The Perfect Time to Visit the Lake District
Why May is The Best Time to Visit The Lake District.
The Lake District has long been popular with writers, artists, poets and holidaymakers. But when is the best time to visit? Summer days can be beautiful but busy. The Winter months can be equally stunning and much quieter, while the Autumn colours should not be missed, particularly if you’re an avid photographer. However, one of the best times to visit is coming up right now. So, without further ado, why not consider a trip this May?
Why in May, you might wonder? Well, it’s a beautiful time of year. The days are getting longer, typically with more sunshine and less rain. The Easter rush has passed, and the Summer influx has yet to come.
Historically, May is one of the driest months of the year in Cumbria, meaning wet-weather gear can stay in the rucksack. And whilst hosts of golden daffodils might be past their best, the countryside is a riot of colour. There are carpets of bluebells and swathes of wild garlic in bloom everywhere. England is the best place in the world to see bluebells, and the woodlands of the Lake District offer some fantastic examples. Trees are also in bloom, rhododendrons are flowering, and the white blossom of the damson trees in the Lyth Valley is not to be missed.
Also, with the tourist season fully underway (the main season runs from April to the end of October), the local calendars are brimming with events, whether you enjoy outdoor pursuits or something a little more laid-back.
The Fred Whitton Challenge is a cycling sportive for those who enjoy a rigorous challenge. It is 112 miles of road cycling over some of the most challenging routes in the Lake District, with the fastest completing the route in around 6 hours. If two wheels aren’t your thing, but you still enjoy a tough challenge, you could tackle the Brathay Windermere Marathon on 20th May - it’s a full marathon (26.2 miles) but much more challenging than the more well-known marathons such as London because it takes in several climbs along the way. And, if you’re really brave (and extremely fit!), you could tackle the ’10 in 10’ (11th-20th May), which requires you to do the Brathay Windermere Marathon 10 times in 10 consecutive days!
If, like most people, you prefer a more sedate and relaxing introduction to the Lake District, don’t despair. Many other things are going on in May to whet your appetite. For example, there’s the Keswick Jazz Festival in the north of the county, the Cartmel Medieval Festival, the Cross Bay Walk across Morecambe Bay, Music on the Terrace at Brochole near Ambleside, Kendal Farmers Market and the Westmorland County Show not far from Kendal.
Whether you’re a walker, an outdoor pursuits adventurer or a culture vulture, whatever your preference, May is a wonderful time to visit the area and see what the Lake District offers.
Where are your favourite corners of the Lake District in summer? Add your suggestions to the comments box. (Please note that all comments are moderated before publication to prevent spam).
Suggested Cottages
We have selected a choice of holiday cottages of different sizes in scenic rural Lake District locations. Click the cottage name to view more images and information.
Hullet Hall - Sleeps 6
Hullet Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere. This Graythwaite Estate Cottage sleeps 6.
Underwood - Sleeps 6
A 3-bedroom, single-storey barn conversion with a hot tub and spectacular rural views over Coniston Water.
Fellside Barn-Sleeps 4
A pet-friendly detached country barn conversion near Ulverston.
Hatters Cottage - Sleeps 4
A delightful, off-the-beaten-track barn conversion between Coniston and Windermere.
Hammerhole - Sleeps 10
Hammerhole is a large lakeside Cumbrian Cottage with a jetty and boat mooring.
To book more Lake District Cottages, click here to view our complete Lake District Holiday Cottages collection.
Banner photo credit: Hatters Cottage in Hawkshead