An insider’s guide to the best events and things to do during November in the Lake District.
As autumn slips into winter, don’t hibernate just yet. November in the Lake District is a great month for a countryside retreat, and to let you in on a little secret…it’s a month that offers the same panoramic views and magical wilderness, but without the crowds.
It rains almost all year round here in the Lake District. This creates beautifully lush landscapes and green pastures that stretch as far as the eye can see. With its own micro-climate, the millions of visitors that flock to our Cumbrian corner have long gave up on expecting sunshine. We expect a bit more rain in November but, after accepting the chance of rain in winter, you’ll realise that the showers often contribute to the beauty of the landscape – producing gushing waterfalls and wondrous tarns.
Whatever the weather, Cumbria is a magnet for those seeking winter adventures. You might be a family looking for a weekend of fun activities or a couple in search of a cosy romantic getaway. The Lake District has surpassed several areas as one of the best mini-breaks in the UK during winter. Why? Simply because the region can offer tons of things to do in all climates, as well as being strikingly beautiful throughout the year. With its rich and diverse mix of trees, woodlands and forests, the Western Lake District is transformed into a sea of warm colours during the autumn and winter months. It slowly removes its red and orange coat towards the end of November, leaving the trees exposed – except for the flash of red squirrel every now and again.
For a wonderful winter hotel break this November in the Lake District, pack your woollies and your wellies and get ready to explore the panoramic postcard scenes before the Christmas crowds arrive. Returning to the warmth of a riverside Georgian hotel – to a log fire and mulled wine kind of welcome – will be even more rewarding after spending the day out in the cold. The perfect balance between adventure and luxury.
Have we given you enough excuses to visit the Northern Lake District yet? No? Here are just a few more.
⠀⠀
What’s On
A few highlights in the activity calendar during November in Cumbria are:
Cockermouth Fireworks & Dinner | Sunday 3rd November; The Trout Hotel & Memorial Gardens
At 6pm on Sunday, the Gem Town of Cockermouth will be bursting with colour and light as its vibrant fireworks display is ignited. How about warming up suitably and enjoying a pre firework dinner at The Trout Hotel before the main event? Served in the Derwent Restaurant, you can enjoy traditional firework food and soothing drinks before wrapping up and heading outside to see the spectacular display.
Dinner will be served from 4:00-5:00pm and reservations are kindly required. The fireworks will be set off in the Memorial Gardens, Cockermouth, from 6:00pm.
⠀⠀
Buy One get One Half Price Sunday Lunch | Sunday 17th November
Is there anything better than a Sunday Lunch? Yes, two! On Sunday 17th November, tuck into a delicious three course lunch on a buy one get one half price basis. Relax and enjoy a Sunday the right way before heading to Main Street to enjoy the Big Switch On.
Gather friends and family and choose from a selection of starters, mains and desserts from our set menu.
Booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
⠀⠀
Beaujolais Evening | Thursday 21st November; The Derwent Restaurant
Imagine the scene. You’re savouring a selection of French cuisine in an award-winning restaurant, with musical accompaniment and a glass or two of exquisite Beaujolais wine.
Cockermouth is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise, so if you’re someone who likes to taste exceptional food, make sure you don’t miss this evening of Beaujolais bliss at The Trout Hotel.
Like our French companions, we’ll be celebrating the first wine of the Beaujolais Nouveau season in the AA Rosette Derwent Restaurant this November. In France, the occasion is marked on the third Thursday of the month after the wine is released at 12:01am, just weeks after the grapes have been harvested. Join us to sample a taste of French delicacies for your very own foodie break in the Lake District.
Tickets for the event cost £30.00 per person. Reservations are kindly required. The event is pre-paid and reservations can only be made by contacting the hotel directly.
⠀⠀
Cockermouth Lights Switch On | Sunday 17th November; Cockermouth Main Street
A day for all the family – with stalls, fairground rides and food vendors lining Main Street in preparation for the big switch on later in the evening.
At 5:00pm, Cockermouth Gem Town will be lit up in the grandest of fashions as we welcome the festive season and all its excitement. To make the most of the night, we invite you to venture over to The Trout Hotel where we will be serving some delicious dishes to everyone’s taste, or warm up with a hot beverage.
A glass of mulled wine is just what’s needed before you wrap up warm and step into the darkness to see the fantastic display. The perfect way to light up your November in the Lake District!
⠀
Chris Cross – The Great Magician of the North | Saturday 16th November
On his 20th Anniversary Tour, it’s safe to say this performance will be something spectacular. The Geordie prankster will be performing all time classic tricks along with some brand new breathtaking stunts. From performing across the world, Chris Cross will be presenting a stand up comedy and magic show for the whole family to enjoy.
Head down to the Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth, to enjoy a night filled with laughter, expert showmanship and of course, magic.
Live Music Night with John Penn | Sunday 24th November
Come on down to the laid back Terrace Bistro and Bar to enjoy a wonderful night of live music in Cockermouth featuring the talents of local singer, John Penn. This is the final live music night of the year so why not end 2019 with a great night out?
While you dine or sip on a refreshing cocktail, John will be here to entertain with a catalogue of well-known songs spanning an array of genres and decades.
Our ‘Live Music Night’ acoustic sets are sure to include something for everyone and the relaxed atmosphere is just what you need to unwind after a long week and prepare for the one ahead.
The event is held between 7pm – 9pm in the Terrace Bistro & Bar. Reservations are recommended.
Fell of the Month
Cat Bells | Elevation: 451 m (1,480 feet) | Time: around 2 hours
Probably the most walked fell in the North Western Lake District, attempting Cat Bells in November means that you will encounter less crowds. But when we say it’s the most walked, that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. There are some parts where scrambling is involved and the rocks can get slippery so bear this in mind if the weather does not look promising during November in the Lake District.
Cat Bells is an iconic fell that towers over Derwentwater lake in the Northern Lakes. It’s very accessible and commands excellent views in all directions. Another great element about it is that it can be walked by people of all abilities and you often see families encouraging each other to reach the summit.
Information on the route can be found here.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to go onto higher ground or if the weather does not behave itself, strolling along the shore of Derwentwater is another splendid walk in all seasons.
⠀⠀
Things to remember during November in the Lake District
- Having a car is very useful in the Lakes but many of the area’s best loved places are easily explored by bus, boat, bike or boot. There might be limited schedules during the winter months so make sure that you’re checking the right times.
- Consider the short day length in winter, if you’re intending on walking the fells.
- Pack appropriately – there is really no telling what the weather is going to be like during November in the Lake District.
- We do not advise that you go out on the fells without the proper equipment, if the weather is unsuitable or you are feeling unwell.
- The Cockermouth Tourist Information Office is located at 4 Old Kings Arms Lane.
- Cockermouth is a town that offers almost everything a visitor might want. Officially classified as one of England’s ‘Gem Towns’, it has a charming nature but does not suffer from the overcrowding that is seen in other Lakeland towns.
We hope that something has caught your eye among our suggestions of what to do this November in the Lake District. If you are ready to book your winter break, you can search our full range of accommodation choices – from riverside suites to family rooms – here.