What’s On in the Lake District This Autumn
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit the Lake District, with crisp air, golden landscapes, and a vibrant calendar of events. Whether you’re here for adventure, culture, or family fun, Lake District Castle Inn Hotel is the perfect base to enjoy everything the region has to offer this season.
During your stay, you can enjoy scenic walks and hikes along trails framed by amber leaves, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging hill climbs, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing landscape. Wildlife watching is another highlight, with opportunities to spot deer, red squirrels, and migratory birds as they prepare for the winter months.
After a day of exploration, cosy evenings await at Lake District Castle Inn, where you can relax with hearty local cuisine or a seasonal drink by the fire.
Autumn Events in the Lake District
Lakeland Trails, Keswick
6th September
Starting and finishing at Fitz Park, in Keswick, the 5K Derwentwater Sport Trail, 10K Derwentwater Trail Run, 15K Derwentwater Trail Race and 15K Derwentwater Trail Challenge are circuits along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Derwentwater, the surrounding peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra and the northern fells.
MORE INFO HERE
Westmorland County Show
10th & 11th September
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 37,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see.
MORE INFO HERE
The ONE 10 Road Race
13th September
Sponsored by the Lakes Distillery and name after their renowned “The One” whiskey, The ONE 10 is a road race beginning and concluding at the Lakes Distillery. Winding through the picturesque Lake District countryside, run an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race while taking in the scenic views.
MORE INFO HERE
Three Shires Fell Race
20th September
The Three Shires Race is a serious undertaking. The race organisers will try to make the race as safe as possible but we cannot be responsible for you during this event! You should not enter these fells unless you have the appropriate navigation and mountain craft skills and equipment. If you aren’t sure what that means then please don’t enter you may be putting yourself at risk. The race is run under FRA Rules.
MORE INFO HERE
Keswick Half Marathon
21st September
Said to be one of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country, the Keswick Half Marathon takes you around stunning views of Derwentwater with an extra loop into the beautiful Newlands valley. Organised by Keswick Rugby Club to raise money for opearting a successful rugby program providing all age groups with great coaching and necessary equipment. All those taking part are guaranteed to receive enthusiasm to motivate the runners around the scenic route.
MORE INFO HERE
Keswick Market
Every Saturday in October
Who doesn’t love a bustling local market? They’re the ideal way to discover a wide range of locally produced food, including meat and fish, jams and chutneys, cakes and desserts, and meet the producers at the heart of their community. You can admire, and buy, the work of talented artists – crafts, jewellery and other handmade gifts – and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
MORE INFO HERE
Twilight Tales in Dove Cottage
21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th October
Are you ready for a spooktacular Halloween? Enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts in a cosy Learning Space. Children will have fun dressing up in Georgian costumes while learning about the Wordsworths and hearing some of their writing. At twilight, head over to Dove Cottage and listen to some spooky Cumbrian stories – perfect for a special Halloween in the Lake District!
MORE INFO HERE
Penrith Winter Droving
25th October
Each year Penrith in Cumbria marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the "darker half" of the year in a celebration of light, fire and rural life. The festival, whose motto is “turn your clocks back 400 years”, is a staple of the autumnal calendar in the north of the north of England, with its tones of Sawhain, its fire and animal effigies and masks. The Winter Droving epitomises all things Cumbrian; animals, fire, good food and community spirit.
MORE INFO HERE
Spooky Cumbrian Stories by the Fire
29th & 30th October
Embrace the eerie charm of Cumbria with an unforgettable afternoon of “Spooky Cumbrian Stories by the Fire” with the renowned storyteller Jessie McMeekin. Gather around the crackling fire and let the haunting tales of the Cumbrian landscape come to life in an intimate and atmospheric setting. This event is held at Wordsworth House and Garden and is suitable for children aged 4 to 11. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
MORE INFO HERE*Copyright – Images used with permission from Cumbria Tourism*