Visiting the Lake District in August

Majestic mountains (or fells, as we like to call them up here), charming villages and vibrant, bustling towns, luscious landscapes and ancient forests, historic houses and gardens, ancient sites and standing stones, and for foodies, the most Michelin stars outside that London.

And then, of course, there are the alluring lakes that give the Lake District its name. So come when the weather is warmer, the daylight hours are long, and the rain is not so frequent – just don’t expect to have it all to yourself.

• What’s the weather like?
• What should I wear?
• Getting around
• How busy will it be?
• Activities
• Local events

It will still be mostly warm and dry in August, but this is the Lake District we’re talking about, so it’s always wise to pack a brolly and a waterproof jacket along with your sun cream and sunglasses.

Temperature wise, you can expect average highs of around 18 degrees Celsius, with some days nudging heroically into the twenties.

Typical Weather

• 12-18°C on average
• Rain 33-38% chance of rain
• Sunrise: 4:30-6:20am
• Sunset: 8:05-9:50pm

It depends on what you’re planning to do. You should be fine with lightweight jackets, jumpers, and trainers or comfy shoes in the towns and villages – shorts too if the sun’s shining or you’re one of those hardy souls who wears shorts all year round.

If you’re planning to climb the fells or head to more out of the way places, then sturdy boots, thermal layers, and a waterproof jacket should definitely be in your luggage too.

What to wear

Read our guide to everything you need to pack for a happy trip to the Lakes

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 you’re bringing the car or not, you’ll find 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.

The Lake District has been popular for a long time but, these days, the Lakes is a year-round holiday destination, so no month is completely quiet, but August is peak tourist season, and it will busy.

The good news is, there’s plenty of room for everyone – but our advice is to always book popular attractions, boat rides, and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you do want to find some peace and quiet and escape the tourist hot spots, consider taking day trips to some of the less visited but equally beautiful lakes and fells. Places like the Duddon Valley or the Ennerdale Valley are stunning – they may take a little more effort to get to, but the landscape will reward you with its jaw-dropping beauty.

Find the best Lake District:

• Pubs
• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Walks

The Theatre by the Lake

There’s plenty of drama in the breathtaking views from the outside seating at the Lakeside Café Restaurant – the perfect spot to enjoy something tasty before you tuck into a dazzling performance.

The Theatre by the Lake >

The Old Laundry Theatre

Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate little theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, classical music, folk, comedy, lectures, and film.

Old Laundry Theatre >

Live theatre screenings

Fellinis is the host of many superb live via satellite, and pre-recorded shows from the world of Theatre, Music, Opera and Dance.

These events are truly special; you get to be there on the night with all the comfort of a front row seat.

With the restaurant downstairs you can have a full evening or meet friends before the event in the lounge bar.

Fellinis live theatre screenings >