The Lake District and surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions, events and activities throughout the year. Here are some of our favourites:
January
New Year Celebrations
Join us to welcome in the New Year in style at Embleton Spa Hotel.
February
Keswick Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! See more than 30 films on the big screen with both light and thought-provoking offerings.
http://www.keswickfilmclub.org/kff/
March
Words by the Water Literature Festival, Keswick
A 10-day programme of literary events at Theatre by the Lake. Talks, lectures, discussions, workshops, book launches and special exhibitions.
http://www.theatrebythelake.com/words-by-the-water-festival
Dalemain Marmalade Festival
Fantastic festival for all the family, celebrating all things great about Marmalade. Held at the historic Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
http://www.dalemainmarmaladeawards.co.uk/
Easter Egg Hunt
A great time to visit the Lake District. For egg hunters, the Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt offers a fun day in the beautiful Lake District, searching for one of the 50 highly prized limited edition ceramic eggs using an interactive google map to help them.
http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/events/
April
Buttermere Trail Run
An incredible 10 mile / 16km trail route around the shores of Buttermere and Crummock Water.
You do not have to be super-fast to enter, perfect if you are new to trail running and looking for a challenge.
http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/buttermere10
Whinlatter Xtreme Mountain Duathlon
The Whinlatter Mountain Duathlon is an off road duathlon based in the spectacular setting of Whinlatter Forest Park. The event consists of a 9k run up to the summit of Grisedale Pike, 25k mtb incorporating both red north & south mtb trails, followed by a 9k trail/fell run. 6000′ Ascent
http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/whinlatter-duathlon
May
Keswick Half Marathon
Whether you’re looking to complete your first half marathon or are a veteran of this event then this circuit of Derwent Water, with a loop into the Newlands valley, is probably the most scenic 13 miles 192.5 yards in the country.
http://www.keswickhalfmarathon.co.uk/
Cockermouth Georgian Fair
TBC We hope to see this great event on the calendar again soon!
It was during the Georgian period that Cockermouth expanded into an important wool and weaving trading centre. With a market in the wide main street and Georgian-themed events this is a day out for all the family.
http://www.cockermouth.org.uk/georgianfair/
Keswick Jazz Festival
The four-day festival brings together many of the world’s finest exponents of mainstream and traditional jazz. The programme sees over 100 jazz events hosted by a dozen different venues, all covered by the festival’s pass.
http://www.keswickjazzandbluesfestival.co.uk/
Keswick to Barrow Walk
A 40-mile sponsored walk to raise money for charities and good causes. Teams of 6–12 walkers and runners challenge themselves on this route.
http://www.keswick2barrow.co.uk/
Ireby Festival
A range of music performed both in small venues and on a main stage in the small farming village of Ireby.
http://www.irebyfestival.co.uk/
Keswick Mountain Festival
The Keswick Mountain Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Keswick for a wide range of sporting and outdoor events, live music and legendary speakers. At the heart of the event is the Festival Village in Crow Park, overlooking Derwent Water, where visitors of all ages can enjoy a huge variety of activities.
http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/
June
10 in 10 Challenge and the Family 5 in 5 Challenge
Challenge yourself to the walk of a lifetime in the beautiful Lake District and be part of a national movement to stop MS.
Join the main event of 10 peaks in 10 hours, or bring the family for 5 peaks in 5 hours – it is an achievable challenge for an active family, great fun and for a great cause.
https://www.10in10.org.uk/events/family-5in5-challenge/
Bassenthwaite Festival
A small and unique festival of early and baroque choral and instrumental music, held in a magical setting in the churches of St John and St Bega by Bassenthwaite Lake
http://www.bassfest.org.uk/
Keswick Beer Festival
From humble beginnings in 1997 the festival has grown into an event attracting nearly 6000 beer enthusiasts. Over 250 barrels of beer, lager and cider will be available to sample, with live bands providing the entertainment. The event is always a sell-out, so be sure to book early.
http://keswickbeerfestival.co.uk/
Derwent Epic Swim
Derwentwater is the opening event in a series of three open water swims. Three distances (500m, 1.6km, 3.8km) to choose from at each event provides novices, intermediates and elite swimmers with a challenge to match their ability.
http://www.epicevents.co.uk/open-water-swims/derwent-swim.html
Woolfest Cockermouth
A showcase and a celebration of the best of wool and wool crafts. The event is all about creativity and design with beautiful quality and skilled craftsmanship.
http://www.woolfest.co.uk/
July
Keswick Scruff’s
A family friendly fun dog show plus entertainment. As one of Britains most dog friendly towns, Keswick Scruffs is great fun for all lovers of 4 legged friends.
http://keswick-scruffs.co.uk/
Borrowdale Trail Races
Becoming a classic on the trail circuit these races start and finish in Keswick, incorporating Derwent Water lakeshore trails and the Borrowdale Valley. Distances of 13k and 21k.
https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=4121
Scafell Pike Trail
A 42K Trail Marathon from Keswick incorporating Scafell Pike, England’s Highest Peak. Borrowdale is described as ‘the most beautiful valley in England’. Combine this with a route over Scafell Pike and you have a trail runner’s dream.
https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=2397
Derwent Water Regatta
A weekend of mayhem and madness afloat, with the chance to climb aboard in a variety of races on Derwent Water.
http://www.keswick.org/whats-on/festivals/derwentwater-regatta
Nichol End Free Sail Weekend
TBC JUL
Free Tuition: Take your chance to lean to sail, kayak or windsurf for free!
Free Hire: First hour of any hire is free – rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, sailing boats and windsurfers.
Nichol End is in Portinscale on the shores of Derwentwater, just 10 minutes from the hotel.
Call Nichol End to reserve for free session. 017687 73082
www.nicholend.co.uk
Maryport Blues Festival
A great weekend of live music, with pubs, clubs and cafes throughout the town playing host to bands across the weekend.
http://www.maryportblues.co.uk/
August
Cockermouth Agricultural Show
An action packed day for all the family. Show jumping, sheep dog demonstrations, sheep clipping, goats, poultry and much more.
http://www.cockermouthshow.co.uk/
Bassenthwaite Regatta ‘Bass Week’
Bassenthwaite’s annual Regatta Week, “Bass Week” offers wonderful sailing in a great family environment and in a setting of unrivalled natural beauty. This regatta ranks amongst the most popular open events in the north of England. Located at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club just 2 minutes from the hotel.
http://www.bassweek.org.uk/
Keswick Agricultural Show
The show attracts large numbers of competitors, exhibitors and spectators, and features both commercial and charity stands. It’s a great day out for all the family. This will be its second year at its new venue in Pump Field, just outside of Braithwaite.
http://www.keswickshow.co.uk/
September
Derwnt Water Trail Race
Starting and finishing at Fitz Park, in Keswick (CA12 4NF), the 10km Derwentwater Trail Run, 15km Derwentwater Trail Race and 15km Derwentwater Trail Challenge is a circuit 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. Underfoot conditions are generally good for those used to trail running, but expect a bit of everything! The course has no stiles, so there is nothing but the hills and the infamous Glendereterra bogs to break up your rhythm.
http://www.lakelandtrails.org/keswick
Loweswater Show
The Loweswater Show, now in its 139th year, has a long history and a successful format. Events include fell races for all ages, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, agricultural classes, children’s games and sheep dog and hound trials.
http://loweswatershow.com/
Buttermere Triathlon
Swim Buttermere lake, cycle up the challenging gradients of Whinlatter and Honister passes, run the trails around the beautiful shores of Crummock Water. This triathlon is possibly the most scenic in Britain.
https://www.sientries.co.uk/
Borrowdale Shepherds’ Meet
A traditional friendly Shepherds’ Meet. Fell races, sheep shearing, traditional crafts.
http://www.borrowdaleshow.org.uk
Buttermere Open Swim
Swim the whole circumference of this beautiful lake in the 5k race or twice in the 10k race. The swim follows the bays and inlets, staying close to the shoreline.
https://www.sientries.co.uk
Taste Cumbria, Cockermouth
A foody favourite – 100+ top producers, live cookery deomonstrations as chefs take it in turns to wow the crowd with amazing cooking. There is also a Market Place Food Court where you can sample the amazing cuisine on offer.
http://www.tastecumbria.com/festival/cockermouth-food-festival/
The Jennings Rivers Ride
A choice of 4 fundraising bike rides from Keswick through some of the UK’s finest scenery all the way to the Irish Sea and back.
http://www.cumbriafoundation.org/riversride/
October
Buttermere Shepherds’ Meet & Show
A traditional local show organised by shepherds and featuring sheep shows, dog shows, crafts and stalls, fell races, and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.
https://melbreakcommunities.wordpress.com/activities/buttermere-shepherd-meet-and-show/
November
Derwentwater Ten
A spectacular 10-mile road race run clockwise round Derwentwater. Undulating rather than hilly this course is one of the most scenic road races in the country, especially at this time of year!
http://www.keswickac.org.uk/
The Vintage Sports Car Club Lakeland Trials
Over 100 vintage cars wind their way up the hairpin bends of the torturous Honister Pass to converge on Honister Slate Mine in a throwback to the golden age of motoring.
http://www.vscc.co.uk/page/trials
Keswick Christmas Lights Switch On
Festive Family Fun – an exciting afternoon of lights, music, food and craft stalls.
December
Keswick Live Advent
A wonderful advent calendar with live pop-up events each evening at 4pm and the lighting of an illuminated window. The windows form a magical advent trail – lit until 5th January.
The Keswick Victorian Fayre
With lots of decorated charity stalls and a host of street entertainment, the Victorian Fayre is part of the festive season in Keswick. A small fun fair and a visit from Father Christmas guarantee it will be a hit with the children.
http://www.keswick.org/whats-on/festivals
Christmas Celebrations at Embleton Spa Hotel
24 DEC …
Christmas & New Year Packages at Embleton Spa Hotel