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A stone-buiolt barn conversion with rose-covered walls stands between trees with an open field at its rear.

The Perfect Time to Visit the Lake District

The Lake District has long been a favourite 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 yet much quieter, and 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 really 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.) And whilst the host of golden daffodils might be past their best, there are carpets of bluebells 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 all 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 takes in 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... there are lots of other things going on to whet your appetite. For example, there’s the Keswick Jazz Festival (3rd-6th May) in the north of the county, the Cartmel Medieval Festival (4th and 5th May), the Cross Bay Walk across Morecambe Bay (2 weekends in May), Music on the Terrace at Brochole near Ambleside (22nd May), Kendal Farmers Market (25th May) and the Westmorland County Show not far from Kendal (26th and 27th May).

Whatever your preference, May is a wonderful time to visit the area and see what the Lake District offers. Paul Johnson is the owner of the beautiful Riverside Apartment in Kendal, on the edge of the Lake District National Park

 

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

 

Hazel Seat - sleeps 8

Hazel Seat is a large holiday cottage with an indoor pool on Lake Windermere.

 

Hatters Cottage - Sleeps 2

 

Hammerhole - Sleeps 10

Hammerhole is a large lakeside Cumbrian Cottage with its own jetty and boat mooring.

 

For more Lake District Cottages to book, click here to view our complete Lake District Holiday Cottages collection.

Photo credit: Hatters Cottage in Hawkshead