Things to Do in Lake District in December

December Weather in Lake District

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Waterfalls are at peak power - December rains create spectacular cascades at Lodore Falls and Aira Force, with water volumes 300% higher than summer months
Dramatic winter light for photography - low-angled December sun (when it appears) creates stunning reflections on Windermere, Coniston Water, and Ullswater between 11am-2pm
Cozy pub culture at its finest - traditional Lakeland inns have roaring fires, seasonal ales, and hearty dishes like Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding after cold fell walks
Genuine solitude on popular trails - routes like Catbells and Helvellyn see 80% fewer walkers than summer, offering peaceful mountain experiences typically impossible in peak season

Considerations

Unpredictable weather windows - only 4-5 hours of daylight (8:30am-3:30pm) with frequent cloud cover means outdoor plans often need last-minute changes
Many seasonal attractions closed - lake steamers run limited schedules, some fell cafes shut completely, and mountain rescue strongly advises against high-level walks without winter gear
Muddy, slippery conditions - December's 145mm (5.7 inches) of rain creates boggy paths and treacherous stone steps, requiring proper waterproof boots and gaiters for any serious walking

Best Activities in December

Low-level Lakeside Walking Routes

December transforms lakeside paths into mirror-like reflections during brief sunny spells, while avoiding dangerous high fells. Routes around Buttermere (4.8km/3 miles, 2 hours) and Tarn Hows (1.8km/1.1 miles, 45 minutes) offer stunning winter scenery without elevation risk. Morning mists lifting off the water create ethereal photography opportunities between 10am-noon.

Booking Tip: No booking required for self-guided walks. Download offline maps as mobile signal is patchy. Allow £8-12 per day for parking at popular trailheads. Check weather windows day-of rather than planning weeks ahead.

Traditional Pub and Brewery Tours

December is perfect for experiencing authentic Lakeland pub culture - roaring fires, seasonal winter ales, and hearty local dishes after cold outdoor activities. Historic coaching inns serve traditional Cumberland sausage, Herdwick lamb, and famous sticky toffee pudding. Local breweries offer winter warmers and Christmas ales unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book dinner tables 2-3 days ahead at popular pubs, especially weekends. Brewery tours cost £12-18 per person and run limited winter schedules. Many offer package deals with tastings and meals.

Christmas Markets and Festive Events

December brings authentic Christmas markets to Keswick, Kendal, and smaller villages, featuring local crafts, Lakeland specialties like Cumberland rum butter, and mulled wine. These markets capture genuine community atmosphere absent in summer tourist season, with local artisans selling fell-walking gear, slate crafts, and regional delicacies.

Booking Tip: Most markets run weekends throughout December, typically 10am-4pm. Free entry but bring cash for small vendors. Parking fills early (arrive by 10:30am) so consider bus services from larger towns.

Indoor Cultural Attractions

December weather makes this ideal for exploring museums and historic houses without summer crowds. Wordsworth Museum, Beatrix Potter attractions, and Blackwell Arts & Crafts House offer intimate experiences with proper time to appreciate exhibits. Many feature special Christmas displays and seasonal activities perfect for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Adult admission typically £8-15 per attraction. Many offer winter season passes (December-March) for £25-35 covering multiple sites. Check opening hours as some reduce winter schedules or close Mondays/Tuesdays.

Lake Cruises and Steam Railways

Limited winter schedules create special atmosphere on Windermere cruises and heritage railways. December sailings offer dramatic winter landscapes and cozy heated cabins, while Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway runs special Christmas services with seasonal refreshments. Fewer passengers mean guaranteed window seats and peaceful journeys.

Booking Tip: Winter timetables run reduced schedules - typically 2-3 departures daily vs summer's hourly service. Book 24-48 hours ahead for weekend Christmas specials. Standard cruises cost £12-20 adults, Christmas specials £25-35 with refreshments.

Photography Workshops and Winter Landscape Tours

December's dramatic weather creates perfect conditions for landscape photography - moody skies, mirror lake reflections, frost-covered bracken, and atmospheric mist. Short daylight hours concentrate golden hour opportunities, while experienced local guides know exactly when and where conditions align for spectacular shots.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops run £85-150 per day including guidance and transport to optimal locations. Book through established photography schools rather than general tour operators. Small groups (6-8 people) essential for proper instruction.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Keswick Victorian Christmas Fair

Traditional Christmas market in Keswick's historic market square featuring local artisans, seasonal foods, and authentic Lakeland crafts. Highlights include Cumberland sausage stalls, handmade slate decorations, and traditional carol singing. Captures genuine community Christmas spirit without commercial tourist market atmosphere.

Early December

Kendal Mountain Festival Winter Series

Continuation of November's main festival with December film screenings, talks by mountaineers, and gear exhibitions. Perfect for understanding Lake District's climbing and hiking culture during indoor winter evenings. Features local adventurers sharing winter fell-walking wisdom and safety tips.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - December's 145mm (5.7 inches) rainfall creates muddy, slippery conditions on all walking routes

Breathable waterproof jacket and trousers - sudden weather changes mean you need full protection that won't cause overheating during uphill sections

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) - temperatures drop quickly from 8°C (46°F) at dawn to 24°C (75°F) midday, requiring adaptable layering system

Waterproof day pack cover - frequent showers will soak through standard backpack material, ruining electronics and spare clothes

Head torch with extra batteries - only 7 hours daylight (8:30am-3:30pm) means you might need illumination for early starts or extended walks

Gaiters for muddy paths - essential for keeping water and mud out of boots on boggy lakeside tracks and fell approaches

Warm hat and waterproof gloves - wind chill around exposed lakes and on fell tops makes extremities dangerously cold even at moderate elevations

Cash for parking and small venues - many car parks and rural pubs don't accept cards, especially in smaller villages and remote trailheads

Offline maps and GPS device - mobile coverage is patchy in valleys and weather can deteriorate rapidly, making navigation critical for safety

Insider Knowledge

Check fell top weather forecasts on MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) rather than general weather apps - conditions at 500m (1,640ft) elevation differ dramatically from valley temperatures and can be life-threatening

Morning car park availability is crucial in December - arrive by 9am at popular spots like Buttermere or Tarn Hows, as fewer spaces are cleared of snow and ice

Local bus services (599, X4, X5) continue through winter and know road conditions better than sat-nav systems - drivers often provide real-time weather updates for destinations

Many locals do their serious shopping and pub visits in December before January's post-holiday quiet - join them at traditional inns around 4pm when day walkers return and evening atmosphere begins