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Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, Cumbria, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged, and energised. From country fairs and garden parties to beer festivals and agricultural shows, this is very much #ThePlaceToBe – at all times of the year. Whether you are looking for what's on in the Lake District, or what's on in Cumbria, we have you covered with the best list of events taking place.
We Cumbrians love to celebrate things – food, music, literature, culture, the great outdoors – and nothing delights us more than sharing the wealth of our heritage and landscape with visitors from all over the world.
The county comes alive to the sound of music – and we mean all kinds of music, from classical to alt rock. We’ve got festivals aplenty, from folk weekends centred on a brewery to a music festival that also includes outdoor activities – hardly surprising given that the Lake District, Cumbria is known for its natural beauty. Walking festivals, fell runs, competitive bike races, orienteering and challenge events… whatever way you like to tackle or enjoy nature, we’ve got something for you.
When you’re done exerting yourself, you’ll be looking for something to eat - and in Cumbria, we know how to celebrate our remarkable food heritage! There are markets and foodie events all over the county spread throughout the year, from a celebration of marmalade to a chili eating competition. Taste Cumbria hosts a series of great festivals between April and October with lots of food stalls and cooking demos.
And don’t forget beer. We’re big fans of it in Cumbria – we like to brew it, drink it and celebrate its very existence with over a dozen brilliant festivals throughout the year. Discover big events spread over a couple of days that draw in crowds from all over England, and smaller events in cosy pubs deep in the heart of rural Cumbria.
Christmas markets, Easter fairs and seasonal celebrations are huge in the county, too. From agricultural shows to festive fun, we’ve got you covered. How about stepping back in time at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival? Check out our Lake District, Cumbria blog for bags of inspiring articles on places to visit and things to see.
We’re having a party. Come and join us.
Number of results: 520
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Ambleside
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned. The farm tour offers a…
The Abbey, Carlisle
We, the bell ringers of Carlisle Cathedral are delighted to have been given the opportunity by the Dean and Chapter to share our hobby, pastime, and passion with both the congregation and visitors to this special place.
An exhibition is planned…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Windermere
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, this small-group tour offers a deeper exploration into the fascinating history of the people and objects connected to the home where one family…
Townend, Windermere
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near Keswick for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Open throughout the school holidays and bank holiday, Go Ape offers two thrilling high ropes experiences…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
Bowness
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and learning through play.
Make a Flying Fish
What kinds of fish live in Windermere? Get creative in the Learning Centre…
Ambleside
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead, Ambleside. The morning session is ideal for those who are new to outdoor swimming. It aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence while…
Rydal Water, Ambleside
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house for hands-on crafting activities inspired by our new Useful/Beautiful exhibition.
Decorate a Pot!
Decorate your own paper pot…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Kirkland, Kendal
Celebrate spring at Abbot Hall with creative, family-friendly activities running throughout the Easter holidays. From hands-on crafts to gallery adventures, there's plenty to keep curious minds busy.
Draw a Self-Portrait!
Draw a self-portrait…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Ravenglass
Experience medieval magic where knights clash, stories unfold, and the past comes alive!
Each year, Muncaster invites you to step into the past and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Medieval era. The Medieval Muncaster Festival is a grand…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Nr Kendal
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the woodland for each Mega Evolution Pokémon discover their powers and complete your own…
Sizergh, Kendal
Hawkshead
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Grizedale Forest, set among the rolling woodland just outside Windermere, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families,…
Inspiration
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 5.30-7pm | 11-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 6.30-8.30pm | 18+ This course will explore multiple forms of fiction…
6.30-9.30pm | 18+ yrs A Brewery Arts Darkroom Membership allows experienced and professional…
Andersons Feel-Good Friday Raceday JOIN US FOR A GREAT AFTERNOON OF RACING!! A fun-filled…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.45pm | 16+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 6-7.30pm Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start date has…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
The Rosehill Players return with the ever heart warming tale of Calendar Girls. After the death of…
A packed weekend celebrating off-road running. The festival aims to bring together trail runners,…
In 2026, we're back for a great retro weekend in Ulverston town centre. On Saturday 30th May, we'll…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10 wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-16 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
The Dock Museum are proud to bring you the latest exhibition from John Duffin, "Look North" The…
Seven artists explore shared landscapes, material connections, and personal perspectives on land,…
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…
Lavender Wood – Watercolour Workshop with Ruth Clayton 31 May £70 plus £7 on the day for materials…
A Tokyo-set dramedy sees Phillip Vanderploeg a struggling, lonely American actor who joins a…
11.30am-5pm | 16+ yrs Explore acrylic painting and mixed media using a fresh still life of flowers…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Join us for a trip back in time and discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Velo Retro is the largest and longest established retro cycling event in the UK With rides ranging…


We’re having a party - come and join us.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL