The Lake District might not be the obvious choice for an autumn family holiday; suffering, as it does, from a bit of a reputation for rain and fog. While the risk of some rainy afternoons is legitimate, the chance of a holiday filled with beautiful autumnal colours and crisp morning walks in the sun is every bit as likely.
Come September, when the early evenings begin to close in, there is nothing better than heading off on a family holiday and avoiding the summertime tourist hoards in one of the UK’s most popular holiday locations. If the kiddies are young enough to not be in school yet, the whole family can head off for a week of exploring and relaxation in one of England’s most beautiful landscapes, or just spend a special family weekend away during the first stressful month back to the grindstone if they are older. Either way, you’ll be able to spend your days discovering the history and heritage of the area, and your evenings curled up in front of a roaring fire in a cosy holiday cottage in the Lake District. Come rain, or come shine, the whole family is sure to love an autumn visit to the Lake District.
Sunny Days in the Lake District
On a bright and sunny day there are few places in the UK that can compete with the beauty of the Lake District. With glittering lakes, soaring mountains, and quaint country towns, you would have to be pretty jaded to not find yourself even a little bit enchanted with the place.
The Lake District isn’t called that for nothing, it is home to around twenty lakes and innumerable smaller tarns, which are best explored by boat. Head out on your own in a rented canoe, kayak, or sail boat and take your time searching for the secrets in every bay and on every shore. Or, if you prefer a little more structure, take to the waters with Windermere Lake Cruises and just sit back, relax, and take in the scenery.
The Lake District National Park, founded in 1951, is the largest of the English National Parks, and is criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of walking and cycling paths. The park authorities maintain paths for every ability level, ranging for nice flat trails that are suitable for push-chairs, marathon cross country tracks that can take you all the way across the country, and everything in between. Get yourself a map and some sturdy walking boots, pack up and lunch and take everyone out on a nature walk and discover the beauty that has inspired generations of Lake District artists.
Weather the Lake District rain
Should you end up with a few days of rain while, don’t be disappointed, the Lake District has enough rainy day activities to keep the whole family entertained. Museums, historic houses, and castles abound, so there is no excuse to stay cooped up in your holiday cottage, unless that’s what you fancy, of course!
If you’ve spent your sunny days gliding along the surface of the lakes, then why not spend a rainy day learning all about the aquatic animals that call the local lakes their home? The Lakes Aquarium on the shores of Lake Windermere showcases the wildlife of the world’s lakes, including the UK, and makes a great family day out, rain or sun.
If history is more your style, than a visit to Muncaster Castle won’t be a disappointment. The oldest parts of this ancient castle were built in the 14th century and today it remains the private home of the Pennington family, who have lived in the castle for over 800 years. You can easily spend hours exploring the estate, which includes 70 acres of gardens and the World Owl Centre, or stay inside and take a tour of the lavish and elegant castle. Muncaster Castle is also reputed to be one of Britain’s most haunted castles and has lured researchers from around the world who try to catch a glimpse of the castle’s ghostly residents. Visit the castle over the Halloween week, from 23 October to 3 November, and take the younger kids to visit the Ghostly Grotto, where they can take part in magic shows and family activities. If you fancy your family a rather brave lot, why not wait until later in the evening and take a ghost tour of the castle and a trip around the scary maze? It’s said to be a real scream!
When you’re travelling in the UK good weather is never a guarantee, and this is just as true in the Lake District as anywhere else. Don’t let the threat of some showers keep you at home, pack up your rain coats and umbrellas and head to the Lake District for a family cottage holiday. Sunshine or rain clouds, you’re sure to have a great time, especially when relaxing in the luxury of a Lake District cottage. Why not visit Sykes Cottages today to find the perfect accommodation for your autumn visit to the Lake District.
