Lake District Hotel | Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel

Culture In The Lake District

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 09:00:26 -0800

So, you’re coming to the Lake District this Year! Whether you’re with the family; on a couple’s retreat, or maybe just here to get some alone time- you’d be missing out if you didn’t partake in a spot of Lakes culture while you were here. From Theatre performances; to moving, local films and art shows- the Lake District is full of talented, creative folk hoping to share their passion with you. Here are a few of our best suggestions for culture vultures in the Lake District in 2020.

The Lakeland festival of Light, Keswick – Sat May 2^nd 2020

Returning for their 6th year, The Lakeland Festival of Light is a community effort in Keswick in the Lake District, to raise funds for a chosen charity. 2020s charity will be the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs.

The festival of light creates live mountain art, by lining the spine of Catbells mountain with head torches, at night.

The festival runs a raffle which will be drawn at the start of the event. Raffle tickets are £2 a ticket, raising money for the charity as well as offering the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Over just 5 years the festival has raised in excess of £63,000 for various charities.

Carlisle Fringe

You’ve heard of the Edinburgh fringe- but have you heard of the Carlisle Fringe? This ten-day festival in the heart of Carlisle City promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2020!

The Fringe begins on the 23^rd August until the31^st, consisting of a mixture of comedy, drama, music and events for kids. Find out more HERE

Kitting-out for a Winter walk

Lots of people prefer walking in the Lakes in the Winter. There are less people around to disturb your tranquillity; the days can be clear and crisp; the scenery is often beautifully dusted with snow, and there’s always a warm pub and a pint to be found at the bottom.

Expect to wrap-up warm; take extra layers, and be more prepared than you might have been in the Summer… But, it’s all part of the fun of Winter walking in the Lakes!

Beautiful views of snowy mountains

Winter in the Lake District is the perfect time of year for budding photographers. While it is often still clear of snow lower down, the mountain-tops are guaranteed to have at least a splattering of snow, setting the scene for wonderful views and picturesque walks.

Staying warm by the fire

One thing the Lake District is not short of, is good pubs! You can expect many open fires, warm Winter meals, and lots of local ale to keep you occupied on the colder days! Check out our guide to...Read More

Winter Walking in the North Lakes

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 04:55:17 -0800

There is sometimes snow and ice. There is often rain. However, the draw of hiking in January and February in the Lake District cannot be ignored! With quiet roads; peaceful paths, and the guarantee of a seat in the pub when you get back down, it’s no wonder us ‘locals’ love this time of year in the Lakes!

That being said, the walking can get a wee bit more technical, what with all the snow and ice around on the tops. A good pair of Ice spikes and a bit of common sense is a must at this time of year. Be prepared and you will reap the rewards of an uncrowded trail and potentially (if your lucky) plenty of clear, icy days and views from the summit!

So, without further ado – Our 5 favourite, late-Winter walks in the North Lakes…

Dale Head to Honister from Rosthwaite
Fleetwith Pike
Skiddaw via Ullock Pike
Red pike and Haystacks from Buttermere
High Tove, High Seat, Bleaberry Fell ridge walk

1. Dale Head to Honister from Rosthwaite

This walk takes you through the village of Rosthwaite; across the River Derwent, and up Tounge Gill, passing the old slate mines en-route. Levelling out as you cut across the grasslands to Dale Head Tarn, then beginning the steep climb up to Dale Head’s summit. The views from Dale Head across the two valleys of Borrowdale and Newlands are spectacular, especially when the surrounding fells are covered in a dusting of snow.

Drop down the Southerly path from Dale Head, which leads straight and steeply down to the slate mine and YHA at Honister. If you’re lucky, the café at Honister will be open for a quick tea break, before following either the road, or the off-road path back to Rosthwaite via Seatoller. Another pit-stop at the dog-friendly...Read More

5 Things to do on a rainy day in the Lakes

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 07:51:56 -0800

It’s raining today… it rains a lot in the Lake District, I’m sure you noticed! But not to despair – you probably don’t feel like a long hike in the driving rain (although some people do actually enjoy that apparently!), but there are tons of amazing things to do in the Lake District when it’s raining. Here are some of our absolute favourite rainy days out with the family.

Take to the caves!

Something the Lake District is packed full of is big rocks; so, it’s not surprising that there are a fair number of natural caves in the Lakes. Our favourite, most family friendly cave to explore is Rydal cave, on Rydal Water, near Grasmere. This cavernous cave sits on the North edge of Loughrigg Fell but can still be easily accessed from the road. Visitors to the caves must cross a set of stepping-stones to get to the entrance, so wellies are advisable. The cave itself is not very deep but offers amazing views out across Rydal Water and Nab Scar. Lunch in Grasmere after your excursion is an absolute must!

Adventure Even Deeper!

Honister Slate mine, located at the far end of the Borrowdale Valley, on the route known as Honister Pass, offers all sorts of brilliant family-fun packages. Take a guided tour of the mine, perfect for rainy days. Or for more active families, Honister have a ‘Climb the mine’ tour, which can basically be described as ‘Go-Ape’ but inside a giant cave! Finish off your day with a drive over Honister Pass to Buttermere, for a pub lunch and a well-deserved pint.

Visit the Gingerbread shop!

Sarah Nelsons Grasmere Gingerbread is a part of the Lake District’s heritage; harking back to 1854, the...Read More

Christmas Markets In The Lake District

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 11:14:54 -0700

The Lake District is famous for its markets, so it will come as no surprise that Lake District Christmas markets are in plentiful supply too! If you love sipping a hot glass of mulled wine while you peruse beautiful and unique gifts for your loved ones, then the Lakes is your place for this year’s Christmas shop!

What makes the Lake District so unique for Christmas Markets though? You may ask. Well, from totally unique and locally produced crafts, to herdwick woollen goods; fantastic local Cumbrian delicacies and even beautiful, bespoke Cumbrian designer pieces- you’re sure to find a gift for everyone at a Lake District Christmas market.

Here are a few of our favourites:

1. Keswick Victorian Fayre – Sun 1^st Dec 2019

With an array of free live entertainment, including bands, choirs, dancers and more; a children's funfair, and over 30 stalls selling a selection of homemade crafts, produce, and festive food and drink – the Keswick Victorian Fayre is a great day out for the family, right in the centre of bustling Keswick.

And dont miss the Christmas light switch-on and fayre in Keswick! 22nd Nov 2019

Keswick Christmas Lights will be switched on this year by the local firemen and firewomen of Keswick. The official switch on will take place at 7pm, with bands playing in the main square from 6.15pm, and a guest appearance from Peter Rabbit.

2. Hawkshead Christmas Fair – Sat 7^th Dec – Sun 8^th Dec 2019

Hawkshead Christmas fair offers a full day of Christmas themed joviality, with Children’s Rides; over 50 market...Read More

5 Things To Do In The Lakes This Halloween

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 02:54:40 -0700

Halloween is such a fun time for kids. No more so than in the Lake District, where the changing of the seasons is one of our most beautiful and well-marked occasions. A trip to the Lake District at this time of year is a magical experience, especially for children. Jump in the big piles of leaves; enjoy a night round a bonfire; get cosy in an historic Lake District Hotel; take some super strolls through the changing landscape; avoid the Summer crowds, and enjoy the spectacle that is Halloween in the Lakes!

There’s so much going on this Halloween, (not just for kids, there’s plenty of spookiness for the grown-ups too) and we’ve chosen a few of our favourite child-friendly Halloween activities this year:

1. Sun 27 Oct - Kids in fancy dress go FREE in Spooky Fancy Dress at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Enjoy an array of spooky, Halloween themed crafts, games and lots of Halloween fun at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at the end of October.

Thurs 31^st Oct – Halloween face painting and trick-or-treat sweets at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Head on down to The World of Beatrix Potter, to get your face painted and enjoy a bag of sweet treats this Halloween.

2. 25th-27th Oct and 31st Oct-2nd Nov - Halloween week at Muncaster Castle

There’s so much going on at Muncaster Castle over the Halloween period, including: witches; a scary maze; potion making; live music, and much more! Dare you visit one of Britain’s most haunted castles this Halloween??

The Best Places To Take Autumn Photographs In The Lake District

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:17:30 -0700

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Lake District. With the turning of the seasons, comes an array of wonderful Autumnal colours, and the perfect opportunity for budding photographers.

But, where are the best places for a full Autumn spectacle in the Lake District? Where are the most scenic spots to capture Autumnal beauty? Let us give you some insider tips, to the best places to take Autumn scenery photos in the Lakes:

1. Thirlmere

Some of the biggest, oldest trees surround the shores of Thirlmere in the North Lakes. With a path all around the lake, and plenty of small surrounding fells to nip up for awe inspiring views- Thirlmere is one of our top suggestions for Autumn photography in the Lake District.

2. Dodd Wood, Bassenthwaite

The woods that run along the east side of the A591 are absolutely spectacular in autumn. With paths running through this ancient woodland, it’s one of the best places in the Lakes to get some really scenic Autumn forest shots, with Bassenthwaite lake in the background.

3. Derwent Water

There are lots of small fells surrounding Derwent Water, including Cat Bells; Friars Crag, and Castle Crag- all giving perfect vantage points over the stunning Northern Lake, Derwentwater. The famous view point, ‘Surprise View’ gives photographers the perfect spot, for some spectacular, russet, Autumnal shots of the lake and Cat Bells in the background.

4. Penny Rock Woods, Grasmere

The woods at the southern end of Grasmere lake are alive with colour in the Autumn. You can get some spectacular shots of the deep woods,...Read More

Things To Do In The Lake District This Autumn

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 09:14:55 -0700

Autumn is a beautiful and amazing time of year, and the Lake District is a riot of wonderful colours as the seasons change. The days may be shortening but there is still lots to see and do in the Lake District. Autumn is the perfect time to book a stay in the Lake District, with the kids back at school; lots going on, and discounted hotel prices, it’s no wonder the Lake District is one of Britain’s most popular places to visit in the Autumn!

5 Things to do in the Lakes this Autumn

1. The Winter Droving, Penrith 26^th October 2019

The Winter Droving is a fantastical festival in Penrith, in the North Lakes that celebrates the rural traditions of the Lake District. The biggest highlight of the festival is a torch-lit procession through the town, with lanterns; fancy-dress; music, and a little bit of magic.

There is a rural market that will kick off at 10am, as well as street entertainment, live music, games and rides.

“Remember to turn your clocks back four centuries... the rules are wear a mask and let your hair down at this Cumbrian rural shindig!”

To find out more, visit the Winter Droving Facebook Page .

2. Fruit Picking In The Lake District

Autumn in the Lake District is abundant in not just colour, but magnificent Autumnal fruits and produce. Whether it’s wild-picking blackberries, or visiting a farm to ‘pick your own’, fruit picking in the lakes is a...Read More

5 Tips For Planning A Last-Minute Lake District Hotel Stay

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 06:55:30 -0700

If you want to make the most of the great British Summer, before the sun returns to its hidey hole for the rest of the year, then a stay in a Lake District Hotel might be the ideal last-minute trip for you and the family!

There are so many fun things to do, events and outdoor pursuits in the Lake District, it’s no wonder tourists flock to stay in a Lake District hotel in their Summer holidays!

But If you think it’s too late to book a Lake District hotel, then you’re in for a surprise! The Lake District is one of the best locations for last minute stays, with tons of last-minute availability and even discounts available in the summer months.

Many Ways To Get Away

Here are some tips and trick for booking a last-minute Summer stay, in a Lake District hotel

1. Look out for discounts

Lots of Hotels in the Lake District offer discounts, especially toward the end of the Summer. Dale Head Hall is currently running a fantastic discount on stays in September!

2. Book direct

Lots of people book their Lake District hotel stays with third party booking sites these days, but we’re going to let you in on a little secret: Most (almost all, in fact) Lake District hotels will offer the same rate as external booking sites, but they don’t list all of their rooms on those sites. Call direct, tell the hotel about the deal you’ve seen online, and ask if they will honour it… Spoiler...Read More

What’s On In The Lake District this August Bank Holiday

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:45:38 -0700

Are you coming to the Lake district this August bank holiday? If not, you’re missing out on some spectacular events; family fun-days; guided walks, and much more goings on. What's more, it's looking like the sun will be shining in the Lakes this August Bank Holiday weekend!

It's not too late to book a fun-filled Bank Holiday stay in the Lakes! Check Availability Here

Here are a few of our top event suggestions for folks visiting the lake District this August Bank Holiday:

Keswick Agricultural Show– Mon 26^th August

Enjoy a full day of family entertainment; including show ponies, horses, sheepdogs, wrestling display, fell race, sheep clipping, and terrier racing.

Race The Tide– Sat 24^th August

Runners of any ability are challenged to race the tide. This exciting race “follows a 10k wild, natural route where you will be pushed to your limits to complete obstacles, crawl through mud, wade and swim through rivers and scramble to the top of wooded hillsides.”

The race starts and finishes at Muncaster Castle, who are also providing a celebratory hog roast and ceilidh to top off a fun day of racing.

Grasmere Bank Holiday, BBQ and SwimRead More