Visiting the Lake District in October
Autumn is in full swing in the Lake District in October, with the colours at their fiery best – don’t forget your camera, it’s a photographer’s paradise – and plenty of Halloween and half-term events happening around the county to keep the kids entertained.
Why visit the Lakes in October?
The cooler temperatures mean it’s also a great time to visit to go walking, hiking, and cycling now that the larger crowds have disappeared.
But, if the weather does take a turn for the worse, there are numerous museums and attractions to visit, indoor climbing walls to get to grips with, and lots of cosy country pubs to hang out in too.
What’s the weather like in the Lake District in October?
It’s getting cooler by the day come October, with rainfall more than likely and the nights starting to draw in, so don’t forget to pack your waterproofs and walking boots, and chunky jumpers for the evening.
More weather details
The crisp air and lower temperatures make for ideal walking weather to take in the glorious autumn colours – just make sure you keep an eye on the forecast before you set off and make a note of what time it gets dark.
And, don’t forget, the clocks go back on October 26th, so there’ll be one less hour of daylight.
Typical Weather
- 6-10°C on average
- Rain 38-48% chance of rain
- Sunrise: 7:03-7:15am
- Sunset: 4:50-6:45pm
What should I wear when visiting the Lake District in October?
It does depend on what you’re planning to do, but our advice is to pack for all eventualities. You should be fine with waterproof jackets, jumpers and jeans or walking trousers with trainers or comfy shoes in the towns and villages.
What to wear details
If you’re planning to climb the fells or head to remoter parts of the county, make sure you’re properly equipped with sturdy boots, thermal layers and a waterproof jacket.
The weather can change in an instant at this time of the year, so make sure you check the local forecast carefully and remember to charge your mobile phone.
What to wear
Read our guide to everything you need to pack for a happy trip to the Lakes
Getting about the Lakes in October
Compared to the peak months, the roads will be less busy in October, but there will still be plenty of cars out and about, especially in and around the more popular towns like Ambleside, Bowness, Grasmere, Windermere, Hawkshead and Keswick. And there’s half-term to factor in at the end of the month too.
Escape the car during your visit
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.
How busy is the Lake District in October?
October is a good time to visit as everything is still open and there’s plenty going on – and if you can visit during the first three weeks of October before half-term, then the crowds will be smaller. We’d still advise booking popular attractions, boat rides and restaurants in advance just to be on the safe side, though.
Want to escape the crowds?
If you do want to escape the tourist hot spots in search of complete peace and quiet, consider taking day trips to some of the less visited but equally beautiful lakes and fells.
Places like Borrowdale, 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, especially now the russet reds and golds of autumn are putting on a spectacular show.
Find the best Lake District…
Things to do in the Lake District in October
October is spooky time in the Lake District, which means the goosebumps aren’t just because of the chillier weather, so scare yourself silly with…
Halloween half-term fun
From ghost tours and Halloween events to pumpkin carving and horrific happenings, all set against a backdrop of awesome autumn colours, the Lake District is definitely the (sacariest) place to be this October.
Spooky events and creepy locations
Learn about Hawkshead’s dark past on a Hawkshead Ghost Walk with Tallow Tales, or join Lakeland Hauntings as they explore the murderous mysteries and tortured souls of Keswick. Do you dare?
Ancient structures of the Lakes
Is there anything more mysterious than a stone circle shrouded in early morning mist, the stories that reside in the remnants of a ruined abbey or the echoing walls of a haunted castle?
October is an ideal time to take in some historic Cumbrian sites and get your imagination fired up by what once was.
Take in Cumbria’s natural beauty
Leaves, Waterfalls, Wildlife
The autumn colours
It’s time to get snap happy and capture the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Not sure where to go? Then book yourself on a photography workshop – there are a few to choose from. Stuart McGlennon Photography, and David Speight Photography know their stuff.
Prefer to go it alone? Then places like Ashness Bridge, Dodd Wood, Clappersgate Bridge, and Friars Cragg will have you happily clicking away.
Waterfalls in full force
It’s likely to rain in October, but don’t let that dampen your spirits. After rainfall is the best time to go on a waterfall walk.
And, while we can’t claim to have anything on the scale of Niagra Falls, the Lake District does still have its fair share of impressively roaring forces (as they’re known in the local dialect) to explore.
Wildlife spotting
From red deer to grey seals, and curlews to oystercatchers, October is a great time to go wildlife spotting in the Lake District. This guide from the Wildlife Trust will tell you the best spots to visit.
Or, if you want to know where to head to have a chance of seeing the elusive red squirrel, our guide will point you in the right direction. Don’t forget your binoculars.
Lace up your walking boots
Now that the larger crowds have made their way back home, it’ll be quieter out on the fells – even the more popular ones. And exploring on foot is the best way to take in the autumn colour at its best.
Wherever you’re staying in the Lake District, there’s breath taking scenery to see and interesting places to explore – from jaw-dropping landscapes to mysterious caves, stunning waterfalls to industrial remains, and even plenty of pram-friendly walks if you’re travelling with very young children.
Not sure where to go walking?
If you’re not feeling confident enough to find your own way, you can go on a free guided walk with the National Park. They run throughout October and there are various easy and moderate routes to choose from, ranging from short walks to more challenging all-dayers, all led by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Feeling adventurous?
Mines, Mountains, Bikes, and Treetops
Head to Honister Slate Mine
You can 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.
Get on your bike
The trails will be quieter in October, so if getting out and about on two wheels appeals, 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.
Lake District boat trips
You can’t come to the Lake District without taking to the water at some point, either under your own steam or on a boat trip. The lakes are looking more tempting than ever in October as the landscape around them has transformed into a showstopping display of autumn hues.
Grizedale & Whinlatter
There’s plenty to see and do in this ancient woodland. There are hiking, running and cycling trails, wildlife to spot, sculpture trails to follow, family activities to enjoy, and, being autumn, fallen leaves to crunch underfoot.
If you’ve got a head for heights and a sense of adventure, you can Go Ape, with a range of treetop adventures.
Other ways to get out on the water
There are plenty of other ways to get out on the water too – from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, and even wild swimming if you’re feeling brave enough to get into the cooling waters. You can hire equipment from various places around the Lakes, including Brockhole, the Coniston Boating Centre, The Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, and Derwent Water Marina.
Lakeland’s history and landscape
Houses, Castles, Museums, and Fooood!
Historic houses and impressive castles
Who doesn’t love a good nose round an historic house or an impressive castle? The Lake District has its fair share, and it’s a great way to spend some time on cooler days. Blackwell, an Arts and Crafts gem near Bowness, is 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.
The Lake District’s past, brough to life
We have a multitude of museums dotted around the county too. So, if the rain falls and you don’t fancy being outside, head indoors and learn about everything from pencils to poets and land speed records to Beatrix Potter’s fungi illustrations.
A trip to the mining museum and railway at Threlkeld Quarry is a fascinating way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Illustrious literary connections
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. And, on display for the first time is Beatrix’s coded recipe for American gingerbread.
Poetry lovers
Make a pilgrimage to Dove Cottage (and Wordsworth Grasmere), the former home of daffodil-fancier, William Wordsworth.
And culture vultures should also visit Brantwood, where art historian and critic, John Ruskin lived and worked and also created a stunning 250-acre garden, including the Maple Walk, which will be alive with autumn colour in October.
Traditional Lakeland food
Did someone mention gingerbread? Line up at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop to pick up some of their deliciously different, spicy sweet gingerbread. You can’t miss it – just follow your nose. And if you can’t get to Grasmere, there’s now also a shop in Hawkshead.
Lake District events in October
Our What’s On page will help make sure you don’t miss any of the spooky (and non-spooky) happenings in October in the Lake District, but here are a few dates you might want to put in your diary.
View upcoming October events
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
Where can I see daffodils in the Lake District?
Who would have thought a flower could become a tourist attraction? Here’s our selection of the best places to see daffodils in the Lakes
Bluebell walks in the Lake District
Blankets of bluebells can be seen in ancient woodland and beyond all over Cumbria from mid-April and throughout May
Lake District distilleries & breweries
Home to a growing number of independent breweries and distilleries, some with tours, or tap rooms, or pubs. Bottoms up!
Visiting the Lake District in September
The nights draw in, the crowds start to drift back to work and school, and summer begins its gradual handover to autumn
Coniston boat trips and boat hire
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Our top 4 Staveley walks – from meanders to mountains
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