Ambleside & the Lake District
Ambleside, a place of adventure and culture
In the heart of the Lake District, Ambleside is a hub for public transport and offers something for everyone, from walkers to jazz fans. Located in the very centre of the Lake District National Park, Ambleside is a perfect destination for a relaxing short break.
The town has a cinema showing arthouse films and the latest releases. You can visit the Armitt Museum, a ruined Roman fort and even a jazz bar.
Lake District Events for 2019
Ambleside Spring Flower Show
16 -17 March 2019
Show of spring flowers and plants, cookery, floral art, handicrafts and photography classes
Coniston14
30 March 2019
Coniston’s largest annual community event raising money for local charities an clubs. Probably the most picturesque 14-mile road race in Britain around Coniston water.
coniston14.co.uk
Bowness Bay Blues
12 – 14 April 2019
The flagship of all that is good about blues music around Bowness Bay, Windermere.
bownessbayblues.co.uk
Keswick to Barrow Walk
11 May 2019
A sponsored 40-mile walking and running event in the Lake District, to raise money for charities and good causes.
keswick2barrow.co.uk
Fred Whitton Challenge
12 May 2019
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District, starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes – the most difficult one-day cycling event in the country!
www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk
Windermere Boat Show
17 – 19 May 2019
The shores of England’s largest lake come alive with watersports and a huge colletion of vessels. Lots to do for all ages on and off the water.
Windermereboatshow.com
Windermere Marathon
19 May 2019
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon, finish this breathtaking course, amidst a carnival atmosphere, in the grounds of Brathay Hall with stunning views over England’s largest lake.
Windermere Marathon
Great North Swim
7 – 9th June 2019
Europe’s biggest open water swimming event returns to Brockhole on Windermere this year for a fantastic weekend of competition, family fun and lots more!
greatrun.org/great-swim/great-north-swim
Ambleside Sports
25th July 2019
A popular traditional Lakeland sports event held in Ambleside every year. this event is one of the most well known and well attended traditional countryside sports fairs in Cumbria. It is also one of the few places you can spectate the famous Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling.
https://amblesidesports.co.uk/
Lake District Summer Music International Festival
27 July – 9 August 2019
Chamber music comes to the fore at this international arts festival featuring intimate musical performances by artists from the classical field.
https://www.ldsm.org.uk/
Lake District Folk Weekend
2 – 4 August 2019
A fun filled weekend of folk concerts, workshops, singarounds and sessions allowing everyone (visitors included) to get involved!
https://www.thelakedistrictfolkweekend.com/
Ambleside Summer Flower Show
10 – 11 August 2019
This horticultural and craft show includes children’s classes, cut flowers, plants, cookery classes, wine classes and more.
015394 32252
Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show
15 August 2019
Held in Rydal Park, this traditional show features classes for a range of dogs, as well as trade stands, and food and drink stalls.
http://www.rydalshow.co.uk/
Hawkshead Show
20 August 2019
A popular country show just outside Hawkshead. Horse, sheep and cattle shows; a horticultural tent; trade stands; and much more at this great family day out.
http://www.hawksheadshow.co.uk/
Grasmere Sports
25 August 2019
Fell running, wrestling and hound trails are on the schedule at this popular local sporting event which showcases traditional Lakeland sports. There’s also live music, food and drink stalls, and plenty of family fun!
https://www.grasmeresports.com/
Chillswim Coniston
31 August 2019
Now in its 7th year, this popular open water swimming event sees participants swim the full length of Coniston Water.
https://www.chillswim.com/coniston.html
Lakes Alive
6 – 8 September 2019
Now in its 4th year, this free festival features contemporary art installations, ‘happenings’, and participatory events in Kendal and around the Lake District.
https://lakesalive.co.uk/
Heritage Open Days
13 – 22 September 2019
A free festival of heritage and culture, with venues across the UK opening their doors to visitors.
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Lakes International Comic Festival
11 – 13 October 2019
This unique event brings comic artists, creators and writers to Kendal for a weekend of live drawing events, exhibitions, workshops and much more! Local businesses also get involved by creating comic art displays.
https://www.comicartfestival.com/
Kendal Mountain Festival
14 – 17 November 2019
An award-winning event which has become a must visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The International Film Competition is a highlight of the festival, which also features art exhibitions, workshops, active sports events and much more.
http://www.kendalmountainfestival.com/
Ambleside Community Christmas Lights Switch on
16 November 2019
Christmas begins in Ambleside: a lantern parade through town culminates in the switching on of their Christmas lights, accompanied by a festive fireworks display.
http://www.amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk/
Windermere & Bowness Winter Lights
30 November 2019
Windermere & Bowness’ Christmas lights are turned on, lending a festive atmosphere to these two pretty Lakeland towns.
https://www.windermere-tc.gov.uk/christmas-lights.html
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
7 – 8 December 2019
Market stalls, food and drink stands, live music and more await at this Christmas fair held in the charming village of Hawkshead.
https://www.facebook.com/hawksheadchristmasfair/
Windermere Christmas Celebration
14 – 15 December 2019
A highlight of the festive calendar, market stalls line the streets of Windermere; there are also food stalls and live entertainment to get visitors into the Christmas spirit.
http://windermerechristmas.co.uk/
