Visiting the Lake District in April
Spring is fully sprung by April so you can expect warmer weather, cheeringly colourful flowers – the daffodils are still strutting their stuff before the bluebells start blanketing the landscape, trees heavy with blossom, and more hours of daylight – ideal for spending more time out on the higher fells.
Longer days and flowers in bloom
Early risers will appreciate the 6am sunrises. And who doesn’t love the sight of newborn spring lambs finding their feet in the fields as you drive around?
The good news for hikers, climbers, and bikers is; the days are getting longer. You’ll be able to go further, and higher, and still get back to your holiday cottage before the night draws in. Make sure to go prepared – the weather can still be fickle at any time of the year.
What’s the weather like?
It’s Cumbria, and it’s April, so although the temperature is nudging up a bit (7-10°C on average), a sudden shower is never too far away.
The old saying of four seasons in one day can be true of the Lake District at most times of the year, which means your waterproofs will still need to come with you. But, looking on the bright side, sunny days in April are frequent, and some of the most colourful.
Typical Weather
- 7-10°C on average
- Rain ~9 out of 30 days
- Cold nights
- Sunrise: 5:30-6:45am
- Sunset: 7:50-8:45pm
What should I wear when visiting the Lakes in April?
It’s April, there may be showers so… waterproofs. And sturdy boots. Come prepared for anything and you can’t go wrong.
Layers can be peeled off. Jackets can be swapped for jumpers if the weather’s dry and warm. But, it’s Cumbria not the Costa del Sol so unless you’re planning a spa day or a spot of wild swimming then come prepared for anything.
What to wear
Read our guide to everything you need to pack for a happy trip to the Lakes
Parking, Transport, and Getting around the Lakes
It’ll be busier than March as the Easter holidays fall in April this year so, expect some hold-ups getting to the more popular towns like Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick.
Ditch the car
The busier parts of the Lake District are well served by the bus network – the 555 (operated by Stagecoach) runs all the way from Kendal to Keswick and stops at Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere on the way, so it’s an ideal chance to take away the stress of sitting in a jam and leave your car parked up at your holiday cottage, while you enjoy the scenery from the top deck of a bus.
Fares are capped at £3 for a single journey too, which makes it an affordable way to get around.
Whether your bringing the car or not, you’ll kind all the parking and transport options you need in our guide to finding a Lake District parking place and other transport tips.
Park and explore
There’s a park and explore offer where you can get up to 5 of you to a central car park, then leave the car and set off on bus to anywhere else.
How busy is the Lake District in April?
People are dusting off their boots and other outdoor kit, peering out from their dark winter hidey holes, and venturing out more and more.
There’ll be more competition for parking places, and less quiet places in the main towns but, with it comes the local events, the bustle of activity, and the bloom of natural colour only our changeable weather can deliver!
Our advice?
Start booking popular attractions, boat rides, and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment. There will be more people out and about on the fells too, so the earlier you can get cracking the better.
Find the best Lake District:
Things to do in the Lake District in April
Get out on two wheels
With more dryer days, it’s less muddy than the earlier part of the year, which makes it ideal for on and off-road cycling.
If you haven’t brought your own bikes
There are plenty of places to hire them from. Most offer e-bike hire too, if you need a little help on the hilly bits – they can also suggest routes if you’re not familiar with the area.
Country Lanes Cycle Centre
Right by Windermere station.
Total Adventure
With two sites in Windermere and Bowness.
Lake District Bikes
In Lowick, a couple of miles south of Coniston.
Ghyllside Cycles’
With amazing riding straight from their central Ambleside shop
Hawkshead Bike Hire
With cycle routes that take you to famous locations such as Lake Windermere, Hill Top and Wray Castle
Visit gardens in bloom
April is a good time to visit some gardens now that things are getting more colourful as the spring flowers bloom.
Head to Holehird
A 10-acre fellside garden managed by the Lake District Horticultural Society. Or saunter through the grounds at Sizergh Castle.
Levens Hall or Brantwood
Take in some top-hole topiary at Levens Hall. Or make a beeline to Brantwood to admire the extensive gardens created by John Ruskin.
Muncaster
A mooch round the grounds of Muncaster at the end of April will treat your eyes to camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and azaleas..
Rydal Hall
Take some time to recognize the green-fingered skills of Thomas Mawson, designer of the formal gardens at Rydal Hall.
The lakes are calling
Hop on a boat and admire the fells from the water. The Steamers are open all year round but April will be busier so, make sure you either arrive early or book in advance if you don’t want to get stuck on dry land.
Boat hire and cruises
Try some peak experiences
Whether you’re a seasoned fell-bagger or just starting out, the Lake District is a climber’s paradise. Discover some of the more popular fells you can go at before they get busier in the summer months.
If you fancy an adventurous day out
Head to Honister Slate Mine
Go underground with guided mine tours or have a go at climbing the cavernous mine. Walk across the heart-in-mouth infinity bridge suspended 100 feet above the Borrowdale Valley. Or take on the Via Ferrata along Honister Crag.
For a more genteel way to spend the day
Visit the former home of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top.
Tour the house, which is filled with some of her favourite things and inspired many of her books. Stroll round the informal garden and see if you can spot scenes from her stories. You can also pot up some seeds to take home with you on the 18th and 21st of April.
Get stuck into the Lake District Visitor Centre
There are lots of activities to get stuck into the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole – everything from Archery to mini golf and a chance to take on some thrilling treetop adventures.
You can also hire a boat or a kayak and get out on the water. Or simply stroll around the grounds, relax in the café, take in an exhibition at the house and pick up a souvenir at the gift shop.
Who doesn’t love a nose round an historic house or an impressive castle?
Blackwell, an Arts and Crafts gem near Bowness
Worth a visit at any time of the year. As is Townend, a characterful 17th-century farmhouse in Troutbeck that’s full of fascinating objects and stories associated with the Browne family who lived there for generations.
Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass
Always has plenty going on for all the family during the holidyas. And if you do decide to head up that way, you might as well take advantage of their joint attraction ticket, which gives you a ride to remember through some spectacular scenery on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway too.
Unique events happening this April in the Lake District
Our what’s on page will keep you up to date with everything that’s going on in April in the Lake District, but here are a few dates to put in your diary.
If you’re coming for an Easter breaks in Lake District, there’s Easter family fun going on all over the county in April.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
More things to do in the Lake District
Film and TV locations in the Lake District
Film and TV locations in the Lake District. Explore the beauty of the Lake District through its iconic film and TV locations.
Visiting the Lake District in May
Look forward to warmer weather, longer days, fewer (hopefully) rain showers than April, and it’s the start of festival season.
Explore the shops of Coniston
Coniston can hardly be described as a major shopping destination, but you can find everything you need in this little Lake District village!
Museums in the Lake District
You may head to the Lakes for the fresh air and scenery, but, for those wet days how about a trip to one of the many museums?
Coniston Boat Trips
Discover the gems of Coniston Water on a tranquil boat trip. Glide across the shimmering waters, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery!
Wildlife in the Lake District
Come and see The Lake Districts whole menagerie of local creatures! From alpacas to otters, red deer to seals, and lots more.
