lake District, Cumbria’s homegrown produce is available to take away, to cook, to give as a gift for your loved ones, or even just as a treat for yourself. You don’t have to stroll far to find a shop well-stocked with the county’s finest foods. For the sweet tooth, grab some world famous Grasmere Gingerbread – or if you want to add a tasty extra kick to your savouries, pop-in to Hawkshead Relish.

Enjoy a morning brew from Coniston-based Pennington’s Coffee, and stick-up on some evening gin courtesy of Ulverston’s Shed 1 Distillery. Whatever you choose, our local traders offer you nothing short of a taste sensation!

Luxurious products and unusual gifts for special occasions are never hard to find either. From candles and soaps to sculptures and glassware, make sure you keep your purses and wallets handy – and remember, cashless payments are preferred where possible. Specialist shops line the streets of many of our towns and villages. So whether you’re inspired by Wordsworth or Potter, there’s no souvenir like a Lake District, Cumbria souvenir – and our traders will be delighted to show-off their stock! We’ve made this handy list of some shops to get you started, right here.

From the luxurious to the practical, Cumbria is also the home of many outdoor shops which specialise is making sure you are fully kitted-out for a Lake District adventure. Pick-up a new pair of boots from Ambleside or a cosy new coat from Keswick.

From high street stores in Carlisle, Kendal and Barrow to bespoke independent outlets in market towns like Kirkby Lonsdale, Penrith and the book-town of Sedbergh, where there’s always a great opportunity to get lost inside a new set of pages! Also well-worth a look, are shops in Cumbria’s hidden gems like the coastal spots of Ravenglass, St Bees, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport. Most of our attractions have shops on-site too, so, be sure to keep the memories of your trip alive by taking something home with you from each place you visit!

It gets even better too, as it just so happens than ‘Shop Local Week’ coincides with ‘Afternoon Tea Week’: A celebration of one of the nation’s favourite traditions. Whether enjoyed in a 5-star hotel or in a cosy café, The Lake District, Cumbria, is the home of countless providers of some of the best afternoon teas that money can buy! Teacup pinkie-fingers at the ready - Take a look at some of the best places to tuck into tea and cake right here.

There’s never been a better time to back the county’s local businesses, save jobs and support communities. Our ‘Perfect Place’ campaign encourages us all to think about planning our holidays at home this year, to recharge and to rediscover Cumbria – the home of two World Heritage Sites. So while exploring what’s on our doorstep, reinvigorate by trying new experiences, explore more – and help local shops to recharge by buying local food, drink and crafts.

So, during your time here in The Lake District, Cumbria, please remember to ‘shop local’. Whether it’s at a greengrocer, bakery or florist, you can even help to show your support first-hand by taking to social media and using the hashtags #ShopLocal and #EnjoySummerSafely. Don’t forget to tag @LakeDistrictPR on Twitter, @golakes on Facebook, @lakedistrictcumbria on Instagram and @HMGNorth across all channels so we can share.

Shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and basic services such as post offices, garages and cinemas will also feel the benefits, all of which are enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.

Meanwhile, many places also offer great discounts on afternoon teas to holders of the ‘MyCumbria’ discount card, too. So, what better way to celebrate conquering a mountain than by raising a glass to the achievement, and tucking into a tasty meal or afternoon snack? Take a look at some of the offers available to cardholders here. To qualify as a card holder, you just need to either live or work in a CA or LA postcode area.

You can also support the ‘Shop Local’ campaign by taking advantage of the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, details of which you can find here.

Now for the serious bit: Please don’t forget, the best way you can continue to support local shops, is by adhering to responsible social distancing. Please do remember to keep your distance from people outside your household or support bubble – two metres, where possible.

Avoid being face-to-face with people if they are outside your household or support bubble, keep your hands and face as clean as possible. Wash your hands often using soap and water and dry them thoroughly, and where available, use hand-sanitiser as you enter and leave shops, avoid touching your face and try to avoid crowded spaces.

Face coverings are mandatory in shops, so don’t forget to pack one for every member of the group you’re travelling with.

Our local shops always look forward to welcoming responsible shoppers into their premises, so be sure to drop-in soon – and above all, enjoy your visit and stay safe!