Heart Warming Winter Breaks in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
The Herdwick Cottages office flock have been looking out their winter woollies and colourful fleeces in readiness for the crisp frosty winter mornings that give the Lake District and surrounding areas a whole new seasonal look.
This is the perfect time for a cosy short winter break to make the most of the heart-warming Christmas festivities in the Lake District. Alternatively, you may be more than ready for the well-earned peace and quiet of a post-Christmas Cumbria or North Yorkshire get-away.
Although the weather can be changeable, we have a whole host of Lake District and Yorkshire Dale holiday accommodation perfect for Winter Breaks in the Lake District, or Winter holidays in the Yorkshire Dales. When you’ve had a day out and about checking out the activities and events in the local area or trekking in the beautiful Lake District hills or Yorkshire Dales, come home to a cottage with wood burning stove or open fire. It’s also a great time to enjoy the exhilarating benefits of our cottages with hot tub – it’s worth the short hop, skip and jump to the comforting bubbly warmth!
It wouldn’t be a proper Lake District winter break without your faithful and beloved four-legged friend snuggling at your feet in the evening. Many of our holiday cottages give a warm welcome to your dog as part of your family.
Choose the perfect Winter Break in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
Last month we introduced you to our team at Herdwick Cottages. They are all passionate about the area in which they live and work. When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday cottage in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales, the Herdwick team have a huge amount of knowledge of the different areas in Cumbria and Yorkshire. Although many people choose the Lake District as their destination, there are lots of stunning areas on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park that are just as beautiful and with many unique attractions.
We caught up with Adam, Terry, Maria and Chloe and asked them to give us the low down on different areas that you can find our comfortable and characterful Herdwick Cottage accommodation.
Where would you recommend for best of town and countryside?
Maria: Carlisle in North Cumbria would be one of my top suggestions to visit as great location for a day out. Carlisle is a small city eight miles south of the Scottish borders with its own castle and cathedral. It is also well placed for some great walking routes, including Hadrian’s Wall with its fascinating history. The city has a good selection of shops and eateries, a cinema and a couple of museums.
Adam: A great town with lots going on is Kendal, another town with a castle. It’s a thriving market town just on the edge of the Lake District National Park. There are some great independent shops and restaurants with events happening all year round. Check out the Brewery Arts Centre for a varied programme of live music, theatre, exhibitions as well as two cinemas. Kendal is also well placed for golfing holidays with Kendal Golf Course and Carus Green on the doorstep, and Windermere Golf Club and the picturesque 9-hole Beckside course within easy reach. You are also close to some beautiful walks from the town, which can be quieter than in the heart of the Lake District.
Are there any beaches in the area?
Maria: The West Cumbria coastline between Millom and Seascale is definitely worth exploring. Seascale has a long sandy beach and on a good day you can see as far as the Isle of Man. A lovely position for early evening sunsets in the winter months.
Adam: Further north, just outside the Lake District National Park, and a great place to base yourself, is the market town of Cockermouth. Again, an eclectic range of independent shops and cafes. From here it is only around five miles from the coast. Basing yourself here means that you have the best of both worlds as Cockermouth is also known as the westerly gateway to the Lake District.
Chloe: We mustn’t forget Arnside and Silverdale, classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is well known for its impressive coastline, silver sands, amazing wildlife and ancient woodlands. Again, just outside the national park, but very worth a look.
If we want to stay on a farm, where would you recommend?
Chloe: We have Herdwick farm accommodation in and around the Lake District ranging from shepherd huts, pods, farm cottages and whole farmhouses. Staying on a farm is a great way to experience the life of a farming family, without the early morning alarm clock and all the hard work involved!
Sandbeds Farmhouse in Grayrigg is a beautiful recently-upgraded five-bedroomed holiday home within the National Park. Set in a beautiful rural location on the owner’s 100-acre farm, and within easy reach of the market towns of Kendal and Sedbergh, it is the perfect place to rest and relax. Check out the other beautiful Farm Stay accommodation within our portfolio.
And right in the heart of the Lake District itself?
Maria: There is so much choice when it comes to accommodation and things to do in the Lake District. The Lake District National Park is forty miles north to south and thirty-six miles east to west. Within this area we have the highest mountain in England, the deepest and longest lakes in England and twenty-six miles of coastline and estuaries. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.
As well as the many low-level and high-level walking routes with spectacular views, there are some stunning villages to visit including Windermere, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Coniston, and Grasmere and Keswick in the north. All have their own charm and character, but all are connected by the famous Lakeland drystone walls that make a pretty patchwork of the landscape. Hiring a boat or taking a launch on Coniston, Windermere or Ullswater gives spectacular views of the Lake District.
Chloe: The rich cultural and farming history also make The Lake District a popular choice. Most people will know that it was home to the famous bard, William Wordsworth, but many other artists and philanthropists were inspired by the area – Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin and Josefina de Vasconcellos. It is fascinating to walk in their footsteps and discover the rich cultural heritage in the area.
Adam: The Lake District is a perfect choice for those wanting high octane adventure in the mountains, hills, and on lakes. It’s also a popular choice for those who love cosy coffee stops, browsing the many independent shops or visiting art exhibitions and museums.
What have the Yorkshire Dales got to offer?
Terry: Although adjoining the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales has its own unique character and attraction. Breath-taking scenery from the wild and windswept moors to rushing rivers and spectacular waterfalls. Of course, for those who like to get up high there are the famous Three Peaks – Whernside , Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.
Adam: There are also spectacular lower level walks, like Ingleton Waterfall Trail, just over 4 miles, and for those in wheelchairs or using pushchairs, there’s a number of Miles without Stiles walks. The spectacular Aysgarth Falls should also be on your itinerary. Visited by Dorothy and William Wordsworth (and JM Turner who painted them there), the waterfalls were made famous in a scene in the Hollywood movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Chloe: Quieter than the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales can be a perfect get-away for a winter break. For anyone, but particularly if you love literature, the parsonage home of the Brontë sisters in Haworth is a must. Now a museum, the parsonage has been restored to the home the literary sisters would have known in their childhood.
The Perfect Choice of Accommodation to Suit Your Christmas & New Year
Herdwick Cottages have accommodation that fits your holiday plans and itineraries whether that’s in South Lakes, North Cumbria, East Cumbria, West Cumbria or Yorkshire Dales.
What’s on in December and January in Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
Willow Weaving ~ Angels
Spend time making your very own Willow Angel sculpture. This is one of a whole range of art and craft workshops run by Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns. Spend an inspirational day with Phil Bradley, Cumbria’s ‘willow master’. Your sculpture will be suitable for indoors or outdoors, often kept in homes all year and put outside for the Christmas season and decorated with fairy lights and tinsel.
Date for your Diary 1st December
Festive Evening with Jess Gillam Ensemble
Since reaching the finals of BBC Young Musician of the Year, Jess Gillam and her saxophone have been going from strength to strength. This poignant and heart-warming winter concert features festive favourites and will inspire you to sing, dance and smile. Her dynamic ensemble brings together a group of fantastic musicians who share her enthusiasm and energy. It promises to be an excellent event!
Date for your Diary 9th December
Carlisle Christmas Market
Head to Carlisle city centre where you will find the brand-new Carlisle Christmas Market with over 40 Alpine style chalets. Transformed into a winter wonderland, the market will feature with a huge range of Christmas gifts, crafts and warming festive food and drinks, including the obligatory mulled wine and macaroons.
Dates for your Diary 2nd – 11th December
Christmas Pudding 10K Race
Start your festive season with the Brathay Challenge – a 10 km Christmas pudding race through the beautiful Langdale Valley. It’s a real party atmosphere, with many participants dressing up in festive spirit. What’s more, every finisher gets a Christmas Pudding! The race starts at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunity for refreshments post-race.
Date for your Diary 10th December
Windermere Christmas Celebration
A Winter Wonderland experience in Windermere Library gardens. Join the Windermere Christmas Celebration festivities with thousands of others from across the country. Family-friendly activities, food, drink, and lots of fun.
Dates for your Diary 10th and 11th December
Rydal Mount Christmas Fair
Rydal Mount Christmas Fair is held in the former home and gardens of the national bard, William Wordsworth. Live music, mulled wine and mince pies, garden gazebos with craft workshops and local festive goods
Dates for your Diary 10th and 11th December
Santa Saves Christmas
Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and other similar storybook disasters! Perhaps Christmas will have to be cancelled. Santa Saves Christmas is a live interactive show featuring Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin, not to mention Father Christmas who has a specially wrapped present from Santa for every child attending. Suitable for 2 – 7-year-olds at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Dates for your Diary 17th – 24th December
New Year Dip Fellfoot Park, Windermere
Dip your foot (and the rest of you!) in Lake Windermere on New Year’s Day. Fell Foot New Year Dip is a great way to get your new year off to an exhilarating start. Fell Foot Park is run by National Trust and as it is their 125th birthday they would like to encourage 125 swimmers to take the plunge. Will it be you?
Date for your Diary 1st January 2023
Stargazing beneath Ingleborough
A guided tour of the Yorkhire Dales night sky by Pete Collins from Diamond Skies. Yorkshire Dales National Park has been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve, so there’s no better place to experience the wonder of the stars and galaxies. Suitable for adults and children, the activities will be dependent on weather conditions.
Date for your Diary 14th January 2023
Just say ‘BAA’ for 10% Off!
Herdwick Cottages are offering an exclusive promotion for any stay during December and January. Just type ‘BAA’ as your promotional code to receive your 10% off discount on our properties. Type BAA in the promo code section.
Join our Flock
We’d love to hear from holiday cottage owners in the area who would like to join our Herdwick flock. We don’t require a minimum amount of availability – we will work with your schedule, either exclusively or non-exclusively. Low commission fees and no annual fees, set up fees or hidden costs.
If this sounds interesting, just click the link, we’d love to chat with you.
