What's happening in the Lake District 2026
Inspiration
Planning an escape to the Lake District in 2026?
Here is our hand-picked guide to the most standout events across the year, from daring experiences like hot air balloons to stargazing nights canoeing, plus a collection of headline festivals and scenic stately homes/castles.
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
Lake District: Ultra Challenge
Take on the new Ambleside 10km route, where you can expect steep hills and rocky paths with lake views – all whilst you descend back to town. The elevation comes in two steady lumps rather than one brutal push, which makes pacing simpler.
Being the shortest of seven routes of the 'Lake District Ultimate Challenge 2026', the Ambleside route is best suited for beginners, or those who want to take park in the fun without going to extreme lengths.
When: Saturday 6 June, 2026
Lake District hot air balloon rides
If you're feeling extra daring, why not consider venturing on a hot air balloon, where you can get the best possible view covering the entirety of the Lake District. From Graythwaite Estate, lift through pockets of woodland, with Windermere slowly and slowly dwarfing in size as you rise towards the clouds.
Good to know: flights are weather-dependent and often confirmed on the day. Wear boots or sturdy trainers, long sleeves and layers. Landings are typically soft, but can get bumpy
Keswick Mountain Festival
The UK’s biggest mountain weekender blends sport with a lakeside weekender.
Mornings are filled with 5 to 50km races and swimming starts off at the Derwentwater shores. If you're a proponent of hardcore track and athletics then you'll love what comes in the afternoons, as the bikes come out, with coached sessions that cover navigation, fell skills and technique. Finally, evenings are reserved for the main stage and lakeside reflections.
When: Friday 15 – Sunday 17 May, 2026
Stay nearby: Stanwix Park Holiday Centre – Greenrow, Silloth, Cumbria, North West CA7 4HH
Stanwix Park, situated on Cumbria's Solway Coast next to a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers visitors breathtaking views, sunsets over the Solway Firth and is just minutes away from the popular Victorian seaside town of Silloth, with its 36-acre green, striking promenade and sandy West Beach.
Lake District music
2026 Lake District Summer Festival
Classical music and the Lake District make a really interesting combination, especially with a programme jam-packed with rising artists and more established names.
Lookout for daytime masterclasses that open the rehearsal room doors, then attend one of many evening concert to finish the day, which will be sure to set the tone for the rest of your trip.
When: Friday 31 July – Sunday 9 August, 2026
Kendal Calling
Kendal Calling returns to the Lake District with headline sets, woodland designs and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Stay nearby: Hillcroft Park – Roe Head Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, North West CA10 2LT
Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
When: Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August, 2026
Dark sky canoeing
Ever fancied a winter canoe trip? Well, upon the list of the top Lake District family activities, dark sky canoeing is up there as one of the most scenic and unique.
Sessions typically start late afternoon, whilst it is still light, so that you can learn how to do strokes in open canoes. Towards the evening, guides will lead a stargazing mini-session, where you may be able to identify some constellations and share your knowledge of the myths and history which surround them.
Safety: canoes are extremely stable. Bring gloves, hat and a spare mid-layer. Head torches are provided.
When: February – March, 2026
Muncaster Castle
One of the most historical castles, Muncaster Castle is steeped in history and legend. It’s known as the home of ancient good luck spells and was once inhabited by a medieval jester believed to be the original "Tom Fool" – the inspiration behind King Lear’s fool. For over 800 years, the Pennington family has called this castle their home.
Surrounded by more than 70 acres of gardens, Muncaster features plants from around the world, especially from the Himalayan region. These rare trees and exotic plants thrive against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District, creating a truly unique botanical escape.
Before your visit, you can download an audio guide to enhance your experience as you wander through the gardens with stunning views all around.
Stay nearby: Shepherds Views Holidays – B5344, Holmrook, Cumbria, North West CA19 1XU
Only 11 minutes away from Muncaster Castle, Shepherds Views is ideally situated, especially for cyclists as it is near the start of Hadrian’s Cycleway which takes you from Ravenglass to South Shields, passing the entrance to the campsite. Also in and around the local area are cycle routes for all cycling abilities, from country lanes to extreme mountain biking.
Lowther Castle & Gardens
After being abandoned post-WW2, Lowther Castle was partly demolished in 1957, but has since been restored as a vessel for tourism and rich history.
The first thing visitors will see is that the castles shell has remained, the original walls, design and layout is still in place, but the interior has been completely stripped.
Stay nearby: Thacka Lea Caravan Park – Thacka Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, North West CA11 9HX
Around 20 minutes away from Lowther Castle lies Thacka Lea Caravan Park which has been a family-run business for over fifty years. The campsite is located at the north end of the small market town of Penrith, a 10-minute walk to the town centre and easily accessible to the M6 and A66. Ullswater, only six miles away, is the second-largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District. Other nearby lakes, towns and villages within the Lake District National Park and Eden Valley can be easily visited.
Sizergh Castle
Sizergh deserves a slower visit, as you can move from room to room through oak panelling, carved overmantels and portraits that link the local areas to national history.
Outside, the gardens showcase a variety of flowers, whilst the larger estate offers several other walking trails. One tip: if you plan to take this walk, be aware that part of the trail is quite uneven.
Fun fact: Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, is said to have lived at Sizergh Castle after 1533
Adventure on the water
The name, "Lake District", says it all. The Lakes are for getting wet and spending time in the water.
Windermere, Coniston, Derwentwater and Ullswater are the big four for hire centres, where you can try paddleboarding, sailing lessons, or even keep it simple and try your hand at open-water swimming – it's harder than you think, so it is advised that you join a supervised course.
Safety: always check permissions and weather
Hidden gems in the Lake District
Cathedral Cave
Cathedral Cave, also called Cathedral Quarry, is a series of slate tunnels and chambers that resemble a natural cathedral. It was formed over centuries by quarrying and controlled explosions, where the daylight streams through two large “windows” in the slate walls, lighting up a central rock pillar that hold together the space.
In the nineteenth century, the quarry supplied green slate to many homes. Author, Beatrix Potter, once owned the site and later donated it to the National Trust – who now care for it.
Access: there is no official car park at the entrance. Many visitors start from Little Langdale and walk their way across
Ennerdale Water
Ennerdale Water is one of most quiet lakes in the Lake District and a read hidden gem, offering peaceful surroundings and beautiful details to enjoy. The trails are shared with coastal walkers but see fewer day visitors than Windermere or Derwentwater.
The complete loop is a six-mile hike which can take over three and a half hours, so hiking boots are advised for those rockier paths, which follows the lake’s shore and provides stunning views.
Ennerdale Water is the westernmost lake in the Lake District National Park, nestled in Ennerdale Valley near the village of Ennerdale Bridge.
Plan it: park near Ennerdale Bridge and walk shoreline sections
Top campsites near the Lake District
Hillcroft Park – Roe Head Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, North West CA10 2LT
Shepherds Views Holidays – B5344, Holmrook, Cumbria, North West CA19 1XU
Thacka Lea Caravan Park – Thacka Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, North West CA11 9HX
Stanwix Park Holiday Centre – Greenrow, Silloth, Cumbria, North West CA7 4HH
FAQs
-
What is the best month for a Lake District hot air balloon flight?
Late spring to early autumn has the most flyable mornings with gentler winds. All flights are weather-checked on the day.
-
Can beginners manage the Ambleside 10km loop?
Yes, with decent fitness and proper footwear. The ascent is steep but steady. Plan ahead for rests and views.
-
Are Keswick Mountain Festival events suitable for families?
Very much so. There are junior runs, coached taster sessions and a compact site by the lake.
-
Is Cathedral Cave safe for children?
It is a former quarry. Supervise closely, use a torch in tunnel and respect any closures after rockfall checks.
-
Where should I stay for Kendal Calling?
Buy a camping or live-in vehicle pass when you book tickets. These sell out early. Off-site holiday campsites in the Penrith area are a good fallback with day parking at the event.
Try our Campsite Finder!
We have an extensive database of campsites across the UK and Europe.
Whether you're looking for the perfect pitch for your motorhomes, caravans, tents or to hire glamping accommodation or a holiday home or lodge, our exclusive Campsite Finder will help you choose your next weekend break, midweek getaway or summer holiday in the UK or Europe.
Latest campsite news
Explore campsites in the UK
Whether you're searching for the very best touring parks or looking for a great value campsite near amazing destinations, we've got you covered right here on Out & About Live.
Premier Parks campsites announced for 2026
A collection of the finest campsites in the UK, Premier Parks helps you to enjoy unforgettable holidays – for all the right reasons! Explore campsites and touring parks the length and breadth of the UK, all united in providing a premium experience thanks to their pitches, facilities and customer service.
Try our Campsite Finder!
Discover brilliant campsites around the UK and overseas with Campsite Finder. You can browse by popular destinations or by specific search criteria, like dog-friendly, adults-only and family-friendly campsites, helping you to find the perfect location for your next break.
Next Shows
The Big Land Rover Fest 11th - 12th July 2026
Experience The Big Land Rover Fest – a weekend of off-roading, live music, club displays and family fun at Newbury Showground, 11–12 Ju...
The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show 17th - 19th July 2026
Join The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show, 17-19 July 2026, for the Out & About Live Summer Party! Explore motorhomes, live demos, an...
Retro Festival 7th - 9th August 2026
Retro Festival celebrates timeless hits, vintage vehicles, fashion shows, and fairground fun.