Events
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Sun02Feb20258:00 amGrizedale
The Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 take place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The half marathon course is the first 13 miles of the marathon route and takes place on good forest tracks. The route is ‘undulating’ but you are rewarded with some great views of Coniston and surrounding areas. Grizedale Visitor Centre is the finish for the half marathon, but the full marathon distance runners will continue to complete an Eastern loop towards Windermere. The terrain is varied, with some road sections, but it’s certainly not flat. The event always fills in advance and is a fantastic way to start the year! -
Sat29Mar202511:00 amConiston
The Coniston 14 is probably the most beautiful road race in Britain. Each year it attracts some 1600 runners and has a reputation for being one of the best organised small races in the country. The Race is organised by an enthusiastic committee of volunteers from Coniston village.
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Sun11May20256:00 amGrasmereThe Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 113 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes.
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Sat31May2025Sun01Jun20259:00 amGrasmereGrasmere Gallop has teamed up with the OMM Festival for an epic outdoor weekend.
The weekend will have a variety of events to whet the appetite of first time racers and seasoned vets alike. There is an event to suit every ability, from a teddy bear dash to fully marked trail races and the adventure trail races of the OMM Lite, whether you are looking to challenge yourself or enjoy a fun run out. -
Sat31May2025Sun01Jun202510:00 amKendal
Now in its 17th year Country Fest will again be held at the Westmorland County Showground, Crooklands on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June 2025.
We are looking forward to again celebrating rural life and returning with all the elements of the true family event giving a real taste of the countryside.
Preparations are underway for another fun-filled weekend for all the family. Kite Displays, Arena demonstrations, marquees, competitions, historic cars, military vehicles, Vintage emporium, lots of food & drink or soak up the sunshine (fingers crossed!) and kick back listening to one of the many amazing performers on the band stand.
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Sat07Jun2025Sun08Jun20258:00 amKendalTake on England’s finest countryside at your pace. Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and it’s a 100km loop taking in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a half way point by Lake Windermere, forests & nature reserves – with some stunning views en-route, before a huge welcome & celebration back at basecamp after a momentous journey. You’ll get full support & hospitality, optional camping / hostel – and with half, marathon, quarter & 10K distance options also, there’s a Lake District Challenge for everyone!
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Sat07Jun20259:00 amConiston
From the shores of Coniston Water into the shadows of the Old Man passing through the historic workings of the Coppermines Valley.
We are still be using the same Coniston trails which everyone love, following circuits along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Coniston Water and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Underfoot conditions are generally good for those used to off road running, although there is one short section on the 15K routes which only agile mountain goats will be able to run!
A carnival atmosphere is guaranteed for both spectators and competitors, with live music, race commentary, food and drink all available at the start and finish. So, whether you’re new to trail running, an experienced athlete, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out in the Lake District, a family-friendly, festival atmosphere and some amazing trail running awaits you!
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Fri13Jun2025Sun15Jun202512:00 pmWindermereAttracting around 10,000 participants every year, the Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest open water swimming event. Held on Windermere across three days, participants are offered the chance to take part in half-mile, one-mile, two-mile, or five-kilometer swims, setting off in waves of approximately 300 every half an hour. The course starts and finishes on dry land with a run or walk into the water and swimmers can relax safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with them, every stroke of the way.
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Sat21Jun20258:30 amConiston
The 2025 Chillswim Coniston Swim will be held on Saturday 21st June – Event HQ is based at John Ruskin School in Coniston. This will be the 13th year of this incredible swimming event! Chillswim Coniston has been sold out every year since its inception. It’s a unique swim with a highly experienced management team.
There will be 750 swimmers, completing the full length of lake swim in 7 separate starts based on your average mile pace to give you the best experience possible. This event has always been a wetsuit optional swim. Click on the link below.
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Sat05Jul20252:00 pmAmbleside
Ambleside – along with near neighbours Grasmere – has honoured Rushbearing for over 200 years and early records illustrate the importance of the event to the town. A decorated rush harp is displayed at the head of the Rushbearing which follows a traditional route from St Mary’s Church as the procession of bearers carrying decorated rushes is brought up by the rush World and joined by children carrying rush bundles.
The procession halts in Market Place where the time-honoured Rushbearing Song is recounted and rushes raised before returning to a service of thanksgiving and dedication as garlands are displayed in the church. Children receive local gingerbread – often a bribe for their attendance in years gone by – before children’s Rushbearing sports and prized guide race takes place in Rothay Park.
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Sat12Jul20259:00 amAmblesideThe Lakeland Trails 100K Ultra is our ultimate trail with its iconic midnight start, taking the challenge to a new, but achievable level for a truly memorable journey encompassing the finest trails the Lake District has to offer. The 55K Ultra is a testing ultra marathon course through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lake District. The tough, challenging course will certainly live up to its billing as the most picturesque ultra marathon in the UK.
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Fri25Jul2025Sun27Jul202512:00 amConistonFrom here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston. The route does not pass over any of the ‘popular’ Lakeland summits. Instead, it weaves it’s way through stunning valleys, coutours picturesque fells and cuts it’s own line through the amazing Lakeland topography. The Lakeland 100 will take you to places in Cumbria you may never have visited before and it’s likely you’ll wonder why.
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Fri25Jul2025Sun27Jul20259:00 amConiston, AmblesideThe route starts from the Northern end of Ullswater within the grand Dalemain Estate before following the Eastern shore line as far as Howtown. A quick climb and descent followed by a trek along the banks of Haweswater sees you at Mardale Head. The route from here visits Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Ambleside, Langdale and Tilberthwaite before the final climb and descent to the finish at Coniston. It is a truly amazing route and you will visit places that you never knew existed, places which are ignored by the masses..
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Sat26Jul2025Sun27Jul20259:00 amGrange over Sands
For 50 years, the Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society Ltd has been bringing together vintage vehicles from across the world to Cark Airfield in Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands, for one massive summer gathering. A huge colourful and noisy weekend event with a variety of entertainments, the Steam Gathering will feature splendid steam engines and vintage commercial vehicles, as well as hundreds of classic transport favourites including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines. This year we are pleased to be able to welcome members of the Ford and Fordson Association who will stage their annual Expo display at Flookburgh. The display, which aims to highlight the varied output of the Ford Motor Company, mainly in respect of their contribution to agricultural mechanisation, is now in its tenth year and this will be the first time that this event has been staged in this part of the country. For fans of blue (and green and orange, with possibly a few grey) tractors, this is an occasion not to be missed.
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Sat16Aug202510:00 amRusland
The marquees are filled with exhibits of horticulture, home produce, handicrafts, photography and film. On the sports field there are fell races, track races plus many other events such as egg throwing and tug-of-war. There are also many children’s competitions covering everything above and much more including fancy dress and a pet competition. There is the possibility you could win one of thirty trophies which are presented each year and of course one of many cash prizes.
There are many other activities for all, including craft and local interest stalls, catering and beer tents. Rusland Show is set up and run by the local community. We work hard to give you a great day out. Something we have done for over 130 years now.
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Sat06Sep20258:00 amWindermereChillswim Windermere 2025 will take place on Saturday 6th September. It’s the longest swim in England and a unique chance to swim the full 11 mile length with all of your swimming friends whilst knowing you are safe in the hands of the highly experienced management team at Chillswim.
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Wed10Sep2025Thu11Sep20258:00 amKendalLocated on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see.
Come and meet the foxhounds, get up close to magnificent cattle, marvel at the show jumping, discover the interactive displays in our Learning for Life Marquee, get inspired by the WI’s crafty creations, or cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling.
Be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West’s largest local Food Hall, or drop the children off at our creche and enjoy the Show at your own pace.
With the chance to discover the best of farming and the countryside, as well as seeing some of the country’s top quality livestock, shop till you drop amongst hundreds of trade stands or get involved with our Rural Craft have-a-go areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this year’s Show.
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 113 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at 
Grasmere Gallop has teamed up with the OMM Festival for an epic outdoor weekend.
Take on England’s finest countryside at your pace. Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and it’s a 100km loop taking in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a half way point by Lake Windermere, forests & nature reserves – with some stunning views en-route, before a huge welcome & celebration back at basecamp after a momentous journey. You’ll get full support & hospitality, optional camping / hostel – and with half, marathon, quarter & 10K distance options also, there’s a Lake District Challenge for everyone!
Attracting around 10,000 participants every year, the Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest open water swimming event. Held on Windermere across three days, participants are offered the chance to take part in half-mile, one-mile, two-mile, or five-kilometer swims, setting off in waves of approximately 300 every half an hour. The course starts and finishes on dry land with a run or walk into the water and swimmers can relax safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with them, every stroke of the way.
From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston. The route does not pass over any of the ‘popular’ Lakeland summits. Instead, it weaves it’s way through stunning valleys, coutours picturesque fells and cuts it’s own line through the amazing Lakeland topography. The Lakeland 100 will take you to places in Cumbria you may never have visited before and it’s likely you’ll wonder why.
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see.