Visiting the lake district in spring
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Spring Half Term | Easter Breaks
Spring in the Lake District is a wonder to behold
Think golden daffodils, trees in blossom, bluebell blankets, newborn lambs and a landscape coming alive as winter’s icy fingers loosen their grip.
Burrow into the World of Beatrix Potter and meet Peter Rabbit and his friends. Hike on thawed fells, bike through forest trails, sail on serene lakes, and finish up at a country pub for a well-earned pint.
Enjoy the longer days and Easter egg hunts, visit a stately home, and take in an outdoor festival – spring in the Lake District is alive with adventures just waiting to be had so, let’s get started!
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 hosts of golden daffodils in the Lakes.
Glencoyne Bay, Ullswater
Thanks to William Wordsworth’s poem, ‘Daffodils’, the daffodil has become synonymous with the Lake District. Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous lines after observing the daffodils growing along the shoreline of Ullswater while out on a stroll with his sister, Dorothy, back in 1802.
Since then, thousands of visitors have come every year to see the little yellow charmers lined up on the water’s edge ‘Fluttering and dancing in the breeze’.
Dora’s Field, Rydal
Planted with hundreds of daffodil bulbs by Wordsworth in memory of his daughter, Dora (who sadly died from tuberculosis aged 43 in 1847), the field which he owned next to St Mary’s Church in Rydal is a glorious yellow vision in spring.
These days it’s owned and managed by the National Trust, who ensure it is still covered in a blanket of blooms every year – and there are also benches dotted around where you can sit and enjoy the flowers.
Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden, Grasmere
Handily situated next to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, the entrance to Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden in Grasmere can be found on Church Stile, between the River Rothay and St Oswald’s churchyard.
Created by volunteers in 2003, it is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the blooms in the wild daffodil garden while you munch your gingerbread.
Don’t forget to visit Wordsworth’s grave in the churchyard while you’re there.
Sizergh Castle, Kendal
A circular spring wander through Brigsteer Woods, beginning at Sizergh Castle near Kendal (just on the edge of the Lake District), will reward your eyes with the sight of native wild daffodils (known as Lenten Lillies) blanketing the ground. Keep your nose peeled too, for the scent of wild garlic.
Visit the gardens at Sizergh Castle to see daffs carpeting the wildflower bank and dwarf blooms in the rock garden too.
We can also highly recommend a pint and something to eat at the Strickland Arms, which overlooks the entrance to Sizergh, when you’re done daff spotting.
Where can I see bluebells in the Lake District?
If blue is more your colour than yellow, then check out our favourite locations to go bluebell spotting below.
Rannerdale, Buttermere
When it comes to turning the ground blue, the magnificent bluebell display on the open fellside (bluebells are usually found in wooded areas) at Rannerdale, near Buttermere takes a bit of beating. So much so that visitors come from all over the world to see the ‘Valley of Bluebells’, with stunning views of Crummock Water as a backdrop to boot.
A sign put up by the National Trust warns visitors not to pick or trample on the historic and delicate blooms (local legend has it that bluebells have flourished here since the 12th century), so stay on the marked paths to avoid damaging them.
Skelghyll Wood, Ambleside
This ancient woodland is not only home to Britain’s tallest Grand Fir and Cumbria’s tallest Douglas Fir, it’s also one of the best places to see carpets of bluebells in spring.
Only a short, easy walk from Ambleside town centre, when you get there, follow the bluebell-flanked path to the viewpoint above Jenkins Crag, which offers stunning full-length views over the lake at Windermere.
Brandelhow Woods, Derwentwater
If you’re staying in Keswick, you can catch the steamer across Derwentwater to Brandelhow. Hop off and either take a stroll along the shoreline or head directly into the woods, where you’ll be greeted by thousands of bluebells flanking the mostly flat path in springtime.
The Brandelhow estate was the National Trust’s first-ever purchase in the Lake District back in 1902, and on the lakeshore near the jetty, you can see a lovely 2002 wooden sculpture of cupped hands celebrating their first 100 years of stewardship.
What else is happening in spring in the Lake District?
There’s always something going on in spring to keep you entertained.
Everything from Easter fun at Brockhole, to sporting events for the more energetic.
A film festival for culture vultures, and not forgetting National Marmalade Week.
Things to look forward to this Spring
Don’t forget to keep checking our regularly updated What’s On page for the latest events and information.
Easter at Brockhole
There’s not much you can’t do at Brockhole: archery, boat hire, kayaking, mini golf, Treetop Trek, indoor caving, a woodland faerie trail, karting, and lots more besides… phew! We’re tired just thinking about it. We haven’t even mentioned the café and the gift shop. Or the house and gardens.
And for Easter, you can expect more fun and frolics with Easter egg hunts and craft sessions to take part in too. Hop to it!
Keswick Mountain Festival
From May 17th to the 24th, Keswick is holding to its annual mountain festival. Expect trail running, kayaking and cycling events. Music and entertainment to get your groove on. Adventure and mountain-themed films at the Alhambra. Food stalls to refuel at. A beer tent for essential refreshment. An event village to pick up some new gear.
And, with glorious views over Derwentwater to Catbells to enjoy too, it’s got everything you need for a fun-packed weekend, whether you’re spectating or pulling your kit on to take part.
Keswick Film Festival
Film buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Keswick Film Festival. Save the date: it’s Thursday 29th February to Sunday 3rd March and will feature drama, documentary and short films at three different venues – the Alhambra, Theatre by the Lake (if there’s a better located venue in the country, we’d like to hear about it), and Rheged, in Penrith.
The full programme will be announced nearer the time, but we hear the festival organisers are very excited about the film they’ve manged to get for the closing slot.
There are also a couple of special guests to look forward to as well. Lights, camera, action!
The Lakeland Loop
Pedal power! Keen cyclists will be donning the lycra for the challenging Lakeland Loop on the 21st April.
The 69-mile route pedals off from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale and rewards riders with some of the best views in the Lake District – but all that beauty comes at a price, with some challenging climbs to tackle on the way, including Whinlatter Pass, Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass.
Are you up for it?
The World of Beatrix Potter
Easter in the Lake District isn’t complete without a trip to see Peter Rabbit and his friends at The World of Beatrix Potter. See Beatrix Potter’s stories brought to life in a magical woodland glade.
Explore Peter Rabbit’s Garden (watch out for Mr McGregor) and see how many details you can spot from the stories – you can even sample some of the fruit, vegetables and salad that’s grown there in the café. And don’t forget to take home a souvenir or two from the gift shop.
Muncaster Castle Easter Event
There’s always something exciting going on at Muncaster Castle, and Easter is no exception, with face painting, Easter trails around the castle and gardens, and the Muncaster Giant Easter Egg Hunt to look forward to in April.
Will your egg be one of those to survive the big drop-off – who knows?
Muncaster is reputedly one of the most haunted places in the country, so let us know if you see a ghost when you’re there.
Where Can I Stay when Visiting the Lake District in Spring?
Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a week (or longer), as a couple or bringing the whole family (including the pooches), for adventure or relaxation, we’ve got the perfect retreat waiting for you this spring.
And if we can help you with anything at all, just drop us a line and we’ll be more than happy to help.
