Although the days get shorter and the temperature dips a little, you might be surprised to know that November is actually one of the best times to visit the Lake District! Cooler days are the perfect excuse to throw on your thick, woolly knits and grab your walking sticks, as there’s adventure all around you in the Lake District.
With it being the month before Christmas, you’ll also be able to feel a buzz in the air as local businesses begin to prepare for the festive season ahead, without the stress of getting bogged down in the holiday rush.
There’s also so much going on! Plus, with it still being the height of the Autumn season, just before the transition into Winter commences, the Lake District scenery is definitely at its most unique and picturesque during the month of November.
Have a little read of some of our suggestions as to why you should visit the Lake District this November…
1) Stunning scenery
Hands down, the best thing about Autumn in the Lake District is the bright and colourful landscapes; and, with Autumn officially beginning at the end of September running right through to late December, the scenery is arguably at its most attractive during November. Who doesn’t want to watch one season blend seamlessly into another?
Imagine the dramatic Lakeland fells draped in blankets of red, as the leaves and the fell-top bracken both adopt a luscious orange colour. Visualize the sounds of crisp, crunchy leaves under your feet as you stroll along our quaint, countryside trails. Picture being able to see your breath materialize in the chill November air – these are just some of the things we love most about the season.
Therefore, if you’re in search of a tranquil, countryside escape to admire the breath-taking scenery and clear your mind, November is certainly the most charming time to visit the Lake District.
2) Surprisingly dry weather!
Contrary to popular belief, November actually tends to be one of the months with lesser rain fall! For this reason, it makes the stunning backdrops even more enjoyable as you can throw back the hood on your winter coat and really take it all in.
The drier weather also makes way for those fresh, Autumnal mornings we all know and love, where you step outside and feel the cool air against your rosy-red cheeks. These are certainly the best days to embrace the cold weather and take advantage of the abundance of walks the Lake District has to offer.
This is also the time of year you’re most likely to see a cloud inversion due to the presence of colder air. Therefore, if you’re wanting to dodge the winter rain (or even snow), book your next trip to the Lake District this November.
3) Picturesque sunsets
For the reason highlighted in the previous point, dryer weather conditions and cooler air paves the way for some magnificent, Autumnal sunsets. Imagine evening skies alight with tones of bright orange as the sun sets over the dramatic Lake District fells.
There’s also a high possibility of snow-dusted mountain tops which only makes the sunsets that bit more magical, giving you the illusion that you’ve just stepped foot into a fairy-tale.
4) Fewer crowds
Despite the picturesque nature of the season, November is one of the quietest months to visit the Lake District.
There’s no denying that the charming streets of our Lakeland towns can get busy during the summer months, however the seasonal rush certainly quietens off during this time – just before it picks up again closer to Christmas!
During November, you’ll have no problem visiting those tourist hotspots and getting uninterrupted photos with some of the region’s most popular viewpoints.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from bustling crowds, November is the perfect month to book your Lake District getaway.
5) Mulled Wine
Arguably, one of the best things about November in the Lake District is that it is officially acceptable to start drinking mulled wine! Everyone knows the promise of Christmas is generally more exciting than the big day itself, making the run-up to the season the perfect time to treat yourself to this festive delicacy.
Mulled wine is perfect drink to warm up your hands after a chilly day out on the fells, while getting you excited for the festive month ahead. It will be available in our hotels from early November onwards, which we recommend enjoying next to the comfort of our roaring fireplaces surrounded by those dearest to you.
If mulled wine isn’t your thing, we’ve got an array of other festive treats to tempt you, including Boozy Hot Chocolates, Gingerbread Spiced Lattes and of course, warm Mince Pies.
6) Festive Dining
Now the summer months are long gone and those beach holidays seem a far-off fantasy, it’s time to stop worrying about your ‘summer body’ and completely give in to your temptations. November and December are months to indulge, and you can worry about dieting when January comes round.
Our hotel’s festive dining menus launch early November, making it the ideal month to start enjoying all those naughty yuletide goodies we spend the season longing for.
Imagine tucking into succulent slices of roast turkey breast, crispy yet fluffy roast potatoes and who could forget pigs-in-blankets?! If something sweet is what you seek, we will also be launching our Festive Afternoon Teas and the Skiddaw Hotel will be offering a seasonal twist on their Hiker’s Picnic Board.
Our festive menus are extensive and imaginative, guaranteed to satisfy your palette while igniting that festive feeling in your heart.
7) Christmas Lights
All is merry and bright during the month of November in the Lake District, as the quaint little towns switch on their outside Christmas displays for all to see. Expect a twinkling, wonderland as you experience our hotels adorned in stunning Christmas lights from top to toe.
Last year, we invested in some incredible new Christmas lights to spread festive cheer throughout the town of Keswick, down the Borrowdale Valley and within the village of Glenridding.
The local Christmas displays truly are a sight to behold, so if you’re looking for a pre-Christmas break to get the festive juices tingling, a November getaway to the Lake District is an absolute must.
8) Plenty of indoor and outdoor activities
Despite the nights creeping in earlier, there are still plenty of outdoor attractions and activities that are open to the public in November. Whether you fancy trying your hand at kayaking atop of Lake Derwentwater, are tempted to take a walk with an alpaca or would rather ‘go wild’ at the Lake District Wildlife Park, the Lake District is never closed.
If you’re looking to escape the November chill, there are also an array of indoor activities for you to enjoy without the guilt of not using your time wisely. Some of which include Kong Adventure Climbing Wall in Keswick, a trip to the Derwent Pencil Museum, being blown away by the illusions at the Puzzling Place or even an educational visit to the Rheged Centre near Penrith.
Step into Christmas in the Lake District
If we’ve managed to convince you that November is the perfect time to visit the Lake District, book your next escape direct with us and prepare for a November to remember.
Our Step into Christmas offer is available from November 10th – December 23rd, where you can take advantage of:
- Snug overnight accommodation based in Keswick town-centre, the Borrowdale Valley or on the shores of Ullswater.
- Freshly prepared dinner both evenings with a generous allowance.
- A delicious full Cumbrian breakfast.
- Complimentary mulled wine and mince pie on arrival.
This amazing Autumn offer starts from £169 per room*
This offer is only available when you book direct. To book, please click here to book online or call 0330 0564 880.
*Price based on The Kings Arms.
