10 Reasons to Visit the Lake District, Cumbria in Autumn

A chill in the air, crisp leaves underfoot, and hues of red, gold and orange painting the landscape: autumn in the Lake District is quite simply breathtaking. From reinvigorating walks to local food fairs, here are our top 10 reasons why you need to plan an autumn trip to the Lake District.

Autumn colours are in full swing

There’s nothing quite like a sea of red, gold and orange leaves to evoke feelings of autumn, and the Lake District has this in abundance.

Marvel as the trees turn from green to gold in England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter Forest near Keswick; or visit Grizedale Forest near Coniston. Both offer hiking trails, bike hire, and Go Ape treetop treks to see the autumn colours from a new perspective.

Meanwhile, our many lakes and waters are framed with rich, vibrant hues – hop on a lake cruise to enjoy them to their fullest.

There’s seasonal food and drink aplenty

From Michelin starred fine dining to hearty pub grub, if you’re looking to enjoy the Lake District’s cuisine then Cumbria has plenty to offer. Restaurants make the most of local produce to create seasonal menus to tempt the tastebuds – and with a plethora of home-grown fare on our doorstep, it isn’t hard to get a real taste of autumn in the Lakes. This is foraging season, and the Cumbrian larder is on full display at eateries and foodie festivals up and down the county.
 

It’s a photographer’s dream
 

Cumbria photographs beautifully throughout the year, but if you’re looking for atmospheric shots awash with autumn colour, now is the time to visit. Check out our selfie guide for the best places to grab an Insta-worthy photo; pick a lake and get up early for a stunning sunrise shot; or simply head for the fells with your camera in hand…photo opportunities are all around.
 

There are autumn walks to reinvigorate the senses

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy an invigorating walk amidst some truly striking landscapes, with the cooler weather providing a welcome respite from the summer sun. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll with the promise of a country pub at the end, or a hike up England’s highest mountain, the Lake District has got you covered, with routes to suit a range of abilities.
 

It’s the perfect time to support local Cumbrian businesses

Cumbria is home to a whole host of fantastic local businesses, offering everything from experiences to hand crafted Lakeland gifts. And with Christmas just around the corner, autumn is the ideal time to support local! Visit a Lake District Christmas fair for some seasonal inspiration (and a big dollop of festive cheer), or stroll through one of our towns and villages to discover independent retailers, before warming up at a cosy Cumbrian café. Check our What's On page for a full list of events taking place.

Can’t visit us in person? Check out our virtual Christmas market to get a little piece of the Lakes, delivered right to your door.
 

Our dark skies make for stunning stargazing

Cumbria has some of the darkest skies in the UK, and autumn is the perfect time to experience their magical splendour. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a novice astronomer, the wonder of the night skies in Cumbria offers plenty to behold, with thousands of stars visible on a clear night. In the milder autumn months, the Milky Way is high overhead; and you can spot constellations while stargazing with the Wainwrights as your backdrop.

This year, the Dark Skies Festival will take place in November, adding an extra dimension to stargazing holidays in the Lake District.
 

Cosy pubs come into their own

Roaring log fires, hearty home-made fare, and deep sofas to sink into after a day on the fells: what’s not to love about a cosy British pub in autumn? Locally brewed beers can be found on tap across the region, while talented chefs serve up delicious dishes made from seasonal local produce.

To complete the experience, plenty of Lake District pubs also offer cosy accommodation, with a traditionally warm Cumbrian welcome.

There’s culture to discover

After the heat of summer, in autumn the weather is much more conducive to time spent exploring throughout the years: discover the life and work of William Wordsworth in Grasmere; head to Coniston to learn more about John Ruskin; or see the Lake District through the eyes of Beatrix Potter with a trip to her favourite haunts. We’ve also got theatres, cinemas and live music venues – so culture vultures will never be stuck for something to see and do. In Penrith, Upfront Arts Venue hosts a vibrant programme of events, including a quirky puppet theatre to delight all ages; while Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven boasts a fantastic schedule of live music and performance.

Our high streets await

Sure, Cumbria has stunning natural landscapes to enjoy – but we’ve also got a vibrant array of bustling towns and charming villages! Autumn is a great time to explore them all, with festive decorations appearing throughout the season; and cosy cafes in which to warm up after perusing independent shops filled with hidden treasures.

Whether it’s in Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle; its market towns such as Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale and Penrith; or its picturesque villages, autumn is the perfect time to look ahead to Christmas and shop local.

It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with nature

After the bustle of summer, the autumn months offer a quieter time of year to visit the Lake District and reconnect with nature. We’ve got peaceful woodlands, calm lake waters, and coastal paths with sweeping ocean views to enjoy as you feel the weight of the world ease off your shoulders. Head to the coast for seal watching on Walney Island; or experience the natural beauty of Solway and the North Pennines, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Plus, there are plenty of accommodation options – including camping and glamping to make the most of your holiday in the great outdoors.

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