What To Do In The Lake District In Autumn And Winter: Brathay’s Top Tips
Those who visit the Lake District in Autumn and Winter are treated to a magical experience — albeit cold, but worth it.
Not convinced? Well our Ambleside team will be able to tempt you with some of their favourite things to do in the Lake District in Autumn and Winter.
If you're still looking for a place to stay during your trip, you can book with us!
HEAD UP THE FELLS
The Lake District mountains are not just for Summer — during the off-season months the views from the summits are dramatic.
Our Operations Manager, Mark, would even go as far as to hold a mountain top birthday party.
From Brathay it is a short bus journey to the magnificent Langdale Valley, on a clear day you can see across counties and even countries to Ireland. Or just outside our Hall you can head up to our most local Wainwright, Todd Crag — if you can brave the early morning you might witness an incredible cloud inversion over Lake Windermere.
BRATHAY'S TOP TIP: BE PREPARED
The Lake District fells are unpredictable, especially in Autumn and Winter. It's important that you are prepared for changing weather and have competent navigation skills for the walk you are doing.
The Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue have an online leaflet with advice on how to stay safe when walking in the Lake District. Read up before you head out.
WILD SWIMMING
A cold-water dip isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for our Marketing Officer Becky it's a great way to boost her wellbeing.
The cold can be an effective way of keeping you present and in the moment. Also, it's a great social activity... if you can convince someone to go with you.
Becky, Marketing Officer
For those who are not experienced in wild swimming, we recommend going with someone who is. Swim The Lakes in Ambleside have a selection of fully-guided swim courses to wet your appetite, plus they offer wetsuit try-on events and fittings to get you kitted out.
COSY UP IN A LOCAL CAFE
When the British weather sets in sometimes it's best to stay close to warmth. Luckily, we have some of the best cafes, pubs and restaurants in the UK to chill-out in.
- To start off, here are the 10 Best Cafes in Ambleside.
- Travelling with your pooch? Check out our guide to dog-friendly cafes in Ambleside.
- If you're looking to splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime meal, we have six Michelin Guide restaurants right here in Ambleside.
- Head down the road to Bowness and you'll find the ChoccoBar serving the best hot chocolate for those who got caught in the rain.
And finally, a shout out to our local spot Chester's By The River. The place to feast on yummy free-from cakes, vegan pastries and delicious stone-baked pizzas.
Great coffee, great cake. Chester's By The River is by far my favourite cafe in the Lake District. We also love sitting out by the river being surrounded by nature... just remember to wrap up warm. Alternatively you can stay inside and cosy up to their log burner!
Katherine, Business Development Manager
MOUNTAIN BIKING
This one is for the thrill-seekers.
We have countless bike trails in the Lake District — whether you are a beginner in mountain biking or experienced there's an adventure waiting for you!
Our Learning and Development Consultant Katie looks forward to a wintery day out on the trails in the off-season months:
The Lake District is the best place for mountain biking in Autumn or Winter. It's a full body work out — but worth it for the adrenaline rush... and a pint in a warm pub afterwards.
Katie, Learning and Development Consultant
You can hire mountain or gravel bikes at Biketreks in Grizedale Forest or head north to Whinlatter Forest near Keswick and book with Cyclewise. If not everyone in the group wants to hop on a bike don't worry you won't miss out — both forests offer brilliant walking trails too!
Looking for somewhere to eat? Check out our Foodie's Guide to the Best Places To Eat and Drink in Ambleside.