Things to Do in Lake District in April

April Weather in Lake District

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Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) and cool mornings that make early starts enjoyable for fell walks
Easter holiday period brings fewer international crowds but maintains full service schedules for boats, buses, and attractions across all 16 lakes
Spring lamb season peaks in April - local pubs serve the year's freshest Herdwick lamb dishes paired with seasonal vegetables from Cartmel Peninsula
Daffodil displays reach their spectacular peak around Grasmere and Rydal Water, creating the iconic Wordsworth country scenes with 4+ weeks of blooms

Considerations

Unpredictable April showers can turn a 2-hour fell walk into a 4-hour slog - weather changes happen within 30 minutes at altitude above 300m (984 ft)
School holiday pricing inflates accommodation costs by 25-40% during Easter weeks, with minimum 3-night stays required at most quality B&Bs
Daylight ends around 7:30pm, limiting evening photography opportunities compared to May-August when golden hour extends until 9pm

Best Activities in April

Classic Fell Walking Circuits

April offers ideal conditions for the Fairfield Horseshoe, Helvellyn via Striding Edge, and Scafell Pike routes. Cool mornings prevent overheating on ascents, while afternoon temperatures stay comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F). Streams run full from winter melt, making navigation easier. Visibility averages 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear days - better than summer's frequent haze.

Booking Tip: Book guided walks 2-3 weeks ahead through Mountain Leader qualified guides. Prices typically range £45-75 per person for day walks. Solo hiking requires OS maps and proper gear - weather can deteriorate rapidly above 400m (1,312 ft). Check fell top conditions before departing.

Traditional Steam Railway Journeys

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway runs full spring schedules in April with comfortable 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures perfect for the 40-minute journey through Eskdale. La'al Ratty connects to excellent walks at Dalegarth Station. Steam engines perform better in cooler air, producing more dramatic exhaust plumes for photography.

Booking Tip: Book return tickets online for £16-22 per adult, saving 10-15% versus station purchases. First departures at 10:15am offer best photographic light. Combine with Muncaster Castle visits using rail-and-castle packages typically costing £25-35.

Traditional Cumbrian Pub Crawls

April marks peak spring lamb season when traditional pubs serve the year's freshest Herdwick dishes. The Hole in t' Wall, Kirkstone Pass Inn, and similar establishments offer hearty meals perfect after cool fell walks. Beer gardens become useable again with afternoon temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F) by mid-month.

Booking Tip: Reserve dinner tables 5-7 days ahead, especially for Easter weekend. Traditional pub meals range £12-20, with Sunday roasts £16-25. Many pubs offer walker-friendly early dinners from 5pm. Look for pubs displaying Cumbrian Food Guild certificates.

Literary Heritage Walks

April brings perfect weather for following Wordsworth's footsteps around Grasmere and Rydal Water when daffodils peak exactly as described in his poetry. The 8km (5-mile) Coffin Route offers comfortable walking at 15-18°C (59-64°F) morning temperatures. Dove Cottage gardens showcase traditional Cumberland plants in spring bloom.

Booking Tip: Guided literary walks cost £8-15 per person through official Wordsworth Trust guides. Self-guided routes use free downloadable maps, but guided versions provide historical context worth the investment. Book Dove Cottage entry separately - often sells out during Easter holidays.

Classic Lake Cruises and Steam Yacht Trips

April weather provides excellent visibility across Windermere, Coniston Water, and Ullswater with minimal summer haze. The historic steam yacht Gondola begins full operations, while modern cruises offer heated saloons for changeable weather. Lake temperatures average 8°C (46°F) - too cold for swimming but perfect for scenic cruising.

Booking Tip: Book steam yacht tickets 10-14 days ahead - typically £12-18 for adults. Modern cruise vessels offer better weather protection and cost £8-15 for scenic trips. Combination tickets with local attractions save 15-20%. Morning cruises provide best photographic conditions.

Seasonal Photography Workshops

April offers the year's best landscape photography conditions with dramatic cloud formations, snow-capped peaks, and spring blooms. Professional light occurs between 6:30-8:30am and 6-7:30pm. Waterfalls run at full power from winter melt, while morning mist creates atmospheric lake scenes 60% of days.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost £85-150 for full-day sessions with professional guides. Equipment hire adds £25-40 per day. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for Easter period. Solo photographers should check weather forecasts carefully - conditions change rapidly at altitude.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Grasmere Daffodil Walk and Poetry Festival

Annual celebration of Wordsworth's famous daffodil poem with guided walks through the actual locations that inspired 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'. Features poetry readings, local crafts, and traditional Cumberland foods. Peak bloom typically occurs third week of April.

Early April

Easter Sheep Dog Demonstrations

Traditional working demonstrations across various farms show authentic Lakeland farming life. Herdwick sheep herding displays occur daily during Easter holidays, with opportunities to meet working Border Collies and learn about fell farming traditions dating back 1,000 years.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for rocky terrain - paths become slippery when wet and afternoon showers occur 10 days per month

Layered clothing system: base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) between valley and fell tops are common

Compact umbrella in addition to rain jacket - useful for sudden showers while sightseeing in towns like Ambleside or Keswick

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, intensified by reflection off lakes and remaining snow patches

OS Explorer maps in waterproof case - mobile signal disappears above 300m (984 ft) on most fells, making paper maps essential

Head torch with extra batteries - daylight ends by 7:30pm but many activities extend into evening hours

Thermal underwear for early morning starts - temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at dawn even when afternoon reaches 20°C (68°F)

Quick-dry clothing fabrics - avoid cotton except for casual town wear, as 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable when wet

Gaiters for hiking - prevent water and mud from entering boots during stream crossings and boggy sections

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial during 6+ hour fell walks, and cold drinks become unpleasant at altitude

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before January ends - Easter period sees 85% occupancy rates and many B&Bs require 3-night minimum stays during peak weeks

Start fell walks before 9am to avoid afternoon crowds and maximize chances of clear summit views before clouds build up around noon

Local buses (particularly the 555 and 508 routes) fill up quickly during Easter holidays - buy day passes online for guaranteed seats and 20% savings

Many fell car parks charge £3-8 daily but locals know free parking spots 10-15 minutes walk from popular trailheads - ask your accommodation host for recommendations